Next-Gen Solar Panels Leverage AI to Withstand Strong Winds and Optimise Performance

As solar energy gains momentum globally and becomes a leading choice in the renewable energy sector, the vulnerability of solar panels to extreme weather conditions is emerging as a significant concern as the sector expands.

While wind plays a dual role in solar power systems, improving performance by cooling panels but also posing structural risks during high wind events, researchers are leveraging advanced technology to address and mitigate these threats.

According to reports, an innovative study published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) has introduced a unique numerical decision-making framework designed to protect solar panels from wind damage. Developed by researchers at the Centre for Material Forming at PLS University in Sophia Antipolis, France, the framework combines advanced wind simulations with machine learning to optimise the angles of individual solar panels during strong winds.

"By blending advanced fluid dynamics and artificial intelligence, we saw an opportunity to address wind damage risks innovatively and contribute to the resilience of renewable energy systems," said lead researcher Elie Hachem.

Unlike traditional methods, which treat solar arrays as uniform structures that stow in a flat, low-resistance position during storms, the new approach allows panels to act as independent decision-makers. This enables creative, data-driven adjustments to reduce wind stress, significantly outperforming existing safeguards.

Tracking mounts, row spacing, and tilt angles have long been the focus of wind damage prevention. Current systems often switch to a horizontal safe stow position when wind speeds exceed certain thresholds, but this solution can lead to energy loss and limited protection against severe weather.

The proposed framework, however, uses AI-driven models to continuously analyse wind patterns and adjust each panel's orientation accordingly. "It's like teaching the panels to dance with the wind," explained Hachem, highlighting how the system protects panels while maintaining energy output even during high wind speeds.

This adaptive and scalable solution represents a significant leap forward for renewable energy resilience, ensuring that solar power systems remain robust and efficient in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns. As the global push for Net Zero Emissions by 2050 accelerates, innovations like these will be crucial in safeguarding the future of solar energy.