Utility-Scale Solar: The Undisputed Star of Renewables
In utility-scale solar PV, our mission is to facilitate the widespread adoption of solar energy solutions by offering services that are both efficient and reliable. We recognize that utility-scale solar is the cornerstone of renewable energy and the most economical energy technology available. We are committed to building robust foundations for its growth.
Our Contributions
Our contributions span the entire lifecycle of solar projects, from initial concept to final implementation:
Development Support: We support project development with feasibility studies, site selection, and georisk assessments.
Geotechnical Studies and Pile Load Testing: Geotechnical investigation and pile load testing services play a crucial role in providing essential data and insights that guide the design and construction of foundation systems, helping to mitigate risks and optimize performance. Our team conducts geotechnical investigations to assess soil conditions and determine the most suitable foundation system for each project. If driven or helical piles are found to be suitable, we also perform pile testing to arrive at designs that are optimized for the actual site ground conditions. By optimizing foundation solutions, we enhance the cost-effectiveness of solar installations while maintaining their performance and reliability.
Engineering Design: We pride ourselves on our innovative engineering and design capabilities. Our engineers leverage cutting-edge technology and industry best practices to create customized solar solutions that meet site-specific conditions and client needs.
Construction Support: Our construction support services are designed to ensure that each project is executed flawlessly. We provide field observations to monitor construction activities and ensure compliance with design specifications. Our team reviews shop drawings to verify their accuracy and compatibility with the project requirements. Additionally, we respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) promptly, addressing any queries or issues that arise during the construction phase.
Forensics: During operations and in the unfortunate development of performance issues, we can support our clients with forensics services and development of repairs and retrofits.
Foundation Systems
Critical to the success of any utility-scale solar project is the choice of foundation systems, which must be optimized for site-specific conditions. We offer a range of foundation solutions, including:
Driven Piles: These are steel piles driven into the ground using hydraulic hammers. Suitable for a variety of soil conditions, they provide strong and durable support for solar arrays.
Screw (Helical) Piles: Featuring a helical design, these piles are screwed into the ground. They are ideal for softer soils and enable quick and easy installation with minimal disturbance to the site.
Ballasted Systems: These utilize heavy concrete blocks to secure the solar panels in place. Ballasted systems are often used on sites with rocky or uneven terrain where traditional piles are not feasible.
Ground Screws: Similar to screw piles but smaller in size, ground screws are a flexible and cost-effective solution for various soil types and project sizes.
SPI’s X-blade and Other Proprietary Solutions: We offer engineer-of-record design services for proprietary foundation systems which offer specific advantages for different ground conditions.
Commitment to Sustainability
At the heart of our services is a steadfast commitment to sustainability. We prioritize environmentally responsible practices and strive to minimize the ecological footprint of our projects. By promoting the use of clean, renewable energy, we contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of natural resources.
In conclusion, we are proud to play a pivotal role in the utility-scale solar industry. Our comprehensive suite of services, from project development to operations and maintenance, is designed to support the growth of renewable energy on a global scale. By building solar projects on efficient and reliable foundations, we are helping to create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.