GameChange Solar, a global supplier of solar tracking solutions for ground-mounted PV plants, is supplying its Genius Tracker single-axis tracker for a project sited in a high-wind area of Florida. This project will be designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 158 mph.
GameChange Solar collaborated 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 trackers’ stability at extreme wind speeds, aiming for a record 160 mph. A representative from GameChange did not disclose the project developer or location, but said the array will be larger than 100 MW in scale.
“We are proud to expand on our track record of designing solar plants in challenging locations, such as those in hurricane-prone regions,” said Scott Van Pelt, chief engineer at GameChange Solar. “The ability to develop projects in previously undesirable locations will allow solar energy to become an even larger part of the energy mix.”
To help ensure the durability of the solar modules under high wind pressure, GameChange Solar partners with test labs like RETC to conduct mechanical load testing. GameChange’s proprietary “SuperShock” dampers are designed to further stabilize the system, and have withstood over 40 years of wind gusts through accelerated life cycle testing.
News item from GameChange Solar
