Careers Request a Quote

ATI

2021 in Review

Posted on by Bri Bruce

2021 has been a year of both successes and challenges… 

In a year plagued by supply chain disasters and continued pandemic woes, we have alleviated the pain otherwise felt by the rest of the industry through our unique approach to project solutions and our business practices that bring added value to our customers.

Through tremendous growth, diligence, dependability, strength, and determination we solidified our spot as the No. 10 solar contractor in the nation, among other top state rankings, secured a spot on the Inc. 5,000 list, and took home the Gold Medal as one of just four other companies on Inc. Magazine‘s Best in Business List in the Construction category.

We expanded our scope into Canada, continued to build lasting partnerships, and forged new ones along the way to allow meaningful work to continue the clean energy transition and create a better future for the planet.

Energix, RPCS Partner to Complete over 90MW of Solar Tracker Projects

Posted on by Bri Bruce

EnergixMonterey, CALIF., April 20, 2021 — RPCS has partnered with Energix for the installation of trackers at three of Energix’s solar projects, Hollyfield II (17MW), Mt. Jackson (22MW), Buckingham II (28MW), and Leatherwood (25MW), and intends to collaborate on two additional projects, totaling approximately 50MW.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and one of the state’s leading solar energy players, Energix US, LLC, is an independent power producer that develops, constructs, owns and operates renewable energy projects. Energix is the subsidiary of an Israeli publicly traded company Energix – Renewable Energies Ltd. (TASE:ENRG), the largest renewable energy company in Israel, with a portfolio of more than 3.4GW, including more than 400MW in commercial operation.

RPCS, a trusted partner of leading solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies, Inc., will be installing Array’s DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar tracker for Energix’s three projects. Array trackers keep the solar PV modules following the sun on its course throughout the day, optimizing energy gains and ensuring up to a 20 to 25 percent increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.

“We are so thrilled to work with Energix on their Virginia portfolio and to support their growth in the U.S.,” says Alex Smith, Chief Sales Officer of RPCS. “Itamar and his team are exceptional partners and we share their focus on delivering the highest quality projects. We’re looking forward to Energix’s continued success and are honored to have the opportunity to be their partner.”

“We are proud to partner with RPCS in the goal of delivering more clean energy to the Commonwealth of Virginia and see this partnership as another milestone in our commitment to the US market,” says Itamar Sarussi, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Energix. “Energix procures the vast majority of our equipment and construction work here in the U.S., in keeping with our goal to create local jobs and benefits for the communities where we operate, and to fulfill our vision as a breakthrough global green utility, committed to our future on the planet.”

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) provides turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPC contractors, developers, and municipal utilities. As the nation’s leading contractor and single-axis tracker expert, RPCS has completed more than 700 projects, totaling over 2GW, and helps customers meet their renewable energy goals with simple, seamless project execution. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

Energix uses its financial stability and extensive project experience to build projects that create long-term value for local communities, landowners, stakeholders and the environment. Energix currently has more than 80MW in commercial operation in the US, with another 1GW of renewable energy projects currently in construction or development across the US.  For more information visit www.energix-group.com.

 

 

RPCS VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE AND Q&A

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Join RPCS for a Virtual Open House!

RPCS will be sharing a technical presentation, covering topics like frost heave and snow load mitigation.

Stay after the presentation for a Q&A, where attendees can submit their questions and get detailed answers from our experts.

Tune in March 25th, 2021 at 11am PST

Register here

 

About RPCS

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) provides turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPCs, developers, and municipal utilities. As the nation’s leading contractor and single-axis tracker expert, RPCS has completed more than 700 projects, totaling over 2GW, and helps customers meet their renewable energy goals with simple, seamless project execution. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or view our website at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

Duke Energy Renewables, REC Solar, RPCS Help Firestone Walker Brewing Company Go Solar

Posted on by Bri Bruce

firestone walkerMonterey, CALIF. January 15, 2021 – REC Solar and Duke Energy Renewables, non-regulated affiliates of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), announced this week the completion of a solar array developed with RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) for the Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

The 2.1 MW system sits on 9.7 acres of land adjacent to the Firestone Walker Brewing Company facility in Paso Robles, California, and is one of the largest on-site solar arrays in the craft beer industry. The array will generate roughly 4,055 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity every year, offsetting a majority of the facility’s overall energy use—enough to brew six million cases of beer annually.

REC Solar designed and built the solar project working with RPCS, one of the nation’s leading solar contractors, to supply and install the array, which features DuraTrack HZ V3 single-axis solar trackers from Array Technologies. The trackers keep the solar PV modules following the sun on its course throughout the day, optimizing energy gains and ensuring up to a 20 to 25% increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.

Duke Energy Renewables provided Firestone Walker financing through a 25-year power purchase agreement.

The solar array is a crucial means to lessen Firestone Walker’s carbon footprint as part of their sustainability program (https://stories.firestonebeer.com/sustainability/), which includes utilizing materials that are 100 percent recycled, and feeding spent grains and yeast to local livestock.

Project planning began in late 2016, with groundbreaking in April 2020. In addition to the solar arrays, the project includes utility substation upgrades that will make it easier for other local organizations seeking to go solar to tap into the power of renewable energy.

 

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) provides turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPCs, developers, and municipal utilities. As the nation’s leading contractor and single-axis tracker expert, RPCS helps customers meet their renewable energy goals with simple, seamless project execution. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or view our website at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

Duke Energy Renewables, nonregulated unit of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of 3,000 megawatts. The power is sold to electric utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. The unit also operates energy storage and microgrid projects. REC Solar is a business unit of Duke Energy Renewables. Visit www.duke-energy.com/renewable-energy and recsolar.com for more information.

