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RP Construction Services Now Offering Nextracker

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Nextracker

Monterey, CALIF. (February 7, 2023)—RP Construction Services (RPCS) is excited to announce it is now offering single-axis trackers from Nextracker, the trusted global market leader in solar tracking technologies. RPCS will be providing Nextracker products to address the growing U.S. demand for smaller utility-scale solar projects and distributed generation (DG) applications.

RPCS has completed thousands of smaller utility-scale and DG projects, which are typically under 30 megawatts in capacity, and is honored to partner with Nextracker to self-perform their design and stamped engineering with warehousing Nextracker’s NX Horizon™ smart solar trackers. Rapid, accurate, and reliable project designs and pricing are a must for developers who want to execute portfolios of small utility projects and the same is true for EPCs and contractors who can now receive RPCS’ site-specific, pre-kitted, and construction ready Nextracker systems. RPCS delivers design and schedule flexibility that today’s solar power generation industry demands.

“We put solar projects into motion with our full suite of solutions—from turnkey design, supply, and installation support to logistics, preassembly, and onsite training solutions—based on gigawatts’ worth of experience in the market,” says RPCS President Eben Russell. “We are thrilled to partner with Nextracker to offer their best-in-class technology, supported by our innovative project enablement capabilities, to provide an unrivaled degree of support and, ultimately, customer success. Our value-added approach combined with the Nextracker product will maximize every project’s potential and will result in the highest quality operating assets for our customers.”

Nextracker’s flagship platform, NX Horizon™, has been the tracker of choice on more than 90 GW-worth of solar power plants worldwide. This smart solar tracker system helps maximize performance and minimize costs across a broad range of project sites and weather conditions.

“In order to extend our world-class technology to smaller projects and respond to customer demand, we chose RPCS as our highly capable channel partner to address the continued growth in the smaller utility-scale and distributed generation markets,” said Howard Wenger, President at Nextracker. “RPCS’ value lies in its ability to stock, consolidate, and kit material, and provide high quality project execution and training on site—and we’re proud to work with them as a channel partner.”

This new partnership with Nextracker allows RPCS to continue to service its expanding customer base, providing expert services to accelerate and ensure the best value for tracker projects across the country.

 

 

About RP Construction Services

RP Construction Services, LLC (RPCS) is the nation’s leading value-added distributor of utility-scale solar equipment. RPCS offers the industry’s best solar tracker technologies supported by a suite of project enablement services including design engineering, warehousing and logistics, pre-assembly, and mechanical installation to provide solar EPCs, developers, and utilities with simple, high-performance solar tracking solutions. Since 2014, RPCS has delivered more than 4GW of fully engineered single-axis solar tracking systems to customer sites in more than 41 U.S. states and Canada. Our team currently consists of more than 200 individuals working throughout the United States to accelerate and simplify solar deployment. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com. RPCS is a proud member of the Quanta Services family of companies.

 

About Nextracker

Nextracker is a leading provider of intelligent, integrated solar tracker and software solutions used in utility-scale and distributed generation solar projects around the world. Its products enable solar panels to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance. With plants operating in more than thirty countries worldwide, Nextracker offers solar tracker technologies that increase energy production while reducing costs for significant plant ROI. For more information, visit Nextracker.

 

 

Media Contacts

Bri Bruce, RPCS
+1 8316202188
bbruce@rpcs.com

Kristan Kirsh, Nextracker
+1.650.814.1273
Kkirsh@nextracker.com

 

Quanta Services Named 2023 Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World

Posted on by Bri Bruce

2023 top solar contractorQuanta Operating Companies Collaborate to Achieve Solar Industry Top Spot and Historic Milestone

HOUSTON – July 25, 2023 – Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) announced today that it has been named the top solar infrastructure solutions provider in the United States by Solar Power World. This achievement was made possible by the collaborative work of three Quanta operating companies: Blattner Company, RP Construction Services (RPCS) and The Ryan Company. The combined expertise and efforts of the three companies installed more than two gigawatts of domestic solar generating capacity in 2022 alone – a new milestone of achievement in Top Solar Contractor history.

Duke Austin, Quanta Services’ President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Being named Top Solar Contractor is an honor and tells part of the bigger story of how we are working to build a brighter and cleaner energy future for the country. To achieve a reduced-carbon economy, we must actively collaborate to drive the shift toward renewable and sustainable energy solutions.”

