Advanced hail technology reshapes solar projects & insurance

As hailstorms become increasingly frequent and severe, utility-scale solar projects face significant risks of damage and downtime. KISTERS, a global leader in environmental data solutions, addresses this critical challenge with HailSens IoT, a proven hail monitoring system offering real-time measurements and post-event analysis to provide solar operators with actionable insights.

HailSens IoT: the Foundation of Smart Hail Monitoring

HailSens IoT equips solar farm operators with hyper-local, real-time data on hail events. The next-generation sensor system delivers:

• Real-time hail impact data
  Precise details on hailstone size, intensity, and distribution.
• Accurate post-event analysis
  Comprehensive records to assess damage and prioritize repairs.
• Streamlined insurance claims
  Ground-truth data supports faster, more transparent claims processing.
• Seamless integration
  Plug-and-play compatibility with existing systems ensures smooth adoption.
• Customized Heartbeat alerts
  Near real-time updates on sensor and network health via KISTERS datasphere, reducing disruptions.

“HailSens IoT is more than a sensor. It’s a trusted tool that enables solar operators to make informed decisions with confidence,” said Edgar Wetzel, Global Head of Instrumentation at KISTERS. “With decades of expertise in environmental data, KISTERS is delivering solutions that enhance resilience and operational efficiency for the solar industry.”

HailSens360: a Glimpse into the next level

Building on the robust capabilities of HailSens IoT, KISTERS also offers HailSens360, a total hail damage mitigation solution based on advanced forecasting and proprietary nowcasting capabilities. The software empowers solar farm operators to take preemptive action, such as stowing PV panels to significantly limit exposure and reduce potential damage. HailSens360 synthesizes:

• 48-hour forecasts
• nowcast, a 60-90 minutes before a storm with updated predictions every 6 minutes
• an extensive alarming system, to alert operators when severe hail is imminent.
• comprehensive post-event analysis

“HailSens360 takes hail monitoring to the next level, delivering not only real-time insights but also predictive data that empowers operators to act with precision before, during, and after storms,” said Johan Jaques, KISTERS Chief Meteorologist and HailSens360 solution owner.

Driving hail resilience forward

Together, HailSens IoT and HailSens360 represent a paradigm shift in solar industry approaches to hail risk. Solar developers have accurate and precise tools to mitigate downtime, expedite claims, and improve operational resilience.

Empowering operators to prepare before storms, respond effectively, and continuously improve operations after storms solidifies KISTERS’ role as a trusted partner in reliably generating renewable energy.

Schedule a consultation with our renewables experts today.