Firestone Walker is an innovative California beer company founded in 1996. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. Firestone Walker is also the brewery behind 805, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beers. Learn more at FirestoneBeer.com.

 

2020 in Hindsight: A Year in Review

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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:
READ MORE >

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:
READ MORE >

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:
READ MORE >

RPCS and Indiana Municipal Power Agency Partner to Complete over 85MW of Solar Tracker Projects
READ MORE >

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.
READ MORE >

Solar Arrays to be Installed for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
RPCS will provide mechanical installation services for Today’s Power, Inc. Project
READ MORE >

RPCS and Knobelsdorff Partner for a 17MW Portfolio
This portfolio will supply 14 communities in Minnesota with clean, renewable energy:
READ MORE >

RP Construction Services to Build 185MW Pflugerville Solar Project in Travis County, Texas
RPCS will perform the mechanical installation:
READ MORE>

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.
READ MORE>

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:
READ MORE >

 

Array Technologies announces a 1GW purchase agreement with RP Construction Services

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Partnering with Leading Design-Build Contractor to Bring Advanced Solar Tracker Technology to the Distributed Generation Market

 

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – 30 November 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Array Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARRY) (“Array”) today announced it has entered into an agreement to supply 1GW of DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers to RP Construction Services, Inc. (“RPCS”). RPCS provides design-build services for small and medium-sized ground-mounted solar energy projects across the U.S. and is the leading contractor for solar energy projects under 25 MWs.

“The endorsement of the segment-leading contractor for distributed energy projects underscores both the strength of our product offering and the value our trackers can create for projects of all sizes. The small-utility, municipal, medium-sized commercial and community solar markets are growing rapidly, and collaborating with RPCS to address this segment of the market should further accelerate our growth in the U.S.  I am also pleased that this order follows on the Lightsource bp purchase agreement announced earlier this month making it the second order over 1 GW that we have received in the past 30 days” said Jim Fusaro, Chief Executive Officer of Array.

“We are incredibly excited about expanding our relationship with Array. They have the best system in the marketplace in terms of ease of installation, reliability, and durability. We have more than tripled the size of our company with their products over the past three years, and we look forward to continuing that growth with this agreement,” said Eb Russell, Chief Executive Officer of RPCS.

 

About Array Technologies, Inc.
Array Technologies is a leading global technology company providing tracker solutions and services for utility-scale solar energy projects as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of ground-mounting systems. With efficient installation and terrain flexibility coupled with high reliability, durability, and performance, Array delivers a lower levelized cost of energy. The Company’s focus on innovation, combined with its customer-centric approach, has helped achieve some of the industry’s best returns. Array Technologies is headquartered in the United States with offices in Europe, Central America, and Australia. Contact us at arraytechinc.com or view our LinkedIn page.

About RPCS
RPCS provides turnkey design and installation services for ground-mounted solar energy projects in the U.S. with a focus on the distributed generation market. The Company has completed more than 700 projects, representing 2 GW of generation capacity, since 2015. RPCS combines a team-oriented culture that values all employees with innovative, tech-enabled work practices to deliver projects of all sizes on-spec and on-time. RPCS has approximately 250 employees and maintains offices in California, Mississippi and Texas. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or view our website at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

 

See the original press release published on Array Technologies’ website: https://arraytechinc.com/1gw-purchase-agreement-with-rpcs/

 

 

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections regarding its business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward looking statements as a result of a number of factors.

Texas’ Pflugerville Solar Project Commences Construction

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RP Construction Services to Build 186MW Pflugerville Solar Project in Travis County, Texas

 

MONTEREY, Calif., November 5, 2020— Recurrent Energy is pleased to announce construction of the Pflugerville Solar Project near Austin, Texas is well on its way.

pflugerville
The first posts of the Pflugerville solar project are installed by RPCS.

Developed by Recurrent Energy, the 186MWdc project in Travis County, Texas, will span nearly 950 acres. Signal Energy is directing the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities of the project. Under this direction, RP Construction Services (RPCS) will perform the mechanical installation and E Light Electric (ELE) will perform the low voltage electrical installation. RigUp is supplying skilled labor to both RPCS and ELE. The project will create more than 350 construction jobs, half of which will be performed by local labor. Operation and maintenance of the power plant will also support permanent, long-term jobs.

pflugerville
The 186MWdc Pflugerville Solar Project in Travis County, Texas

The project will feature DuraTrack HZ V3 single-axis solar trackers from Array Technologies, installed by RP Construction Services. The tracker technology will keep the solar PV modules following the sun on its course throughout the day, optimizing energy gains and ensuring up to a 20 to 25% increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.

“We’re happy to be bringing in local labor to help us build this great project,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith. “For decades, people who live nearby will be able to tell their friends and neighbors about how they helped make this project so successful. Thanks to all the great teams involved.”

Once operational, the Pflugerville Solar Project is expected to power the equivalent of nearly 27,000 Austin-area homes, providing low-cost solar power to Austin Energy’s customers for 15 years. The project will help cost-effectively reduce emissions and support the utility’s plan to exit from coal-fired power generation by the end of 2022.

The project is slated to be completed in the summer of 2021.

 

See Recurrent Energy’s news release.

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) is a leading solar tracker project design, supply, and installation subcontractor based in Monterey, California. The team specializes in site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. With nearly two gigawatts completed throughout the US, RPCS’s experience in the ground mount utility and distributed generation market ensures reliable support at every step of the project, delivering an unmatched level of quality and efficiency. To learn more about RPCS or to request a quote, visit stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

Recurrent Energy is a leading utility-scale solar and storage project developer, delivering competitive, clean electricity to large energy buyers. Based in the U.S., Recurrent Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. and functions as Canadian Solar’s North American project development arm. Recurrent Energy has approximately 5 GW of solar and storage projects in development in the U.S. Additional details are available at www.recurrentenergy.com.

