What is Wind Stow for Solar Trackers?

Wind stow is an automated safety protocol that positions solar panels to protect them from high winds. During a wind event, the tracker moves the solar panel into a flat or low-profile position to minimize the surface area exposed to wind. This protective action is essential for the long-term integrity and reliability of a solar power plant, preventing costly damage to its panels.

A robust wind stow strategy is a crucial part of asset protection and a fundamental consideration for developers and EPCs aiming for project bankability and long-term viability. It ensures that solar investments are safeguarded against unpredictable weather risks.

Why is wind stow necessary?

Wind stow is a non-negotiable safety feature because high winds can cause significant mechanical stress on solar panels and tracker structures. Without an effective stow strategy, strong gusts can lead to panel microcracking, twisting, or even detachment from their mounts. This not only results in expensive repairs but also leads to major production losses and project downtime. By proactively reducing the wind profile of the solar array, the system minimizes the risk of catastrophic failure and ensures the asset’s longevity.

How do solar trackers enter wind stow?

Solar trackers typically enter a wind stow position based on data from on-site anemometers and other weather sensors. When wind speed consistently exceeds a predefined threshold for a certain duration, the tracker’s control system triggers the stow protocol. The system then commands the motors to rotate the panels to a predetermined safe position, such as a 0-degree horizontal orientation. This process is designed to be a high-priority function, overriding normal tracking operations to ensure a swift response to potential wind threats.

How can we expect wind stow strategies to evolve in 2026?

Wind stow strategies in 2025 are moving beyond simple, single-threshold triggers. Instead of stowing an entire array based on one wind speed measurement, modern approaches leverage advanced meteorological data, including wind direction and gust velocity. These sophisticated systems can use predictive weather forecasting to initiate a preemptive stow before a storm hits the site. Some solutions are also exploring more nuanced, site-specific strategies that stow only certain rows or sections of a solar farm based on localized wind patterns.

How does Solargik’s technology address wind stow?

Solargik’s systems are designed with a sophisticated wind stow strategy that balances protection and energy production. The SOMA Pro SCADA platform integrates real-time meteorological data with advanced forecasting, ensuring that trackers only stow when absolutely necessary. This intelligent control minimizes unnecessary downtime, preserving energy production while safeguarding assets, even on complex sites with irregular terrain.

Key Takeaways

• Wind stow is a mandatory safety protocol that protects solar assets from damaging winds and ensures project bankability for solar developers.
• Advanced wind stow strategies balance asset protection with energy production by only stowing panels when and where it is absolutely necessary.
• Solargik’s technology, backed by extensive testing and an intelligent control platform, offers a robust wind stow solution that preserves asset integrity and maximizes energy yield on all project sites.