GameChange Solar, a global provider of solar tracking solutions for ground-mounted PV installations, is providing its Genius Tracker single-axis tracker for a project in a high-wind area of Florida. This project will be designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.
GameChange Solar worked with wind engineering firm CPP to address the challenges of aeroelastic stability and wind pressure. The system underwent rigorous wind tunnel testing to ensure the stability of the trackers in extreme wind speeds, aiming for a record speed of 260 km/h. A GameChange representative did not reveal the project developer or location, but said the array will be larger than 100 MW.
“We are proud to expand our track record of designing solar power plants in challenging locations, such as those in hurricane-prone areas,” said Scott Van Pelt, chief engineer at GameChange Solar. “The ability to develop projects in previously undesirable locations will ensure that solar energy becomes an even larger part of the energy mix.”
To help ensure the durability of the solar panels under high wind pressure, GameChange Solar partners with test laboratories such as RETC to conduct mechanical load tests. Designed to further stabilize the system, GameChange’s patented “SuperShock” dampeners have withstood more than 40 years of wind gusts through accelerated life cycle testing.
News item from GameChange Solar