Signal Energy, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., is a leading full-service design/build contractor providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for utility-scale renewable energy projects. Signal Energy is the renewable energy subsidiary of EMJ Corporation. For more information, visit www.signalenergy.com.

RigUp is a full-service provider of skilled labor. Through people and technology, we match our vetted, hand-picked workers with the companies who need them. We manage everything from recruiting and payments to compliance, training, and beyond. We’re committed to creating economic opportunity for our workforce by building a better way to get work done. Learn more at www.rigup.com

RPCS Strengthens Partnership with Today’s Power, Inc. in 2020 Pipeline

Posted on by Bri Bruce

today's powerMONTEREY, Calif., February 27, 2020—RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) has strengthened their partnership with electric cooperative subsidiary Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) by announcing their 2020 pipeline of projects to be built in TPI’s home state of Arkansas.

The projects, totaling more than 5MW DC, will be supplied and installed in partnership with RPCS.  All will feature DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers by Array Technologies. Array’s mounting technology keeps the modules following the sun on its course throughout the day, ensuring up to a 20 to 25% increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.

Today’s Power, a wholly owned subsidiary of Little Rock-based utility service cooperative Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), will receive RPCS’s turnkey service and support throughout the design and installation processes.

 today's powerThe newly established 2020 pipeline comes in the wake of recently completed projects built under the RPCS-TPI partnership, including the Fayetteville East and Fayetteville West projects in Fayetteville, Arkansas, totaling over 11MW. These TPI projects include the first solar-coupled battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Mid-South, and the largest solar array on municipal land in Arkansas.

Other projects, namely those for the City of Paris, Arkansas, and for Southland Gin, a cotton gin, will soon be underway and are expected to be completed in the spring and summer, respectively, of 2020. The 1MW Southland Gin project, which will be owned and operated by Today’s Power, will consist in part of a DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis tracking system, and will offset the power costs of the gin and through net metering. The array will also feature on-site battery storage, using battery backups for power savings during peak demand, reducing the load on the overall system.

“It has truly been a great pleasure working with Today’s Power,” says RPCS Sales Director Patty Thornton. “The knowledge they bring to the table coupled with the speed and accuracy that they complete the projects is beyond a five-star rating. RPCS is looking forward to building on the partnership we established in 2019.”

 

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) is a leading solar tracker project design, engineering, and installation subcontractor based in Monterey, California. The team specializes in site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. With more than 360 projects and 1 gigawatt completed throughout the US, RPCS’s experience in the ground mount utility and distributed generation market ensures reliable support at every step of the project, delivering an unmatched level of quality and efficiency. To learn more about RPCS or to request a quote, visit stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based utility service cooperative owned by 17 Arkansas electric distribution cooperatives.  TPI is one of the nation’s most experienced renewable energy companies with more utility-scale projects than any Arkansas-based company.  TPI is a full-service provider able to carry out all phases of any solar or battery storage project including, but not limited to, full bill / rate analysis, site evaluation, engineering procurement, design, commissioning, monitoring operating and maintaining projects.

AECI provides full line hardware to the utility sector, vendor managed inventory services, utility construction services, vegetation management services, high voltage testing and safety services, and is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of micro, single phase and three phase transformers through its ERMCO brand.

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. Surpasses 1GW Milestone

Posted on by Bri Bruce

California-based solar project design and installation firm RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) is proud to announce their completion of more than 1GW of solar projects.

 

For RPCS, 2019 was a record year. The company completed well over half a gigawatt in 2019 alone—an increase of more than 200% over 2018—and more than 200 projects in 19 different states.

“We’re thrilled to reach this gigawatt milestone—almost 400 projects of hard work and great memories, with many more to come,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith.

Installing both individual projects and national portfolios, RPCS continues to establish itself as a relationship-based company focused on long-term partnerships—with customers, partners, and employees alike.

“The numbers are fun to celebrate, but the meaningful part is that our company has grown to well over 150 individuals, all dedicating their careers to our single focus of being the best team in the solar industry. In the next five years, we’ll see our numbers grow even more because our focus won’t ever change,” says Smith.

Headquartered in Monterey, California, RPCS provides leading turnkey design, engineering, and installation services for ground mount solar projects throughout the United States. The team specializes in site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. RPCS’s experience in the ground mount utility and distributed generation market ensures reliable support at every step of the project, delivering an unmatched level of quality and efficiency.

Despite market holdup due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the stepdown of the solar investment tax credit, RPCS successfully grew its pipeline for 2019, 2020, and 2021. Early this year, RPCS began offering customers a stocking services option with the opening of two locations in California and Texas, an endeavor that has already proved advantageous since its initiation in January. Bringing stocking operations in-house gives RPCS added levels of predictability, efficiency, and reliability to their business operations. RPCS is able to control the delivery schedule and material accuracy, eliminating schedule impacts as well as overall inefficiencies.

Concurrently, RPCS implemented their Safe Harbor strategy to help project developers, financers, and owners to take advantage of the highest possible ITC rate for projects built in the coming years. Their strategy allows customers to realize savings by both purchasing solar tracker materials directly from RPCS as well as storing them safely and cost effectively in RPCS’s storage facilities to serve projects nationwide.

