One aspect of project creation where our customers often require assistance is understanding how to work with parcels of land with varied topography. Ampacity has extensive experience handling and adapting single-axis trackers to different underlying terrain and can help the customer see the different options available to them and the resulting costs/labor involved so they can make the best decision for each project.
Terrain-following tracker advancements
Developers today are increasingly looking for ways to avoid grading their projects when possible. In lieu of this, Ampacity has become adept at analyzing the effects of wind and snow loading at different tracker heights and giving thorough prescriptions for the parts of the array under the most stress. In doing this, we can ensure we account for the areas that need greater strength, without penalizing the cost of the rest of the tracker that doesn’t need the same level of vigor. The Ampacity design team also provides detailed ground-force calculations for each foundation height interval above grade to provide our foundation designers the information necessary to keep the tracker structurally sound, no matter the height.
Ensuring solar tracker strength on undulating land
Ampacity also keeps construction on tough terrain top of mind, crafting a plan that keeps the tracker as strong as needed, but as easily buildable as possible. We provide our building crew with detailed, color-coded foundation height maps that outline exactly which pile type is needed in each location across the site. We then buff up this map to make sense from a constructability standpoint for a fast, clean installation process.
Whether trackers need to be raised due to terrain undulation, local building codes, or environmental disturbance reduction, Ampacity can help analyze and execute the production and design of the tracker to fulfill the needs of the customer — all while maintaining an easy build and limiting cost.
Contact Ampacity today for help with your solar tracker project.
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