Mastering Wind

When designing a tracker, one size does not fit all.

This is because every site has its own unique characteristics and challenges—from complex topography to rough weather. High wind events can damage assets on solar tracker sites—resulting in higher remedial costs and increased downtime. Thus, the ideal tracker solution should be aerodynamically stable during bad weather to mitigate risks and maximize returns.

However, designing trackers for strong winds presents its own challenges. Due to the complex characteristics of wind turbulence on solar arrays, traditional wind tests based on standard building codes often fail to capture the nuances of how different scenarios might affect a tracker’s design.

A comprehensive, customized approach—one that not only accounts for different stow angles and tracker row lengths, but also tests for various possibilities that may arise from different wind loading and aerodynamic scenarios—is key to ensuring the success and longevity of your tracker project.

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