New Impact-Resistant Shield Against Rogue Golf Balls, Hail, and Airborne Debris

LINNE Industries, the pioneer in sustainable solar-powered pond aeration systems, proudly introduces the PondHawk® Defender™—a ballistics-grade shield engineered to protect solar panels from stray golf balls, hail, and other airborne debris, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

Golf is thriving! According to the National Golf Foundation, 2024 marked a record-breaking year with 545 million rounds played nationwide—a 10% jump from pre-pandemic levels. While this growth brings opportunity, it also introduces new risks, especially for golf courses investing in sustainable infrastructure.

“With more players on the greens and PondHawk system adoption growing, panels are increasingly vulnerable to stray shots and unexpected impact,” said Sandra Burton, President and Co-Inventor of PondHawk. “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,” said Burton, “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:

• Superior impact resistance
• Excellent optical clarity
• Dimensional stability
• And, high heat tolerance

Patrick Kirkland, General Manager at Echo Hills Golf Club in Piqua, OH, has already witnessed the benefits, stating:

 “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. 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 5-year warranty and is expected to last 15 years, complementing the longevity of a 25-year solar investment. For customers installing a new PondHawk® system or replacing damaged panels during August, LINNE Industries is offering a discounted bundle for the PondHawk® Defender™.

Related: PondHawk® Lease Program The First Nationwide Financing Option in Solar Pond Aeration

“Defender™ wasn’t just a smart addition to our suite, it was a necessary one,” said Sandra Burton. “With PondHawk panels designed to perform for 25+ years, protecting that investment from preventable damage was the mission from day one.”

Available now, the PondHawk® Defender™ marks a significant step in protecting solar panel investments. For product specs, technical sheets, and installation inquiries, visit PondHawk/Defender.