Single-axis solar trackers are the dominant racking choice for utility-scale solar installations for their ability to maximize energy output in any project footprint. But the components that make this technology run are a bit more complex than its fixed-tilt relatives.
Through years of solar tracker engineering and installation experience, Ampacity has crafted a proprietary pre-kitting method to cut down on time and errors on installation day.
Simplifying solar tracker installation
When ordering directly from manufacturers, all the parts, which can be upward of 1,000 pieces per row, are often shipped together in one container—requiring workers to spend precious time sorting it all out on the jobsite.
Instead of performing that tedious task onsite in the elements, Ampacity has made pre-kitting in a controlled warehouse environment a standard part of its offerings as a supply chain partner. Over the years, the company has found pre-kitting can lead to a 30% or higher reduction in time and labor spent onsite.
“Our primary focus is giving the builder the most efficient experience when building in rough or undulating terrain, in inclement weather, and under tight deadlines,” said Wes Allen, Senior Director of Warehouse Operations and Logistics Executions at Ampacity.
Ampacity workers weigh, count, box, label, and row-map all the components that go into each tracker row, including bearings, brackets, nuts, bolts, couplers, and more. The row boxes also come with a set of instructions customized to each individual row. In the last 12 months alone, Ampacity has kitted 37,868 tracker rows for customers.
For EPCs new to pre-kitting, Ampacity can come to the jobsite once tracker components are delivered and walk workers through the assembly steps for row boxes through its Customer Success Services.
“We want to make sure teams are set up for success when it’s time to start the build,” Allen said. “Our trainers can add that extra step of support so everyone’s confident on day one of installation.”
Here’s a look inside Ampacity’s solar tracker pre-kitting process.
1. The Ampacity supply chain team creates a customized list of row box components.
2. Workers in Ampacity’s warehouse sort, weigh, box, label, and map each component going into a row box.
3. Ampacity delivers the pre-kitted row boxes, torque tubes, and other components to the project site.
4. Row boxes are placed at their designated positions on the site.
5. Pre-kitting cuts down on potential errors in the field and speeds up solar tracker construction.
Reach out to Ampacity today to learn more about our pre-kitting services.