Among other notable achievements this year was the company’s recognition as a Top Solar Contractor for the second 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. 15 overall out of 415 solar companies, moving up on the list from No. 18 the previous year. RPCS holds the reigning position in the state of Georgia at No. 1, in addition to being ranked the No. 15 Utility Contractor, the No. 4 Installation Subcontractor, and the No. 11 Contractor in their home state of California.

“Its’ an exciting time. The industry is thriving,” says RPCS CEO Eben Russell. “We feel a forever shift has happened, that a world that runs on renewable energy is now a matter of when, not if. Our team, at every level, continues to have enthusiasm to evolve, innovate, and refine. To our customers, vendors, and especially our employees, both past and present, thank you!”

With 2020 on the horizon, the company remains more committed than ever to advancing the growth of solar energy—for the next gigawatt and beyond.

RP Construction Services, Inc. designs and builds ground mount solar projects. With over 360 projects and more than 1GW completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for solar tracker projects, including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker supply, foundation post procurement, and complete mechanical installation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

RPCS Named Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Company of 2018

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Companies[Monterey, Calif.] January, 22, 2019—RP Construction Services Inc. (RPCS) is proud to announce their ranking as a Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Company of 2018 by Energy CIO Insights, an international publication that cumulates the latest technology, opinion, analysis, and discussion of the most predominant issues in the field of energy.

RPCS is featured in the magazine’s annual edition on “Renewable Energy.” Energy CIO Insights’ selection panel evaluated a magnitude of renewable energy consulting and services companies, focusing on their ability to assist and consult in overcoming the challenges and complexities in the renewable energy industry. Energy CIO Insights also received nominations from subscribers for the feature, most of whom are senior executives in the energy industry. The final contributor to the selection process is a select advisory panel of directors and C-level executives of enterprises utilizing the services of renewable energy consulting and services companies. RPCS’s rank was achieved by the company’s recent growth in the utility solar sector, as well as its expansion into new states throughout the nation and into Canada.

Energy CIO Insights selected RPCS as a top renewable energy services company because of its position as being at the forefront of providing unmatched turnkey design and installation services to top U.S. solar companies. RPCS employs 66 workers, in addition to local temp labor, who installed 165,777 kW of solar power in 13 states in 2017, topped by the completion of 231,000 kW and 96 projects in 2018. In the last few years, the company has installed over 550,000 kW of solar in 27 states and in Canada.

RPCS Award
RPCS awarded with Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Company certificate

RPCS is the distributed generation and utility markets’ provider for Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 single axis tracker projects. As Array’s trusted partner, RPCS provides complete turnkey project design and mechanical installation services, and installed systems harness energy gains up to 25% higher than fixed tilt systems. RPCS’ deep history and product expertise of the DuraTrack HZ system provides customers with a trusted choice for flawless execution and repeatable success of single axis tracker projects.

RPCS is working with some of the most respected names in the solar industry, and takes pride in establishing lasting relationships with partners. The team has demonstrated the ability to build numerous different projects simultaneously in multiple states and locations, further establishing their commitment to advancing the growth and future of renewable energy.

 

See our ad in Energy CIO Insights Magazine

See Our Feature Article

 

 

RPCS 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 550 MW and over 260 projects completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. 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. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

LOOKING BACK AT SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2018

Posted on by Bri Bruce
solar power international
Array Technologies, joined by trusted partner RPCS, exhibits again at this year’s Solar Power International conference.

On the heels of attending and exhibiting at this year’s Solar Power International conference in Anaheim, California—the largest and fastest growing solar show in North America, and part of North America Smart Energy Week—RPCS reflects on the week’s many successes.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Abuzz with nearly 20,000 energy professionals in the solar industry, this year’s SPI conference was one for the books. At the time of the show’s start, RPCS reached its biggest milestone yet: 266 projects and nearly 550MWs completed since 2014.

Before the official start of the Solar Power International conference on Tuesday, RPCS was invited to the Top Solar Contractors Gala Monday night to celebrate their win as a 2018 Top Solar Contractor, among hundreds of special guests. RPCS received an award for ranking No. 18 Top Solar Contractor overall, out of nearly 500 solar contractors throughout the U.S., and also ranked No. 3 Solar Installation Subcontractor, No. 8 California Solar Contractor, and No. 18 Utility Solar Contractor.

solar power international tracker demo
Demo of the Array Technologies DuraTrack HZ v3 single axis solar tracker.

Tuesday morning, RPCS joined their partner Array Technologies in booth 1104, at the entrance to the exhibit hall, to once again show their support for the world’s leading and most reliable solar tracker. Visitors could see an in-depth demo of the DuraTrack HZ v3 solar tracker, topped with both bifacial modules and First Solar Series 6 modules.

Array’s booth was located right next to Shoals Technologies Group’s booth, the BoS leader that RPCS has also recently partnered with to deliver the next phase in their turnkey service. Earlier this year, RPCS announced its collaboration with Array, Shoals, and CAB Solar to offer their most streamlined turnkey solution yet: The Plug-N-Play Solar Tracker. The Plug-N-Play solution combines Shoals and CAB Solar above-ground wire management solutions for the Array DuraTrack HZ v3 solar tracker, aimed at simplifying your tracker project install, utilizing less specialized labor and requiring less time, resulting in faster commissioning speeds.

Overall, RPCS saw a bustle of activity all three days of the show. There was a great turnout, and engaging conversations happening at the booth. “This year’s SPI show was really a lot of fun with a lot of great energy,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith. “All of our meetings were very collaborative and you could feel the excitement about the projects in the works for next year. While it’s hard to believe 2019 is only a few months away, we’re all looking forward to what lies ahead.”

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event in Salt Lake City, Utah. We hope to see you there!