Quanta’s renewable energy infrastructure solutions powers modern life, and with its more than 200 operating companies, Quanta is building, modernizing and maintaining energy infrastructure across North America and Australia. Powerhouse renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions provider, Blattner Company, was acquired by Quanta in 2021 and during its history has constructed more than 25 percent of the utility-scale renewable energy generating capacity in the United States. The Ryan Company provides EPC construction solutions for photovoltaic (PV) solar, wind and other renewable generation industries, as well as electrical infrastructure, substations and large-scale public sector construction services. RPCS is one of the nation’s leading value-added distributors of utility-scale solar equipment.

“We are incredibly honored to be part of Quanta’s standout solar team,” said Brett Beatty, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Blattner. “This award is a testament to the hard work, talent and dedication of our more than 4,000 employees working at our renewable energy project sites across the country. They are the reason we’re part of this top solar team. We applaud all of the solar contractors that made the list this year.”

“Renewable energy accounts for a quarter of U.S. electrical generation, now far exceeding electricity produced by burning coal,” said Kelsey Misbrener, managing editor of Solar Power World. “Solar power is an important member of that renewable makeup, and companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are all contributing to our country’s shift to cleaner electricity. We are honored to recognize them each year for their necessary work putting green kilowatts on roofs, over parking lots, in desert locations and across water reservoirs. Every project is making a difference.”

 

About Top Solar Contractors

The Top Solar Contractors List is the most recognized annual listing of solar contractors in the United States working in the utility, commercial, residential and community solar markets. Companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are grouped and listed by specific service (developer, electrical subcontractor, EPC, installation subcontractor, installer, sales partner), market (commercial, community solar, residential, utility) and states by 2022 installed capacity (in kWDC). See all the 2023 winners, including special company awards.

 

About Quanta Services

Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta’s comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.

 

About Blattner Company

Blattner is Leading America to a Clean Energy Future. With more than 115 years of construction experience, the company has played a vital role in building America’s critical infrastructure. Since 1997, Blattner has focused on renewable energy solutions and is responsible for some of the most significant solar, wind, and storage projects in the U.S. Blattner Company and its operating subsidiaries, Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons, are all members of the Quanta Services family of companies. Blattner Company headquarters are in Avon, Minnesota.

 

About RPCS

RP Construction Services (RPCS) is a leading value-added distributor of utility-scale solar equipment. RPCS offers top solar tracker technologies supported by a suite of project enablement services including design engineering, warehousing and logistics, pre-assembly, and mechanical installation to provide solar EPCs and developers with simple, high-performance solar tracking solutions. Since 2014, RPCS has delivered more than 4GW of fully engineered single-axis solar tracking systems to customer sites in over 40 U.S. states and in Canada. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com. RPCS is a proud member of the Quanta Services family of companies.

 

About The Ryan Company

Established in 1949, The Ryan Company, Inc. specializes in providing single service or turn-key EPC construction for PV solar, wind, and renewables, as well as industry leading electrical infrastructure, substations and large-scale public-sector construction services. The Ryan Company has completed hundreds of electrical utility projects in the past 60+ years throughout the United States and the Caribbean and is a member of the Quanta Services family of companies. Learn more at RyanCompany.net

 

About Solar Power World

Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, Solar Power World has helped U.S. solar contractors — including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets — grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

 

Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release (and oral statements regarding the subject matter of this press release) contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the development of and opportunities with respect to future projects, including renewable energy projects and other projects designed to support transition to a reduced-carbon economy, as well as statements reflecting expectations, intentions, assumptions or beliefs about future events, and other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they involve or rely on a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict or are beyond our control and reflect management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted by our forward-looking statements and that any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate or incorrect. Forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and by known or unknown risks and uncertainties including, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed in Quanta’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, Quanta’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and any other documents that Quanta files with the SEC. For a discussion of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are urged to refer to Quanta’s documents filed with the SEC that are available through Quanta’s website at www.quantaservices.com or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Quanta does not undertake and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Quanta further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by any third party regarding the subject matter of this press release.

