KISTERS’ advanced hail monitoring technology reshapes solar operations and insurance
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As hailstorms become increasingly frequent and severe, utility-scale solar farms face risks of damage and downtime. KISTERS, an environmental data solutions company, addresses this critical challenge with HailSens IoT, a proven hail monitoring system offering real-time measurements and post-event analysis to provide solar operators with actionable insights.
HailSens IoT: The foundation of smart hail monitoring
HailSens IoT equips solar farm operators with hyper-local, real-time data on hail events. This advanced system delivers:
- Real-time hail impact data: Precise details on hailstone size, intensity and distribution.
- Accurate post-event analysis: Comprehensive records to assess damage and prioritise repairs.
- Streamlined insurance claims: Ground-truth data supports faster, more transparent claims processing.
- Seamless integration: Plug-and-play compatibility with existing systems ensures smooth adoption.
- Customised Heartbeat alerts: Near real-time updates on sensor and network health via KISTERS Datasphere, reducing disruptions.
“HailSens IoT is more than a sensor; it’s a trusted tool that enables solar operators to make informed decisions with confidence,” said Edgar Wetzel, the global head of instrumentation at KISTERS. “With decades of expertise in environmental data, KISTERS is delivering solutions that enhance resilience and operational efficiency for the solar industry.”
A glimpse into the next level HailSens360
Building on the robust capabilities of HailSens IoT, KISTERS also offers HailSens360, a total hail mitigation solution. Combining real-time hail data with advanced forecasting and proprietary nowcasting capabilities, HailSens360 synthesises 48-hour forecast data, updates nowcast predictions every 6 minutes, and delivers comprehensive post-event analysis. A key feature of HailSens360 is its extensive alarming system, which provides timely alerts to operators when severe hail is forecasted or imminent. This empowers solar farm managers to take preemptive action, such as moving panels into stow positions, reducing potential damage. By enabling operators to prepare before storms hit, respond effectively during severe weather, and analyse impacts post-event, HailSens360 delivers support for safeguarding solar assets and enhancing operational resilience.
“HailSens360 takes hail monitoring to the next level, delivering not only real-time insights but also predictive data that empowers operators to act with precision before, during and after storms,” said Johan Jaques, the chief meteorologist of KISTERS and the owner of HailSens360 solution.
Driving solar resilience forward
Together, HailSens IoT and HailSens360 represent a paradigm shift in how the solar industry approaches hail risk. These systems provide solar developers with the tools to mitigate downtime, streamline claims, and improve operational resilience, solidifying KISTERS’ role as a trusted partner in advancing renewable energy.
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