Solar photovoltaic power plants harness sunlight to generate electricity, offering immense potential for clean, renewable energy production. This capacity positions solar power as a cornerstone of the transition to a sustainable energy future.
According to the International Energy Association’s Oct. 9, 2024, “Renewables 2024” report, “with solar leading their rapid deployment, renewables are on course to meet almost half of global electricity demand by the end of this decade.”
Panels are subject to damage from wind and weather. Wind enhances solar panel performance by clearing away dirt and dust, and because solar panels lose effectiveness when they overheat, airflow helps cool the panels to boost their performance. However, wind also poses significant risks. High-wind events can damage the slender structures of solar panels, potentially leading to structural collapses and extended periods of downtime for repairs. The increasing use of solar energy has also contributed to a rise in insurance claims resulting from severe weather-related damage to photovoltaic systems.
In the past, researchers have spent time working on how row spacing, ground clearance and tilt angles effect wind damage to solar panels. Many are mounted on tracking systems that rotate to maximize sunlight exposure. These systems stow the panels parallel to the ground when wind speeds exceed a certain threshold, which protects them from moderate wind but leaves them vulnerable to stronger gusts. Additionally, panels in this stow position cannot generate electricity, resulting in a loss of energy production during high-wind events.
Researchers at the Centre for Material Forming at PSL University in Sophia Antipolis, France, have developed a unique numerical decision-making framework for solar panel protection against extreme weather conditions.
The framework combines advanced wind simulations with machine learning and computational fluid dynamics to enhance each solar panel’s angle under strong winds. Unlike previous methods, this one treats panels as “independent decision-makers and identifies creative, data-driven solutions to reduce stress, significantly outperforming current safeguards.”
Elie Hachem, one of the researchers, said that this adaptive framework enhances the resilience of solar panels and represents a significant shift in engineering practices. "By offering a scalable, intelligent solution to the challenges posed by extreme weather, this innovative system supports the broader goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions through smarter, more adaptive renewable energy systems," he said.
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ROMEO is a freelance writer based in Chesapeake, Va. He focuses on business and technology topics. Find him at www.JimRomeo.net.