 

If you didn’t have a chance to come by the booth, reach out to our team at info@rpcs.com or join our mailing list to stay up to date on our future announcements and event schedule!

Cenergy Power, MCE, RPCS Commission San Francisco Bay Area’s Largest Publicly Owned Solar Project

Posted on by Bri Bruce

MCE Solar One RPCSMONTEREY, CALIF. January 29th, 2018 – RPCS is pleased to congratulate Cenergy Power and sPower on the completion of their MCE Solar One project. A local renewable energy project built on an old refinery, MCE Solar One is a new 60-acre, 10.5 MW ground mount solar farm in Richmond, California.

The project deployed approximately 80,000 ground mounted modules using both a fixed tilt rack as well as single axis trackers, with RPCS supplying and installing the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 tracker for the SAT portion. Pre-development costs were covered in part by customers participating in MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy service. Once completed, MCE Solar One will generate renewable energy to power 3,417 homes per year.

MCE and the city of Richmond also committed to a 50 percent local hire requirement to build MCE Solar One, guaranteeing local benefits through clean energy job creation. In supporting this local hire requirement, MCE created over 300 jobs by partnering with RichmondBUILD, a program that focuses on developing skill in the high growth, high wage construction and renewable energy sectors. Eighty percent of graduates from RichmondBUILD’s programs are placed into well-paying jobs. MCE will train and hire skilled graduates of the RichmondBuild program as employees for the project.MCE Solar One RPCS Cenergy

“It’s great seeing an old refinery convert its property to a solar project. Overcoming site-specific environmental and property challenges on this site is proof that more of these projects are going to keep happening. It was a pleasure supporting MCE, sPower, and our long-term partners at Cenergy while providing opportunities for local workers through RichmondBUILD,” said RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith. “This project is a real achievement for everyone involved and a success for lots of people on lots of different levels. We’re very happy to have helped support MCE Solar One and to congratulate MCE, sPower, and Cenergy Power.”

Together, MCE, sPower, Cenergy, and RPCS are working toward increasing the use of renewable energy resources in an effort to help the state reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals, all while creating local jobs and clean power.

Learn more about the project at https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/news/press-releases/mce-solar-one/

 

About RP Construction Services, Inc.:
RPCS 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 300 MW and over 180 projects completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels ATI’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:
Array Technologies, Inc. is the leading solar tracking solutions and services provider for utility-scale projects. With efficient installation and terrain flexibility coupled with high reliability, durability, and performance, Array delivers the best project returns in the industry. As the chosen tracker for more than 16 GW years of energy production, Array’s products have been optimized through unparalleled experience garnered over nearly three decades. Array Technologies is headquartered in the United States with offices in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Australia. For more information, please visit arraytechinc.com.

 

 

 

 

RPCS Partners with REC Solar to Complete 4.5MW AC Solar Farm for CalPoly

Posted on by Bri Bruce
RPCS REC Solar CalPoly
Photo: REC Solar

MONTEREY, CALIF. – January 26th – On Wednesday, an official ribbon cutting ceremony for Cal Poly’s first solar farm celebrated the successful completion of a high profile and very meaningful solar project. The new solar farm is the first energy-related project since the university announced their goal of climate neutrality.

The 18.5-acre 4.5 MW AC solar site containing more than 16,000 solar panels is located on the western side of the CalPoly campus in San Luis Obispo, California. Set to generate more than 11 million kWh each year (enough to power over 1,000 homes), the solar farm will produce up to 25% of the university’s total electricity needs while creating nearly $17 million in savings.

CalPoly partnered with REC Solar, a San Luis Obispo-based company founded by two CalPoly alumni, and RPCS to design, construct, and install the site. The site is being financed by Duke Energy via a power purchase agreement that will allow CalPoly to purchase energy at a lower rate without paying upfront for the cost of the system’s construction and maintenance.

The solar farm uses ground-mounted single-axis tracking technology from RPCS partner Array Technologies. This innovative technology, specifically Array Technologies’ DuraTrack HZ v3 system, increases energy production of the solar modules by 20 to 25 percent over fixed-tilt systems. RPCS is the trusted DG partner for Array Technologies’ solar tracker systems and provides leading U.S. solar companies with turnkey services in the ground mount utility-scale solar sector.

RPCS REC Solar CalPoly
Photo: REC Solar

The solar farm will also provide an added opportunity for students to study and conduct experiments in a hands-on environment. The site will incorporate a newly created solar engineering and microgrid laboratory to maximize academic applications for students and faculty.

“CalPoly is an important project for a lot of reasons and RPCS is proud to have contributed to its success. It was a pleasure making sure the trackers and installation were perfect and that everything from boundaries, topo, environmental, and schedule challenges were handled beautifully. All of us who worked on this project will remember it and be proud to visit for decades to come,” said Alex Smith, RPCS’s Chief Sales Officer. “Congrats to REC, Duke, and CalPoly’s leadership and students!”

The CalPoly campus is located on California’s Central Coast and in an environmentally sensitive and restricted area, neighboring the area’s iconic Bishop’s Peak. The geological realities for a ground mount project in this location included significant sloping and undulations as well as challenging soils which required sophisticated foundation designs and installation methods.

In addition, the campus neighbors an equestrian center, where subjecting the resident horses to noise was a concern. The team was also under strict regulations to ensure that construction did not interfere with important artifacts from nearby Native American cultural sites. RPCS adjusted its schedule and planned on behalf of REC and Duke to ensure that the installation timing, methods, and durations would be considerate and effective in reducing construction noise and disturbance.

The university is known for its sprawling, breathtaking grounds, so ensuring that it would remain pristine before, during, and after construction was a special goal that RPCS was able to achieve.

