2020 in Hindsight: A Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2020November 17, 2023 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 >

RPCS and Indiana Municipal Power Agency Partnership to Complete Over 85MW of Solar Tracker Projects

Posted on June 16, 2020November 17, 2023 by Bri Bruce

RPCS and Indiana Municipal Power Agency Partnership to Complete Over 85MW of Solar Tracker Projects

(MONTEREY, Calif.) JUNE 16, 2020 – RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) and the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) have partnered to build a number of solar tracker projects to supply communities throughout the state of Indiana with clean, renewable solar energy.

IMPA is the wholesale power supplier to 61 public power communities in Indiana and Ohio, providing a diverse portfolio of power resources in a low-cost, reliable, and environmentally responsible manner for its communities and their customers. IMPA has taken on the role of developer and EPC and will receive 100% of the power production from these solar projects, all characteristics that make the organization unique and contribute to their ability to complete projects smoothly and efficiently for the benefit of the IMPA member communities.

RPCS and IMPA have worked closely over the last several years on a number of projects, forming a deep trust and true partnership. From 2018 to 2020, RPCS has helped IMPA design, supply, and build the racking posts and tracker system at 17 of IMPA’s solar parks, comprising nearly 85 megawatts throughout Indiana.

“RPCS is pleased to again be working with IMPA in 2020 on a number of projects that will help supply their communities with reliable, clean energy,” says RPCS Sales Director Blaz Ruzic.

The projects will all feature the DuraTrack HZ V3 solar trackers from Array Technologies.

“RPCS has been an excellent partner on our solar park projects,” commented Emily Williams, Project Manager for IMPA. “Their design capabilities, installation expertise for the tracker systems, and ability to meet our tight construction schedules has made a very positive impact on our projects.”

IMPA leveraged RPCS’s stocking services to Safe Harbor solar tracker components for the portfolio of projects completed in the second half of 2019 and leading into 2020. This allowed IMPA and RPCS to collectively achieve impressive engineering, supply, and installation lead times, in addition to nearly doubling IMPA’s installation capacity. The efforts of RPCS’s on-site crew also proved timely and efficient, installing the tracker systems for IMPA’s projects ahead of schedule, all while navigating and conquering field challenges encountered during construction.

“The solar market is a very fast paced environment which consistently requires a high level of trust and intensive collaboration across all trades and suppliers involved,” says Ruzic. “IMPA has been an esteemed client for RPCS due to their deep understanding of the solar development life cycle and their key emphasis for relationship-driven, long-term partnerships. IMPA’s team chemistry, detailed organization, and constant real-time communication has been, and continues to be, a crucial strength.”

RPCS looks forward to their continued partnership with IMPA in the year ahead.

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. For more information, visit stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

The Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) is the not-for-profit wholesale power provider to 61 cities and towns in Indiana and Ohio who own and operate the municipal electric distribution systems in their communities. IMPA member communities deliver electric service to approximately 340,000 individuals throughout the state. For more information, visit www.IMPA.com.

RPCS Helps Pine Gate Renewables and NARENCO Complete 57MW Solar Project in South Carolina

Posted on February 12, 2019November 20, 2023 by Bri Bruce

RP Construction Services (RPCS) is celebrating the success of Pine Gate Renewables and NARENCO on their recent project completion.

Pine Gate Renewables, a national utility-scale solar developer, owner, and operator, energized its Peony solar project in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, last week.

Peony is a 57-MW site spanning 334 acres. It can generate more than 97,400 MWh per year, equivalent to powering over 9,300 homes.

Project partner NARENCO, a leading engineering, procurement, construction, and development firm (EPC), helped install the 175,000 tracker panels on the site. The site features DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers by Array Technologies, mechanically installed by RPCS, Array’s trusted partner. The trackers keep 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.

“The efforts of all parties allowed us to deliver a high-quality project that will generate decades of clean power to South Carolina,” says Andy Giraldo, president of EPC at NARENCO.

“It was a real pleasure supporting NARENCO on this project,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith. “Peony was a very well executed project and all the great planning, communication, and collaboration with NARENCO leading up to the build came together to ensure a smooth installation.”

