It goes without saying that this year saw unprecedented challenges and many changes. Yet despite setbacks felt worldwide, solar surged forward in a big way, growing over 22% through the coronavirus pandemic and continuing to lead the way to a clean energy future. Solar not only persevered in 2020 but thrived. For this, we’re incredibly grateful and humbled.
It is because of the continued dedication and hard work of its leadership and team members and the support of our customers and partners that RP Construction Services had another landmark year.
With a record number of projects and installed capacity in 2020, RPCS continued its rapid growth trajectory, outpacing the industry and remaining one of the nation’s leading contractors.
RPCS completed its scope on over 1GW spanning over 230 projects in 20 states—a 57% increase in number of projects and a 134% increase in capacity over 2019 numbers. To date, RPCS has completed over 700 projects and more than 2GW.
Here’s a look back at some of the year’s highlights.
RPCS is unique for its people and its process. At the center of its accomplishment, RPCS not only expanded its team significantly but continued to elevate and invest in these team members through training, development, and new individual opportunities within its workforce. RPCS is always striving to create career paths and opportunities that allow each member to shine individually. RPCS’ team grew stronger, realized the value of improved collaboration, and how to better serve the utility market—the driving force behind solar’s explosive growth this year.
Beyond welcoming new members and expending efforts on training and development, RPCS took its project delivery system to the next level. RPCS announced in May the opening of a new logistics facility in Kosciusko, Mississippi, now the third facility operated by the company. The facility rests on ten acres, comprised of two warehouse facilities and a stocking yard spanning 100,000 square feet. The facility includes two solar arrays for demonstration and training purposes. In addition to added supply chain enhancement, the new facility will ensure greater inventory accuracy and improved deployment of both materials and serviced equipment and tools.
This new facility led to enhanced kitting and streamlined project delivery, further attesting to RPCS’ ability to effectively manage multiple simultaneous projects across the country. RPCS’ experience as the market’s first contractor in the utility space to pre-kit the Array tracker significantly streamlines assembly of the Array tracker while assembly remains quality controlled by RPCS’ Array tracker experts. Moreover, by using innovative technology specialized for project delivery, RPCS helps ensure critical timelines are met and the highest quality standards are maintained. This delivery process provides accurate project insights in real time, improves project economics, and creates a high degree of visibility into all stages of the installation process. Stay tuned as RPCS begins to allow other contractors, subcontractors, and installers access to this delivery system.
Among other notable achievements was the company’s recognition as a Top Solar Contractor for the third year in a row by Solar Power World Magazine, the industry’s leading resource for news and information regarding solar PV installation, development, and technology. RPCS achieved a rank of No. 13 overall, out of more than 400 solar firms. RPCS also ranks at No. 5 in the Installation Subcontractor category and No. 11 in the Utility Subcontractor category, as well as No. 1 in Arkansas, No. 5 in South Carolina, No. 7 in California, No. 8 in Colorado, No. 11 in North Carolina, among other top state rankings.
A number of RP Construction Service’s 2021 projects are already breaking ground. The solar industry, according to experts, is poised to see a “wild ride” in 2021, and RPCS is at the forefront, prepared for brighter days ahead.
CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Follow the Sun: A Look at the Benefits of Tracking Technology
If you’re not already tracking, here’s why you should:
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One Bifacial Module or Two? In-Depth Performance Analysis of 1MIP Versus 2MIP on Single-Axis Solar Trackers
2MIP doesn’t mean twice the output. Here’s why:
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Bifacial Modules + Solar Trackers: 1MIP vs. 2MIP on Single-Axis Solar Trackers
In case the above article didn’t answer all your questions of why 1MIP is superior to 2MIP when tracking, here’s more:
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RPCS and Indiana Municipal Power Agency Partner to Complete over 85MW of Solar Tracker Projects
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Continental Energy Solutions Podcast with Tim Montague
RPCS Director of Marketing Bri Bruce talks bifacial module technology, solar trackers in 1MIP versus 2MIP, and the “power couple” that is RPCS and Array Technologies, Inc.
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Solar Arrays to be Installed for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
RPCS will provide mechanical installation services for Today’s Power, Inc. Project
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RPCS and Knobelsdorff Partner for a 17MW Portfolio
This portfolio will supply 14 communities in Minnesota with clean, renewable energy:
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RP Construction Services to Build 185MW Pflugerville Solar Project in Travis County, Texas
RPCS will perform the mechanical installation:
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Hailstorms + Solar Trackers: All Hail the DuraTrack HZ V3 Single-Axis Solar Tracker from Array Technologies
There’s only one choice in technology when deploying solar trackers in regions with inclement weather—specifically hailstorms, which are arguably the most damaging—and this is why.
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Array Technologies Announces a 1GW Purchase Agreement with RP Construction Services
Array Technologies partners with leading design-build contractor to bring advanced solar tracker technology to the distributed generation market:
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This exciting new partnership is aimed at simplifying tracker project install by reducing trenching by 50%, utilizing less specialized labor, and requiring less time—all resulting in faster time to completion and CAPex savings. Shoal’s patented wiring systems come pre-labeled and pre-tested, demonstrating their unmatched efficiency and robust construction. Coupled with RPCS’s established reputation for turnkey success, this new system will eliminate the need for trenching within the array, reduce risk and complications associated with cost, lessen environmental influence, and improve trade coordination, creating faster, simpler installations. The Plug-N-Play Tracker approach also allows for more solar panels per string and fewer combiner boxes per site, cutting cost and solar electrical complications.
Through innovation and diversification, Shoals has grown exponentially since its founding, and currently holds the largest market share of electric balance of systems, maintaining a diverse portfolio of PV balance of systems products manufactured in Tennessee. Shoals Technologies’ unmet reliability and performance is backed by their extensive in-house testing and rigorous quality controls, making them an ideal partner for RPCS’s next in line turnkey solution.
RP Construction Services designs and builds ground mount solar projects using the industry’s gold standard for quality, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis tracker. With over 400 MW and over 225 projects completed throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels Array’s market reputation.