About RP Construction Services, Inc.: RPCS 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 300 MW and over 180 projects completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels ATI’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:
 Array Technologies, Inc. is the leading solar tracking solutions and services provider for utility-scale projects. With efficient installation and terrain flexibility coupled with high reliability, durability, and performance, Array delivers the best project returns in the industry. As the chosen tracker for more than 16 GW years of energy production, Array’s products have been optimized through unparalleled experience garnered over nearly three decades. Array Technologies is headquartered in the United States with offices in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Australia. For more information, please visit arraytechinc.com.

 

 

VIDEO: http://ow.ly/wh9Q30ezJru

Official PR from REC Solar: https://recsolar.com/press/cal-poly-dedicates-new-solar-farm/

 

Is Solar a Hobby Job? No Longer!

Posted on by Bri Bruce

first solar rpcsIn 1999, I had an internship at Sunlight & Power as a laborer for solar thermal and PV installations on residences. One day a project would be in Oakland, and the next day we would be in Redwood City. Solar was few and far between; my father called it a “hobby job” …

Today, the Department of Energy estimates that solar jobs are no longer a hobby. In fact, over 250,000 people are employed by this bright emerging technology sector. A light in the dark coal mining history of energy, the renewable energy industry along with distributed energy storage aims to create infrastructure jobs that cannot be exported or imported. Solar installed on US soil must be installed in the US. These jobs are only threatened by politics.

As a microstudy, our little company stgrpcs.wpengine.com has worked with 417 local hires in South Carolina, Colorado, Indiana, New Mexico, Georgia, Florida, California, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Mississippi – and I think I am missing a few others. We provide training and work. Our developer & EPC clients provide these great and expanding opportunities to build infrastructure that is local. In one particular town, Barnwell, South Carolina – the town treated us as family for many of the local sons & daughters came to work with us on the solar farm…. and there is more to come! We cannot stop the sun.

How many people work with your solar company? I bet it’s a growing number.

Why stop that growth? I am yet to hear a valid reason; yes there are technical challenges with storage and distribution – but let’s not run away from those challenges.

When we look at the world, what do we see? China installs solar too, yes. Is that a bad thing? The Chinese have installed more solar in the last 3 years than the USA and Germany (#2 and #3 PV Countries) combined in the last 15 years. Why not benefit from those economies of scale that a global economy creates?

Who are we protecting when we place a tariff?

In India, the price of solar panels has been reported as low as $0.34/watt-DC. The entire WORLD is installing solar these days. Why would we build a tariff wall to put ourselves behind the rest of the world? Let’s use these valuable US dollar$ to buy some non-plastic energy producing goods that will create skilled jobs, improve the infrastructure, and beef up energy security in the USA. If we let this thing ride, the opportunities and jobs will continue to grow.

In the US, new states are embracing wind, solar, and energy storage – with minnesota, illinois, nebraska, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and many more realizing that solar energy is less expensive, and easier to deploy and maintain, than any other type of energy generation.

Let the sun shine in! This industry is not a hobby; it is now a global juggernaut. The USA should be leading the way, so I vote that we raise the bar.

 

Adam Larner
VP Operations, RPCS

Lamesa Solar Facility Project Wins Utility Scale Category of the 2017 Solar Builder’s Project of the Year Award

Posted on by Nate Russell

Array Technologies and Renewable Energy Systems’ Lamesa Solar Facility Project Wins Utility Scale Category of the 2017 Solar Builder’s Project of the Year Award

 

Lamesa Solar Facility Project of the Year Award
The Lamesa Solar Facility in Lamesa, Texas, belongs to one of the largest utility-scale solar portfolios in the state.

RPCS is proud to announce the achievement of our partner, Array Technologies, and solar developer Renewable Energy Systems (with whom RPCS has recently partnered for distributed generation solar tracking projects). A congratulations is in order for their win of the 2017 Solar Builder Project of the Year Award in the utility scale category.

The Lamesa Solar Facility in Lamesa, Texas, belongs to one of the largest utility-scale solar portfolios in Texas, consisting of 410,000 solar panels that provide 131 MW of clean power to 15,000 local homes. Although poor weather threatened the delivery and installation schedule immediately after breaking ground, the tracker systems were delivered on time with a high degree of efficiency and seamless project logistics.

Utilizing Array Technologies’ DuraTrack HZ v3, RES’s teams installed around 80 tracker rows per working day, completing the project with 25 percent fewer onsite workers in comparison to other solar tracking projects of similar size and scope. Originally expecting a 15-day commissioning period, RES commissioned in just 10 days, completing the project.

Developer: BNB Renewables Energy Holdings, Renewable Energy Systems (RES)
Contractor: Renewable Energy Systems (RES)
Modules: Trina Solar
Mounting: Array Technologies

View the complete list of this year’s winners here.

RPCS Partners with Renesola Power Services on Portfolio of North Carolina Projects

Posted on by Nate Russell

RPCS Partners with Renesola Power Services on Portfolio of North Carolina Projects

 

Renesola ATI RPCS NC
In a few short weeks, this will be a 2MW Array DuraTrack HZ v3 Tracker site as part of the portfolio of North Carolina projects.

Monterey, California (October 1, 2017) — RP Construction Services Inc. (RPCS), Array Technologies Inc.’s Value Added Reseller and leading installer for projects 10MW (AC) and under celebrates the kick off of another portfolio of single axis tracker projects, partnering with Renesola Power Services. The partnership will include the tracker procurement and mechanical construction of 7 sites, all commencing simultaneously.

