Abstract: Solar trackers and control systems prevent damage from weather events—such as hail—by orienting solar panels at optimal angles during such weather events. These angles may be achieved and managed by the physical stops of the slew drives and mechanical stop assemblies in the tracker. Control systems may trigger stowing of the solar panels during such weather events in a variety of ways, including comparing irradiance measured from the solar panels with expected irradiance.

Abstract: Devices and methods presented in this disclosure may be advantageously employed to optimize power generation and/or increase longevity of modules. In aspects of the invention, switching from backtracking mode to twin half cut module mode depending on angle of incidence and/or diffuse fraction calculations/measurements may increase power generation compared to if only one mode were used. In aspects of the invention, preventing the tracker from generating excess power may reduce temperatures of the tracker and increase longevity of its solar panels.