We live next to a golf course, unfortunately on the Slicer's side. Installed a pv system last year, and have one damaged panel. All of the hype about panels not being damaged by hail does not really apply, since a golf ball is larger than most hailstones, and is traveling a lot faster. (energy= 1/2mass x velocity squared?) There may have been other impacts without damage, but do not really know. And yes, we knew it could be a problem, but hoped the 'hailstone information' applied. Not.
So, I am now looking into how can we protect the panels while minimizing the degradation of the solar rays and still not being ugly to look at.
The array is mounted on a flat roof, on racks tilted at 15 fifteen degrees. They are not really visible if one is standing on the ground in front of the house until you get out about 150 feet away. I do not want to put in a high visible 'fence' as it would ruin the appearance of the house. Most of the problem balls come in at a fairly flat trajectory, rather than vertical.
What ideas for protection are out there? I am wondering if I can find a monofilament fishing net that I can stretch over the array semi-taut. Seems I mostly need to just absorb some of the energy of the golf ball, not necessarily stop them. So far, though, I have not been able to find a net. Also, UV damage to most monofilament might limit its life, making it not a viable solution.
What do you all think?
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So, I am now looking into how can we protect the panels while minimizing the degradation of the solar rays and still not being ugly to look at.
The array is mounted on a flat roof, on racks tilted at 15 fifteen degrees. They are not really visible if one is standing on the ground in front of the house until you get out about 150 feet away. I do not want to put in a high visible 'fence' as it would ruin the appearance of the house. Most of the problem balls come in at a fairly flat trajectory, rather than vertical.
What ideas for protection are out there? I am wondering if I can find a monofilament fishing net that I can stretch over the array semi-taut. Seems I mostly need to just absorb some of the energy of the golf ball, not necessarily stop them. So far, though, I have not been able to find a net. Also, UV damage to most monofilament might limit its life, making it not a viable solution.
What do you all think?
0524151440b.jpg
0524151438.jpg
0524151440.jpg
0524151440a.jpg
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