RPCS is proud to partner with Renesola Power and Solvida Energy to present a seamless project experience from design through commissioning. Having completed multiple projects in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, RPCS is excited to break ground in the North Carolina market. As the development of solar projects continues to grow throughout the Southeast, RPCS and Array offer a trusted, reliable solution with the industry’s lowest fielded cost while providing national EPCs a turnkey tracker solution.

RPCS 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 275 MW and over 150 projects completed or under construction throughout states including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Indiana, and the southeastern states mentioned above, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker.

RPCS provided customers attending last month’s Solar Power International (SPI) a live demo of Array’s DuraTrack® HZ v3 system, optimized for both standard 72-cell and First Solar module applications. RPCS was proud to represent Array’s innovative product, reconnecting and meeting with both current and future customers. Together, RPCS and Array continue to bring DuraTrack® HZ v3 to more distributed generation projects and portfolios throughout the country at the best price in the industry.

 

About RP Construction Services, Inc.:
RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker supply, foundation post procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels ATI’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at (646) 831-0663. 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:
Array Technologies, Inc. is the leading solar tracking solutions and services provider for utility-scale projects. With efficient installation and high reliability, durability and performance, Array delivers the best project returns in the industry. Array’s DuraTrack HZ v3 has been optimized through 28 years of experience and 13,000 miles of installed tracker products. Array Technologies is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. For more information, please visit arraytechinc.com.

 

RPCS Supports i1 Energy’s First Solar Project

Posted on by Nate Russell
i1logo
i1 Energy Provides EPC services for Solar Projects throughout the country.

I1 Energy to EPC 6.8-MW solar project in New Mexico

I1 Energy, has executed a turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Onyx Renewable Partners L.P. for its 6.8 MW (dc) Middle Daisy Solar project in Lovington, New Mexico. The project includes a 69-kV substation and switch.

Design and procurement services are underway and the project is expected to be completed by the end of Q3. Onyx’s CEO Matthew Rosenblum said, “We are excited to work with i1 as we build our company’s first solar project in New Mexico.”

Topher Wood, COO of i1 Energy, said, “We are very excited to be working with Onyx to provide utility solar in New Mexico. This project kicks-off a strong start for i1 Energy and we look forward to continuing to provide quality projects alongside our partners in the industry.”

RPCS is proud to support i1 Energy on their inaugural EPC solar project in New Mexico. The team at RPCS is looking forward to building a portfolio of projects with the i1 team using the industry’s trusted choice for tracker quality and reliability, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ V3 Single Axis Tracker.

Join RPCS at Intersolar North America 2017

Posted on by Nate Russell
Intersolar
Join RPCS & ATI at Intersolar North America

Join RPCS at Intersolar North America Next Week

Members from the RPCS team will join Array Technologies at booth 9811

MONTEREY, CA – RPCS (RP Construction Services Inc.) is excited to be attending Intersolar North America 2017, and will be holding meetings with customers at the Array Technologies Inc. company booth 9811, located on the 3rd floor of the conference. RPCS is honored to represent the world’s most reliable tracker as ATI’s Exclusive Value Added Reseller for all projects 10 MW (ac) and under.

RPCS provides complete, turnkey services for ATI’s DuraTrack® HZ v3 single axis tracker product. Providing expert knowledge and support for the Array product, RPCS can assist you with site layout optimization, optimized foundation design, ATI procurement and foundation post procurement. Our team also offers turnkey mechanical installation services, ATI commissioning and a full parts & labor warranty.

RPCS has completed over 125 ATI DG projects in the past two years. RPCS has partnerships with the solar industry’s leading EPCs, and is currently building portfolios of Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 projects throughout the country.

RPCS will demo ATI’s live DuraTrack® HZ v3 tracker system, optimized for both traditional 72 cell and First Solar module applications. Let RPCS show you why the ATI DuraTrack® HZ is the best tracker in the industry, and how you can work with RPCS to make integrating trackers into your project portfolios a seamless, stress free experience.

 

Indiana Newspaper Features RPCS

Posted on by Nate Russell

 

TrackerInstall
Mitchell, IN Hoosier Energy ATI Tracker Project

Courtesy of Jeff Routh, Times Mail – Bedford, IN

New Solar Field Under Construction South of Mitchell

If you’ve driven south along State Road 37 lately, you’ve probably noticed the solar panel field under construction just south of Mitchell.

Orange County REMC will be the beneficiary of that new solar array being installed south of White River Co-Op, between State Road 37 and Clover Lane. The field is being built by Hoosier Energy.

The local project is one of 10 solar fields being built by Hoosier Energy. It is the 10th to be completed and is slated to go online later this year. That could be as early as September, if all goes well. A dedication is tentatively planned for Sep. 14.

Construction began earlier this month and it is expected to take three months to build the array, get interconnected and connect to the grid. The total average cost for the 10 solar arrays that Hoosier Energy has built in this project is $2.5 million per array. According to Hoosier Energy, the cost of energy production in this type of array is actually cheaper than if a member was to install their own system at their own home.

The solar array is a 1 megawatt array with 4,000 solar panels and 18 inverters that convert the DC generated power into AC electricity that can be used in the home. The array will generate 2 million kilowatt hours, which is enough to power about 150 houses, according to Matt Deaton, General Manager of Orange County REMC, and information provided to the paper.

Orange County REMC has about 8,000 meters in its coverage area with about 93 percent of those being residential meters. Construction crews are currently installing more than 4,100 solar panels. Each panel weighs about 52 pounds. The panels are QCells and are engineered in Germany. The panels are being installed on vertical posts that have been driven into the ground. The vertical posts are connected with a horizontal rod to which the panels are connected. This vertical rod is motorized and the panels will be able to rotate with the movement of the sun, allowing for maximum collection.

