WEBINAR: Protecting Solar Farms Against Extreme Weather

Register now for this Array Technologies webinar

When: October 17, 2023 from 11 am – 12:30 pm EST

About: The global expansion of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar sites means finding ways of mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events, particularly hail and high winds. In this webinar, experts from Array Technologies and VDE Americas will discuss the impact of hail and extreme weather on solar farm finance. Don’t miss this essential discussion on the future of solar farm protection against extreme weather.

• The financial impact of hail on solar farm investments and insurance considerations
• Solutions for stowing modules at higher angles and addressing the sail effect
• Building credible racking systems to withstand high winds with stowed modules
• Collaborative strategies between insurance underwriters and developers to minimize potential losses
• The latest technologies and methodologies for risk mitigation and performance optimization
• How to confidently fund solar projects in the face of extreme weather 

Meet our expert speakers

John Sedgwick, President, VDE Americas

John is a serial entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the renewable energy industry. In 2013, John co-founded VDE Americas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, with the goal of advancing the deployment of insurable and bankable clean energy projects. John serves as the president of VDE Americas, holds a seat on its board of directors, and leads the development of the company’s innovative and proprietary hail risk assessment and mitigation capabilities. More than a decade earlier, in late 2001, John co-founded Solaicx, a solar technology company that invented and commercialized a proprietary process for the continuous growth of high-quality silicon ingots. As the EVP of Solaicx, John secured technology patents; negotiated a long-term supply agreement with SunPower; and later played a key role in selling the company to SunEdison (formerly MEMC). John is an avid sailor, aviation enthusiast, and amateur astronomer who received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from San Jose State University.

Brandon Taylor, Senior Director of Business Development, Array Technologies

An expert in solar tracking systems and racking technologies, Brandon is dedicated to empowering EPCs, developers, and independent power producers (IPPs) with the knowledge they need to harness the full potential of solar tracking systems. With over a decade of industry experience—including five years with racking manufacturers before joining Array in 2016—Brandon has a keen understanding of the impact of various tracker technologies on the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Holding dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Management from North Carolina State University, Brandon’s unique blend of technical know-how and strategic thinking makes him an invaluable contributor to our webinar.

Michael J. Perron, Senior Managing Director at Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, Global Energy & Climate Tech

Mike leads service and placement for Brown & Brown Risk Solutions’ Energy & ClimateTech team. A chemical engineer, Mike has a passion for training and has hosted webinars for the insurance community on developing risk management issues impacting renewable energy risks including experience of PV Solar developers during large hail events, and supply chain challenges impacting renewables. Mike also recently was a panelist discussing weather-related challenges for solar projects at a large bank’s renewable energy group’s annual meeting. Mike is a 7-time Risk & Insurance Magazine Power Broker for power generation, alternative energy and renewable energy.