kWh Analytics has launched a pilot to collect detailed data on how solar projects protect panels from extreme weather, going beyond standard insurance requirements
As part of the pilot, Nextpower will share real-world data from its NX Horizon trackers, which feature Hail Pro technology
Data from the pilot can help insurers better assess resiliency and may lower premiums, while encouraging stronger, safer solar installations, explains kWh Analytics
Renewable energy underwriter kWh Analytics has launched a pilot program to collect data from solar projects regarding the measures they use to protect against extreme weather. It says this initiative aims to better understand weather-related risks to solar projects, which can help support more resilient solar installations and lower insurance premiums.
Launched through its licensed insurance subsidiary Solar Energy Insurance Services, kWh says the data-sharing pilot program will collect data from solar projects using advanced resilience measures, beyond the information typically shared with insurers in standard insurance submissions.
This could include information about new solar tracker features designed to protect panels during storms. For example, some trackers can tilt panels more than 70° into a safe position during strong winds. They can also automatically move panels into this protective position when bad weather is detected.
Historical stow performance data shows how well such systems have worked in past storm episodes, helping insurers and project owners better understand the level of protection these bring. Because of this lower risk, kWh explains, insurance costs can also be reduced compared to normal designs and standard safety procedures.
If projects add extra protection, such as thicker, heat-tempered glass for solar panels, the potential damage and losses can decrease even more.
“By integrating this operational data into its proprietary risk modeling platform, kWh Analytics can better evaluate how system design and operational readiness affect expected losses,” according to kWh.
Solar PV solutions provider Nextpower is on board with the pilot program. The US-based company will share real-time and historical hail-stow performance data from its NX Horizon trackers with Hail Pro technology.
“By allowing customers to share verified stow performance data from our NX Horizon® trackers with Hail Pro™ technology, we’re enabling a shift from modeled assumptions to real-world evidence. This level of insight allows insurers to reward projects that are truly engineered and operated for long-term resilience,” said Jyoti Jain, the Head of Software Product Management at Nextpower.
kWh Analytics expects more solar technologies and practices to get lower insurance costs as data and tracking improve.
“Extreme weather continues to be a significant driver of loss for utility-scale solar, and the industry is rapidly advancing how those risks are managed,” said Jason Kaminsky, CEO of kWh Analytics. In a 2025 report, kWh called hail the most expensive among weather-related risks for PV projects (see Hail Costliest Weather Risk For Solar Power Projects).
Kaminsky added, “By incorporating real-world data, including stow performance from Nextpower tracking systems, we can tie insurance structures more closely to demonstrated resiliency, encouraging investments that protect assets and strengthen the long-term bankability of solar projects.”