Affordable Wire Management (AWM), a utility-scale solar cable management systems (CMS) provider, is debuting Hail-Stow Hanger today at RE+ 2024, a CMS engineered specifically for Nextracker’s NX Horizon Hail Pro.
An NX Horizon Hail Pro with Hail-Stow Hanger from Affordable Wire Management.
Nextracker’s Hail Pro-75, which is capable of 75° stow angles to improve PV module survivability against potentially devastating hailstones. The AWM team analyzed more than 20 cable arrangements to ensure its CMS would fit under the Hail Pro-75 when stowed.
“As extreme weather events become more catastrophic and commonplace, industry leaders respond with transformative offerings,” said Scott Rand, CEO and co-founder of AWM. “In lockstep, AWM designs solutions with the first movers in our market sector. We are proud to align ourselves with Nextracker – a technology powerhouse that consistently innovates to realize their vision of a world powered by renewables.”
In a co-authored memo, “Best Practices for Hail Stow of Single-Axis Tracker Mounted Solar Projects,” VDE Americas and Wells Fargo Renewable Energy & Environmental Finance (REEF) provided recommendations on hail stow protocols, emphasizing the effectiveness of the 75° tilt angle in damage mitigation. Additionally, according to kWh Analytics’ “2024 Solar Risk Assessment” a 75° tilt angle reduces the probability of hail module breakage from 33% at 50° to 1% at 75°.
According to GCube Insurance, hail damage accounts for less than 2% of solar project insurance claims by volume but is responsible for more than 50% of the total dollar losses, averaging over $58 million per incident.
“Adopting a 75-degree hail stow tracker position represents a proactive and effective strategy for safeguarding solar installations against damage,” said Dan Smith, CTO of AWM. “However, up until now, there has not been a compatible wire management solution available. Today, we are proud to announce AWM’s Hail-Stow Hanger for the industry’s leading defensive hail stow tracker technologies.”
Features of AWM’s Hail-Stow CMS
A unique hanger and messenger cable system specifically designed to fit within the tight gap that is formed from Nextracker’s Hail Pro-75 and the Damper Bracket.
At damper piles, AWM’s Hail-Stow Hanger aligns the bottom of the cable with the bottom of the module to minimize flood plain clearance issues.
At non-damper piles, the Hail-Stow Hanger mounts directly to the pile flange, allowing high placement to eliminate any flood plain clearance concerns.
As with all of AWM’s CMS offerings, the Hail-Stow Hanger is free of polymeric material, and is designed to withstand all weather conditions and corrosive environments, with an operating lifespand of 40-plus years. The company also carries other CMS, like the Arden Messenger Cable Hanger, thePinyon Messenger Cable Hanger, HELIOS Beam Rod and the PHOTON Toolkit.
“Value-engineering isn’t just about cost-effective designs. It is also about responsiveness to industry needs, a relentless focus on innovation and quick time to market,” Rand said.
The AWM team will be exhibiting at RE+ 2024, September 10 to 12, on the third level of the Anaheim Convention Center at booth L31509.
News item from Affordable Wire Management