RPCS’s latest milestone is completing over 550MW for over 260 solar energy projects throughout 27 different U.S. states and Canada. Voted a 2018 Top Solar Contractor, the company was recently also named Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Company by Energy CIO Insights.

“We are very proud of the outcome and thankful for the contributions from the teams at PGR and NARENCO,” says Chris Dunbar, CCO at Pine Gate Renewables. “We anticipate this project being a model for our future efforts in South Carolina.”

RP Construction Services (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 in the last few year, 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.

Pine Gate Renewables is a developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar farms based in Asheville, NC with offices in Charlotte, NC and Jacksonville, FL. To learn more about Pine Gate and their mission to Get Solar Done, visit www.pgrenewables.com.

NARENCO is a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and development firm specializing in utility-scale and commercial solar installations. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, NARENCO has established a strong track record of success as it has developed and constructed over 200MW of solar projects. For more information about NARENCO, visit www.narenco.com.

Cloud County Community College Goes Solar

Posted on November 15, 2018November 20, 2023 by Bri Bruce

As part of Kansas’ Cloud County Community College’s Solar Energy Technology program, new solar energy courses—spurred by the installation of a new on-campus solar site—will train students for high-tech, high-wage jobs in the exciting, emerging solar industry through innovative teaching and educational partnerships.

Monterey, Calif., November 15, 2018—The installation of an on-campus solar site commences new solar energy classes of Cloud County Community College’s Solar Energy Technology program.

The site will service the campus’s energy needs, and will be installed by students enrolled in the program. Historically focusing on wind energy, solar was a natural transition. The program is centered around hands-on training for solar projects, including construction and electrical training for both residential and commercial solar.

“The curriculum blends on-campus, on-line and distance learning, land-lab, and field training opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students,” the college’s website states. This educational program will produce a qualified workforce to serve the emerging solar industry throughout Kansas and the nation.

Founded in 1965, Cloud County Community College is dedicated to delivering high quality, innovative, and accessible educational opportunities and services that prepare a diverse population to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners who can meet the challenges of an ever-changing global community.

Students, faculty, and staff of the college formed an active, volunteer-based group that has named itself the “Go Green Committee,” which has distinguished itself on campus with numerous environmentally-friendly efforts. The college earned a Green Power Partnership, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a voluntary program encouraging organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use.

The Cloud County Community College solar array under construction with the help of students of the Renewable Energy Technology program.

The 200kw site features LONGi 340W solar panels on Array Technologies’ DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers. 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. RP Construction Services Inc. (RPCS), California-based solar construction contractor and Array Technologies’ trusted partner, helped supply the project

Andrew Clark, Cloud County Community College Renewable Energy Technology instructor and also the project’s construction manager, used his experience as a local solar installer to help students with the installation process and guide them in overcoming challenges posed by snowy weather.

“It was my dream when I started teaching at Cloud to introduce solar to the program offerings,” says Clark. “Once I found out that was possible, I decided the program needed a solar project, so I imagined a small solar array to get their feet wet. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we were going to be able to secure funding for the project and finish it the very next year. It really has blown my mind all that we were able to accomplish in a short amount of time. I have to thank everyone who was involved; they helped make it possible.”

The program hopes to complete the project in a few weeks, celebrating with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The college is excited about increasing its clean energy output, adding 200kW of solar to 200kW of existing wind power. The college’s heating comes from geothermal power.

Of the new college slogan, playing on the school’s colors—black and gold—Andrew says, “Our new colors are black, gold, and green.”

Cloud County Community College was founded in 1965 and serves twelve counties in North Central Kansas. The first campus was located in Concordia, however, services are provided at 28 other sites, including the Geary County Campus in Junction City, Kansas. The college aims to prepare students to lead successful lives and enhances the vitality of local communities.

RP Construction Services (RPCS) supplies, 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.

MCE Solar One Ribbon Cutting

Posted on April 27, 2018November 20, 2023 by Bri Bruce

RPCS is pleased to congratulate Cenergy Power and sPower on the completion of their MCE Solar One project, and is honored to have been part of this incredible project. A local renewable energy project built on an old Chevron oil refinery, MCE Solar One is a new 60-acre, 10.5 MW ground mount solar farm in Richmond, California.

