ARRAY Technologies Automates Solar Protection in Australia
The firm now integrates Early Warning Network hail forecasts to automatically stow solar trackers before storms.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Forecasts
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ARRAY Technologies has partnered with the Early Warning Network to integrate automated hail alerts into its Australian solar tracking systems. This update allows solar arrays to autonomously move to a protective tilt without needing manual operator intervention.
Why it matters
The system aims to reduce significant financial losses caused by hail, which remains a primary risk factor for solar infrastructure. By improving automated asset protection, the technology seeks to bolster project bankability for financiers and developers.
Hail is responsible for 73% of solar loss claims by total cost, with hail-related incidents carrying a cost ratio 42 times higher than non-hail events. The SmarTrack system provides a 30-minute lead time to manoeuvre panels to protective positions.
The players
ARRAY Technologies
This company is a global provider of utility-scale solar tracking solutions designed to optimise energy production.
Early Warning Network
This unit of Aeeris provides critical weather and hazard alert services for infrastructure monitoring.
kWh Analytics
This organisation produces data-driven risk assessments and insurance products for the renewable energy sector.
VDE Americas
This technical testing and certification body validated the performance of the SmarTrack system.
The details
The integration processes radar data with meteorologist analysis and detection algorithms to trigger protective movements. Compatible DuraTrack and OmniTrack plants can adopt the service by installing a SmarTrack controller to manage grid-powered AC motor adjustments.
Timeline
2025: The kWh Analytics Solar Risk Assessment was released.
26 October 2026: The partnership was announced for the Australian market.
Seasonal Patterns
This technology follows the pattern of mitigating risks identified in the kWh Analytics 2025 Solar Risk Assessment. The industry shift addresses the disproportionate financial impact of extreme weather compared to overall project maintenance requirements.
Solar operators and project managers should determine if their existing DuraTrack or OmniTrack setups require a SmarTrack controller upgrade. Integrating these automated systems is essential for safeguarding assets and maintaining insurance eligibility in regions prone to sudden hail events.
The takeaway
Automating protective measures for renewable infrastructure is becoming standard practice to offset the high costs of weather-related claims. Proactive integration of meteorological data helps ensure long-term sustainability and reliability for major energy projects.
Further reading
For more information on climate-related energy management, see the Forecasts section.
Live Poll
Do you trust automated systems to adequately protect local solar infrastructure from severe weather damage?
