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

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.

 

 

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

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

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

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

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, Knobelsdorff Partner for 17 MW Portfolio

Knobelsdorff RPCS(Monterey, CALIF.) September 8, 2020—RP Construction Services, Inc. and Knobelsdorff announced earlier this week their 2020 partnership to include supplying 14 communities throughout the state of Minnesota with clean, renewable solar energy.

RPCS, a trusted partner of leading solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies, Inc., will be supplying the DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar tracker for the portfolio of 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.

Knoblesdorff Energy (KE), a division of Knobelsdorff, will partner with RPCS to perform engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services. KE also performs startup, commissioning, and O&M services for the renewable energy market, ranking as the #1 top solar contractor in Minnesota and #24 in the nation.

RPCS and KE have worked closely over the last several years on several projects and completed nearly 20 megawatts’ worth of solar projects in 2019.

Included in the 2020 pipeline, the 1.2 MWdc Silver Lake project will be the very first solar array utilizing a combination of AP Alternatives’ ground screw foundation and the Array Technologies single axis tracker. KE will be completing the civil and electrical scope as well as the mechanical installation as the project EPC.

“Partnering with RPCS to be a part of the first solar project using AP Alternatives and Array Technologies is exciting,” said Jeff Schrimpf, General Manager, Energy of KE. “The system has allowed us to find a cost-effective alternative to standard H-pile due to poor soil conditions. Without this alternative, the project may not have been feasible to build.”

“Knobelsdorff is always wonderful to work with,” says RPCS Sales Director Patty Thornton. “They’re timely, efficient, and trustworthy. We’re excited about the upcoming pipeline, but more importantly we’re pleased to have been selected as their source for Array trackers for their projects in Minnesota.”

The portfolio of Minnesota projects will total 17 MWdc, and will be completed in 2020.

 

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) designs, supplies, and builds utility-scale ground mount solar projects. With more than 500 completed projects throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support, including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker supply, foundation post procurement, and complete mechanical installation. As a trusted partner of leading solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies, RPCS’s history, experience, and product knowledge provides customers with a trusted choice for seamless portfolio execution. Visit stgrpcs.wpengine.com for more information.

Knobelsdorff is a premier Electrical, Engineering, Automation and Renewable Energy team offering endless opportunities and innovative solutions to customers across North America. Ranked #126 in Inc. 5000 Series List “fastest-growing companies in the Midwest”, Knobelsdorff has grown from 5 to 150 employees in just one decade. With 30 plus years of industry knowledge, Knobelsdorff is a leader in the dairy, food & beverage, grain, feed, flour & fertilizer, industrial & manufacturing, mining, oil & gas and renewable energy markets. Visit KEway.com for more information.

RP Construction Services, Inc. Surpasses 1GW Milestone

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. 

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

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.