Courtesy of PondHawk / LINNE Industries
LINNE Industries, which specializes in sustainable solar-powered pond aeration systems, is rolling out its PondHawk Defender — described as a ballistics-grade shield engineered to protect solar panels from stray golf balls, hail and other airborne debris.
“With more players on the greens and PondHawk system adoption growing, panels are increasingly vulnerable to stray shots and unexpected impact,” PondHawk president and co-inventor Sandra Burton said. “Recognizing this challenge, our engineers developed a durable barrier to secure the system without compromising on performance.
“While solar panels are built to withstand impact, a single direct hit can jeopardize the system’s longevity. PondHawk Defender was created to absorb these impacts, preserving the panel's integrity.”
Designed for both clarity and strength, PondHawk Defender has been field-tested on active courses and proven not to interfere with light absorption. It maintains optimal panel energy production without casting any shadows. Its stanchions are made from durable, black-painted steel and mounted with marine-grade stainless steel hardware to ensure corrosion resistance and structural integrity. The shield itself is made from high-performance polycarbonate, offering impact resistance, optical clarity, dimensional stability and high heat tolerance.
“The PondHawk has been performing wonderfully, and now with the new PondHawk Defender™ installed, we have peace of mind that our investment is protected from off-line tee shots,” said Patrick Kirkland, general manager at Echo Hills Golf Club in Piqua, Ohio, who has worked with the product. “A must-buy add-on feature if there is even a remote chance of contact with stray golf shots.”
The PondHawk Defender comes with a five-year warranty and is expected to last 15 years, complementing the longevity of a 25-year solar investment. Discounted bundles are available for those installing a new PondHawk system or replacing damaged panels during August.