Array Technologies unveils 77-degree solar tracker storage for hail protection

By pv magazine USA

Array Technologies, a provider of utility-scale PV trackers, said at the RE+ solar industry conference in September that it is developing a new solar tracker with a 77-degree tilt capability.

The tracker is designed to tilt panels up to 77 degrees and protects them against hail and heavy wind damage during severe weather conditions.

“Due to the increasing frequency of millions of dollars worth of hail damage, the need for reliable and effective hail control has never been greater,” the company said.

Array Technologies built the new high tilt tracker on the proven DuraTrack mounting design, supported by the Array SmarTrack Hail Alert Response software. The tracker is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to improve the resilience and efficiency of solar energy systems in hail-prone areas.

Earlier this year it launched its Hail Alert Response software and SkyLink tracker system, along with a study into the effectiveness of its patented passive wind storage technology.

Features of the 77 degree storage system:

• 77 Degree Stowability: The new steep angle hail tracker has a high tilt angle in both directions regardless of wind speed or direction, providing protection against hail and wind. The company said this angle provides all the benefits of passive wind storage, including up to 5% energy gains compared to active thrust trackers.
• Integrated Hail Mitigation: Combining wide angle hail storage with ARRAY’s Hail Alert Response and Passive Wind Stow capabilities, the tracker is designed to proactively and reactively mitigate hail risk.
• Durability improvements: Updates including a new bearing housing, larger rack and pinion and an advanced damper will enable a hard stop with a steeper angle, increasing the system’s resilience in heavy hail conditions

The product is expected to be available in early 2026.