VDE Americas Verifies Successful Operation of GameChange Solar's Genius Tracker™ HailStow™

Demonstrating the importance of testing hail defense systems to protect solar farms globally

NORWALK, Conn. and SAN JOSE, Calif., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar (GCS) and VDE Americas, a global leader in technical advisory and catastrophic risk assessment services for the solar power industry, released a study on the use of GameChange Solar Genius Tracker's^TM hail mitigation function. In the study "HailStow^TM Performance in April 2025," VDE evaluated the operation of GameChange Solar's hail stow for a utility-scale solar facility in hail-prone Arkansas. 

The purpose of the study was to confirm the performance of GameChange Solar's hail mitigation system, which can be installed to protect solar assets from catastrophic hail damage. For the study, VDE reviewed operational data during six storms that passed near the study site over a three-day period and met the criteria to trigger a hail stow. In all cases, the system successfully went to the desired steep stow angle, where solar panels are tilted to deflect direct hail impact. In the report, VDE notes, "For this study period, the HailStowâ„¢ system worked as designed, including processing hail warnings, issuing activation emails, and moving the trackers to hail stow position."

Hail mitigation has been a genuine concern for owners and insurers of solar power plants throughout the United States and other hail-prone locations. As one of the top three global manufacturers of solar trackers, GameChange Solar has worked closely with VDE to develop a rigorously tested hail mitigation system, delivering advanced protection that helps safeguard assets, reduce risk, and support long-term performance.

"With hailstorms across the globe intensifying, it is critical to install hail mitigation systems – like GameChange's Solar Genius Trackerâ„¢ HailStowâ„¢ – which are effective in reducing solar panel damage due to hail," said Jon Previtali, VP and Senior Principal Engineer at VDE Americas. "In our role to protect and extend the economic value of solar assets, we continue to advocate for advanced weather alert services, proactive hail stow implementation and frequent testing of hail stow systems."

"This successful validation by VDE is the result of a strong engineering partnership and a shared commitment to rigorous, real-world validation," said Scott Van Pelt, Chief Engineer at GameChange Solar. "We developed the Genius Trackerâ„¢ HailStowâ„¢ to provide a fast, reliable response that helps protect solar infrastructure from catastrophic hail damage. By working closely with VDE, we ensure that our systems provide top tier hail protection, long-term asset reliability, and insurability in hail-prone regions."

About VDE Americas 

VDE Americas provides technical advisory and risk mitigation services to renewable energy stakeholders — from project owners and financiers to equipment manufacturers and those who construct, operate and insure large-scale solar power generation and energy storage facilities. A wholly owned subsidiary of the VDE Group, VDE Americas is recognized globally as the leading authority in solar project hail risk intelligence and loss prevention. The company's expertise and innovative solutions have facilitated billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy assets.

For more information, visit: www.vde.com/en/vde-americas 

About VDE

VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 43 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.

For more information, visit www.gamechangesolar.com

Contact:
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing
GameChange Solar
lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com

Contact for VDE Americas
Mission Control: vde@missionc2.com

Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2735927/Genius_Tracker.jpg?p=medium600

Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2735980/GameChange_Solar_and_VDE.jpg?p=medium600

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

VDE Americas Verifies Successful Operation of GameChange Solar's Genius Tracker™ HailStow™

VDE Americas Verifies Successful Operation of GameChange Solar's Genius Tracker™ HailStow™

Korea-Based Food Producer to Launch 'Heung-Bu Duo' Bread Celebrating Famous LAFC Duo Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga;
Partnership to Include Domestic Product and Merchandise launches, Plus U.S.-Focused Marketing Campaigns

LOS ANGELES and SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting in 2026, fans of Paris Baguette and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) will be able to find products inspired by the "Heung-Bu Duo" (Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga) at Paris Baguette.

Paris Baguette's partnership with LAFC of Major League Soccer (MLS) marks the first such partnership by a company in Korea's food and foodservice sector with a U.S.-based sports team. The partnership is Paris Baguette's third global sports collaboration, following partnerships with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023-2024 and Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League in 2025.

Through this partnership, Paris Baguette will roll out LAFC-themed bakery products and merchandise starting in 2026, along with a variety of customer engagement programs such as Meet & Greet event and ticket giveaway.

"Sports are powerful content that connects fans around the world and enables closer engagement," Jin Soo Hur, Vice Chairman of Paris Baguette, said. "Through our partnership with LAFC, we will offer a variety of activities that allow customers to share joyful moments and special experiences with our bread."

"We are thrilled to partner with Paris Baguette, a global bakery brand loved by consumers in the United States and around the world for its delicious, high-quality offerings," Larry Freedman, LAFC Co-President said. "This partnership will elevate each of our brands as we bring people together through the shared experiences of the beautiful game and wonderful food."

LAFC is a Los Angeles–based club that debuted in 2018 and currently boasts star players such as Son Heung-Min, Denis Bouanga and Hugo Lloris on its roster. With the recent addition of Son, the club has garnered world-wide attention, rapidly expanding its fan base in Korea and internationally.

By combining bakery and sports in a unique way, Paris Baguette continues to expand its touchpoints with global sports fans and customers through activities such as launching club- and player-themed products and merchandise, running customer promotions, and conducting stadium advertising. The brand has gained attention with innovative campaigns, including displaying a Korean-language LED billboard message reading "Hello! Paris Baguette" at PSG home matches and producing videos featuring PSG star players enjoying Paris Baguette bread. These efforts earned the company the "Marketer of the Year Award," selected by the Korea Advertisers Association. Paris Baguette also serves its coffee at Tottenham Hotspur's home stadium.

Paris Baguette continues to expand its global presence, operating approximately 3,400 stores in Korea and around 700 stores across 15 countries in the United States, Europe, and Asia, for a total of more than 4,100 stores worldwide. In North America, including the U.S., the company aims to operate 1,000 stores by 2030 and has recently strengthened its operations by commencing construction on a local baking plant in Texas.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

PARIS BAGUETTE PARTNERS WITH MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CLUB LAFC

PARIS BAGUETTE PARTNERS WITH MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CLUB LAFC