“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.

“We’re very happy to have helped support MCE Solar One and to congratulate MCE, sPower, and Cenergy Power.”

See the press release here: https://www.ampacity.com/mce-solar-one-rpcs/

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.

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

Posted on January 29, 2018November 20, 2023 by Bri Bruce

MONTEREY, 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.

“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/

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

Posted on January 26, 2018November 20, 2023 by Bri Bruce

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.

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 January 15, 2018November 20, 2023 by Bri Bruce

In 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

RPCS Volunteers, Sponsors the Denver Housing Authority Community Solar Build

Posted on November 3, 2017November 20, 2023 by Nate Russell

RPCS Volunteers and Construction Crew

Last week, team members from the Monterey office traveled to Watkins, Colorado to meet members from the construction crew on site at one of RPCS’ Colorado Array DuraTrack HZ tracker projects. Some of the most rewarding aspects about building DG projects across the country lie within the history and stories behind the projects. This particular project, built for the Denver Housing Authority is a perfect example. In partnership with GRID Alternatives and Namaste Solar, RPCS was proud to sponsor and attend GRID Alternative’s community solar build event.

GRID Alternatives Colorado partnered with the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) to build a 2MW, 100% low-income community solar garden, the country’s first that is developed, owned, and operated by a housing authority. Last week’s community build day event invited more than 150 volunteers, solar job trainees, and solar construction interns to come together and learn about the benefits of solar energy and the communities that it supports. Participants toured the project site, learned about the technology behind solar power and single axis trackers, and shared in the hands-on experience of the construction process.

Volunteers gather the morning of the volunteer day to participate in the community solar build.

Alongside GRID Alternatives and developer Namaste Solar, RPCS employees volunteered their time to help supply energy burdened families with affordable, renewable energy. The build day culminated in a celebration of the progress made and the hard work of all involved, where the presence of political champions, such as Aurora, Colorado Mayor Steve Hogan and members of the state senate, advocated for solar job training, community engagement, and clean energy.

The 11-acre array, including nearly 6,000 modules, will serve an estimated 500 to 700 homes, all DHA residents who qualify for the program and are below 185% of the federal poverty level. Not only will the program help families reduce their energy bills by nearly 20%, but it is also benefiting solar job seekers and reducing our carbon footprint. The solar garden will save 54,139 tons of C02, and is equivalent to planting 1.2 million trees, or taking 10,374 passenger vehicles off the road for one year.

Solar power generated from projects like the Denver Housing Authority Community Solar Garden will help low-income households live more affordably, helping contribute to their long-term financial security.

Learn more about the event here.

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

Posted on October 4, 2017November 20, 2023 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

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.

MCE Solar One Project Progress Update

Posted on September 21, 2017November 20, 2023 by Nate Russell

Check out this video from our friends at MCE Clean Energy sharing a project update for the MCE Solar One project in Richmond, CA. RPCS is proud to support MCE’s mission to bring Bay Area residents a clean, renewable source for power. In partnership with Jeff Lifur and team at Cenergy Power, RPCS is building a 5.4MW (ac) solar project using the Array Technologies DuraTrack HZ v3 single axis tracker.

Constructed on a Chevron Richmond Refinery brownfield site, the MCE Solar One project will be the largest publicly owned solar array in the Bay Area to date. The project is being built by graduates of the RichmondBUILD academy. A public-private partnership focused on developing talent and skill in the high growth, high wage construction and renewable energy fields, RichmondBUILD provides an opportunity for graduates local to the Richmond, CA area to develop careers in our growing industry. In total, the MCE Solar One project will provide over 340 jobs and at completion generate enough energy to power over 3,000 homes. RPCS’ own Surinder Sandhu, a RichmondBUILD academy graduate is featured in this video. Great job team!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJMZ6A1UxT0

RPCS Supports i1 Energy’s First Solar Project

Posted on July 12, 2017November 20, 2023 by Nate Russell

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 July 7, 2017November 20, 2023 by Nate Russell

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 3^rd 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 July 5, 2017November 20, 2023 by Nate Russell

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 October 25, 2016November 20, 2023 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 September 15, 2016November 20, 2023 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.