The US solar energy sector is facing a myriad of challenges, from natural disasters to operational inefficiencies, according to the 2026 Solar Risk Assessment (SRA) report by kWh Analytics. This comprehensive report highlights several key areas of concern that could significantly impact the performance and profitability of solar projects in the United States.
Hailstorms and Stowing Methods
One of the most pressing issues is the vulnerability of solar projects to hailstorms. The report emphasizes that hailstorms can cause substantial financial losses, accounting for 73% of such losses in the previous year, despite only 6% of all loss incidents being hail-related. This disparity underscores the need for better hail projections, especially in the 52% of the contiguous US where standard 2mm/2mm glass modules may not be sufficient to mitigate risk.
The report also introduces the concept of 'robust stowing', which involves stowing modules at an angle of at least 70 degrees. This method is proposed as a more effective strategy to minimize hailstorm impacts compared to solely building more resilient modules. By implementing robust stowing, solar project developers can significantly reduce the risk of hail damage, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of their projects.
Fire Safety Concerns
Another critical challenge highlighted in the report is fire safety. Fire losses are identified as the second-largest loss driver, with a significant portion of PV fire loss incidents occurring in non-high-wildfire risk areas. This finding suggests that mechanical failures, rather than environmental conditions, are the primary cause of these fires.
Inverters, in particular, are implicated as the culprits behind 44% of all PV fires and 80% of equipment-driven brush fires. The variability in the severity of these losses, ranging from zero to 80% of the total asset value, further underscores the importance of addressing this issue. Effective fire safety measures and regular maintenance can help mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term reliability of solar projects.
Long-Term Tracker Operation
The report also delves into the long-term operational challenges associated with solar trackers. The 'propeller effect', where modules on a tracker gradually rotate, can lead to localized shading losses of over 30%. Additionally, individual modules can twist by one degree, which, over the lifetime of the project, results in hundreds of thousands of stress cycles. These factors can significantly impact the overall performance and durability of solar projects, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in tracker design and maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2026 SRA report by kWh Analytics highlights several critical challenges facing the US solar energy sector. From hailstorms to fire safety and long-term tracker operation, these issues demand attention and proactive measures to ensure the reliability and profitability of solar projects. By addressing these concerns, the industry can build robust infrastructure and mitigate risks, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth of solar energy in the United States.
