Solar modules put to the test
With the Hail Resiliency Curve Test, VDE Americas and the Renewable Energy Test Center are setting new standards for assessing the hail resistance of solar modules in a practical manner. The protocol simulates real-life extreme weather situations and provides reliable data for manufacturers, operators and insurers.
Increasing weather extremes such as heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail pose major challenges for photovoltaic systems. Hailstorms on rooftop and ground-mounted systems cause high levels of damage and operational downtime every year. The current certification standards for solar modules often do not meet the requirements of severe hailstorms, as they are limited to a few, uniform impacts.
Practical tests with HRC protocol
The HRC test goes beyond existing test procedures. It bombards solar modules with hailstones of different sizes and speeds until they break. This creates a load curve that corresponds to the real impact energies of a storm. Manufacturers and operators can identify the point at which the glass fails and which models are particularly resistant.
Cherif Kedir from RETC emphasizes: “Our test closes the knowledge gap and provides usable data on the entire energy and size spectrum of real hail loads. The strict sample size ensures thorough characterization.” This means that hail resistance can be quantitatively assessed and compared for the first time.
Consequences for development, operation and insurance
The HRC protocol offers manufacturers the opportunity to optimize solar modules specifically against hail. Project developers are provided with a new basis for decision-making for the cost-benefit analysis of module types, mounting angles and tracking systems. The test also supports the “hail stow” strategy, in which modules are moved hydraulically into a low-risk position during storms.
Insurance providers can now dimension cover and premiums based on empirical test results instead of relying on estimates. This reduces uncertainty and promotes the acceptance of PV systems in particularly exposed areas.
More security through innovation
The HRC test marks a step forward for the solar industry. Practical testing and transparent data increase the safety and value of solar installations. Manufacturers and operators gain planning security, insurers a solid basis for calculation. This paves the way for more resilient photovoltaic systems that can cope with the changing climate.