Solar tracker manufacturer ARRAY Technologies has announced the release of a new 60° variant of its ARRAY DuraTrack single-axis solar tracker, designed to offer enhanced protection against severe hail events.

Single-axis solar trackers rotate photovoltaic panels along one axis to follow the sun's path throughout the day, increasing energy generation compared to fixed-tilt systems. The ability to stow panels at steep angles during extreme weather has become a critical feature for utility-scale solar projects, particularly in regions prone to large hailstorms. Hail-related damage has become one of the most significant weather risks for utility-scale solar operators, contributing to rising insurance premiums and, in some cases, project siting reconsideration across the U.S. solar sector.

The new 60° variant builds upon the hail alert response and patented passive wind stow capabilities already integrated into the DuraTrack platform. Steeper stow angles reduce the effective exposure of panel surfaces to vertically falling hail, which can lower the probability of glass breakage and cell damage. It continues to employ a wired AC motor and wired communications architecture rather than battery power and wireless communications. The system also incorporates ARRAY Wind XP, a patented passive wind stow technology designed to reduce unnecessary stow events and mitigate sensor failure risk.

ARRAY unveiled the product during its third annual Insurance Forum, held in Boston, Massachusetts. The event brings together stakeholders to discuss strategies for reducing weather-related risks across the solar industry, an area of growing concern as severe storms and hail events increasingly threaten large-scale solar installations. The involvement of insurers and risk managers in product development reflects a broader industry shift in which weather resilience and insurability are increasingly factored into equipment selection and project economics.

"ARRAY is proud to offer trusted technology that mitigates the realities of severe weather demands while maximizing energy generating potential," said Nick Strevel, Chief Product Officer at ARRAY Technologies. "Adding a 60-degree tracker expands our existing portfolio to give our customers more options for resilient and reliable solutions in hail-prone regions, including Texas and the Great Plains."