That means the panels will be facing east in the morning and will gradually rotate toward the west as the earth rotates.

The lifespan of the array is projected at 25 years and it covers more than 8 1/2 acres.

Hoosier Energy covers most of southern Indiana, from just north of Bloomington south to the Ohio River.

In 2000, 100 percent of Hoosier Energy’s electricity was generated by burning coal. Today, only 58 percent is generated through burning coal, with an additional 37 percent generated through natural gas plants and the remaining 5 percent through renewable sources. It is projected that, by 2025, at least 10 percent will be produced through renewable sources. Renewable sources include: landfill gas, coal bed methane, hydro-electric, wind and solar energy.

By diversifying their generation methods, Hoosier Energy hopes to better control its costs for generating power and therefore stabilize the rates charged to consumers.

ATI Ships Over 6 Gigawatts Globally

Posted on by Nate Russell

Array Technologies Leads U.S. Market in Solar Tracker Shipments

Solar tracker manufacturer has shipped six GW of solar trackers globally

October 25, 2016 — Array Technologies, Inc. (ATI), the global leader in solar tracking solutions and services, announced today it has shipped six GW of solar trackers globally. The news comes on the heels of GTM Research’s recent report The Global PV Tracker Landscape 2016: Prices, Forecasts, Market Shares and Vendor Profiles, which reported that ATI is the nation’s market share leader in solar tracker manufacturing based on MW volume of tracker shipments.

The Global PV Tracker Landscape 2016 report notes that ATI is not only the U.S. market leader in solar tracking, but also has “the most extensive track record of any tracking vendor and is in the top tier of bankable tracking vendors.”

ATI’s unmatched experience is a key component to the company’s leadership in the industry. While newer competitors face a steep learning curve, ATI’s culture of innovation combined with wisdom from decades in the field and over 12,900 MW years of tracker operation enables the company to provide technology with both low up-front costs and long-term, proven reliability. ATI’s trackers have a simple and elegant design, with the flexibility to adapt to a variety of terrains. While many competing tracker architectures contain more than 29,000 parts in a 100 MW solar plant, an ATI-equipped plant of the same size is comprised of a mere 187 parts, drastically reducing the complexity of install and the level of operations and management required to maintain the project. ATI’s trackers are also robustly designed to survive extreme weather conditions in any tracker position, unlike alternative trackers which rely on assuming a specific position, such as wind-stow, to withstand weather events.

“With 27 years exclusively dedicated to solar tracking, Array Technologies has learned the best processes, business strategies and technology advancements to provide both a high-quality and low-cost product,” said Ron Corio, CEO of ATI. “We look forward to growing our leadership beyond the U.S. to meet the needs of the global utility-scale solar market.”

The GTM Research report follows a recent announcement that the Power Opportunities group of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., a private equity investment strategy focused on accelerating the performance of businesses in the energy and power industries, invested in ATI to enhance the tracker company’s global expansion. The firm targets leading infrastructure and equipment businesses in the energy space. The partnership provides ATI with the capital and strategic support needed to expand the company’s global utility-scale solar tracker operations.

 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:

Array Technologies is the worldwide market leader in tracking solutions for utility and commercial solar electric generation systems, with six gigawatts shipped and installed across the globe. Over the past 27 years, Array’s innovation in solar tracker design and delivery has set the bar for providing the lowest levelized cost of electricity through our easy to install, maintain, and highly reliable tracking systems. Headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, Array Technologies’ solutions are engineered in the USA. For more information about Array Technologies, please visit arraytechinc.com, connect with us on LinkedIn, join us on G+, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Array Technologies Announces RP Construction Services as Exclusive Value Added Reseller for Projects Under 10 MW (ac)

Posted on by Nate Russell

Albuquerque, NM | 9/15/16

Array Technologies, Inc. (ATI), the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable solar tracking solutions, announces an expansion of their highly successful partnership with solar design and construction company, RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS). RPCS now serves as ATI’s exclusive national Value Added Reseller (VAR) for all projects 10 MW (ac) and under.

Working together since 2009, the Array Technologies and RP Construction Services teams have shared great success in the solar tracker market, servicing leading solar companies across a diverse range of portfolios and projects.

“Array Technologies continues to be the tracker market’s standard for quality. We’re honored that Array trusts RPCS as their exclusive value added partner for all projects under 10 MW (ac), ensuring that system owners will recognize the ATI quality through both engineering and installation,” said Eb Russell, founder and President of RP Construction Services Inc.

“I know the RPCS team well and consider them an extension of the ATI team. They do excellent work and will make their customers’ projects successful in every way,” said Ron Corio, founder and CEO of Array Technologies, Inc. “We are looking forward to expanding our reach into the DG space through this strong partnership that supports a growing market segment demanding reliable, high-performing tracker solutions.”

RP Construction Services is currently building DuraTrack® HZ installations across the country, assisting major solar companies with their growing portfolios of single-axis tracker projects.

 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:

Array Technologies is the worldwide market leader in tracking solutions for utility and commercial solar electric generation systems, with nearly 6 gigawatts shipped and installed across the globe. Over the past twenty-seven years, Array’s innovation in solar tracker design and delivery has set the bar for providing the lowest levelized cost of electricity through our easy to install, maintain, and highly reliable tracking systems. Headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, Array Technologies’ solutions are engineered in the USA. For more information about Array Technologies, please visit arraytechinc.com, connect with us on LinkedIn, join us on G+, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

About RP Construction Services, Inc.:

RPCS’ expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker supply, foundation post procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of their projects, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels ATI’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at (855) 428-3000 or (646) 831-0663.