Risk management is integral to the success of your next solar project through informed decision-making from start to finish. The following report, Solar Foundations in the Evolution of Renewable Energy Market, covers the common pitfalls in solar project design and construction and lays out a set of best practices developed through PRI Engineering’s extensive experience on ground-mount solar projects in North America and the Caribbean.
Key Takeaways
- Engineers trained in cold weather considerations and extreme seasonal changes add value to projects across North America.
- Foundation optimization is a source of untapped cost-savings and provides outsized value for the investment size.
- Let the site determine the foundation design and extent of the engineering scope of work.
- Focus on communication strategies to support real-time adjustments during production load testing.
- Successful installation is supported through a Quality Assurance program with a Foundation Engineer of Record.
We analyze and compare types of foundations and their performance in a range of geological and climatic scenarios to inform your decision during the design stage. In addition, we highlight areas of risk and mitigation strategies available through value-added geotechnical investigation and engineering support. We end with a few case studies that exemplify (or not) the principles we discussed.
Solar Racking Foundation Design
Top Considerations for Solar Project Design
- Climate Considerations
- Project Scale Considerations
- Subsurface Conditions
- Types of Foundations
Installation and Construction
Top Considerations for Installation and Construction
- Pre-production Load Testing
- Production Load Testing
- Construction Challenges
- Remedial Action “The Remaining 15%”
Case Studies
View details of solar foundation design case studies executed by PRI Engineering. To read the whole report, download the pdf »
Montana Solar Project
| Size: | 5 MWDC |
| Location: | Montana First Nations, Alberta |
| Customer: | GP Joule |
| Racking System: | GP Joule Fixed Phlegon |
| Foundation: | Driven 141 mm/114 mm OD 4.0 m embedment |
Site 601
| Size: | 600 kWDC |
| Location: | Carp, Ontario |
| Customer: | Abundant Solar Energy |
| Racking System: | Polar PRU |
| Foundation: | 141 mm OD bedrock micropiles 141 mm OD helical pile with 762 mm helical blade |
State Route 122A
| Size: | 6.8 MWDC |
| Location: | Constable, New York |
| Customer: | OYA Solar |
| Racking System: | AXSUS Sol-X Tracker |
| Foundation: | 89 mm OD Ground Screws |
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