RP Construction Services Expands Distribution & Logistics Arm, Opens Kentucky Warehouse

Posted on by Bri Bruce

KentuckyLouisville, Ky. (June 23, 2023) — MDH Partners today announces the lease-up of Park 65 Business Center, a 260,000-square-foot distribution center located at 100 Brooks Way in Louisville, Kentucky. The firm originally purchased the facility in 2019 when it was 30% leased. RP Construction Services (RPCS) has leased the remaining 180,000 square feet. Robert Walker and Greg Charmoli with Cushman & Wakefield represented the Landlord.

“Park 65 Business Center had the largest existing vacancy of any of our assets in our Fund 1 portfolio,” said Raymond Hill, Vice President of Asset Management at MDH Partners. “We’re thrilled to have reached our goal of full occupancy as RCPS expands its distribution and logistics arm. We look forward to watching them grow to reach new heights of success.”

The new facility will accommodate RPCS’ growing selection of solar tracker inventory and allow the company to augment its single-axis tracker kitting and pre-assembly operations. Louisville’s proximity to suppliers and solar markets in the eastern United States will support RPCS’ continued ability to offer best-in-class lead times to its EPC and developer customers. RPCS’ Louisville facility begins operations this month.

“This larger space allows us to be more creative with our kitting solutions and stay ahead of the enormous demand that we see in our industry,” says Wesley Allen, Senior Director of Supply Chain and Logistics Execution (SCALE), RPCS’ division that oversees warehousing and distribution efforts. “As utility solar project pipelines continue to shift and grow, we are supporting our customers with a smarter, more flexible single-axis tracker design and procurement solution. Their success is our success.”

 

Read the full press release here: https://www.citybiz.co/article/433400/mdh-partners-completes-lease-up-of-louisville-kentucky-distribution-center/

 

About RP Construction Services

RP Construction Services, LLC (RPCS) is the nation’s leading value-added distributor of utility-scale solar equipment. RPCS offers the industry’s best solar tracker technologies supported by a suite of project enablement services including design engineering, warehousing & logistics, pre-assembly, and mechanical installation to provide solar EPCs & developers with simple, high-performance solar tracking solutions. Since 2014, RPCS has delivered more than 4GW of fully engineered single-axis solar tracking systems to customer sites in more than 41 U.S. states and Canada. Our team currently consists of more than 200 individuals working throughout the United States to accelerate and simplify solar deployment. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com. RPCS is a proud member of the Quanta Services family of companies.

RP Construction Services Acquired by Quanta Services

Posted on by Bri Bruce

rpcs quanta servicesMonterey, CALIF. (April 13, 2023) — RP Construction Services, LLC (RPCS) is excited to announce that it has been acquired by Quanta Services, Inc. (Quanta), a Houston-based Fortune 300 company and industry leading specialized infrastructure solutions provider to the utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Now as part of Quanta, RPCS believes it can accelerate its growth and enhance its ability to continue serving the solar industry with best-in-class engineered equipment and support services. The transaction advances RPCS’ long-term strategy of delivering value to its customers, employees, and partners as well as the communities in which the company operates.

“We are extremely excited to join the Quanta family of companies and continue building upon our unique offering to the solar industry,” says Eben Russell, Founder and President of RPCS. “Our proven ability to remove complexity, time and risk from solar projects combined with Quanta’s leading infrastructure solutions, safety and performance culture will make us a better partner than ever for our employees, customers and vendors.”

The acquisition of RPCS strengthens Quanta’s existing infrastructure solutions platform that enables the transition towards a lower-carbon economy. “RPCS offers a unique approach to accelerating and de-risking utility-scale solar projects and we are excited to support their future innovation and growth as part of Quanta,” says Andrew Schwaitzberg, leader of energy transition initiatives at Quanta Services. “RPCS’s capabilities address some of the industry’s biggest challenges head on and they are a strategic complement to Quanta’s existing renewable solutions.”

As a Quanta operating company, RPCS will continue to rely on its fundamental passion for safety, service, ingenuity and human potential that has guided the company. These same values are captured by Quanta’s mission statement: People are at the core of everything we do. RPCS is thrilled to have such strong cultural alignment with its new parent company.

RPCS will operate independently under the Quanta umbrella and there will be no change in management or departmental structure, with Eben Russell continuing his role as President.

 

About RP Construction Services

RP Construction Services, LLC (RPCS) is the nation’s leading value-added distributor of utility-scale solar equipment. RPCS offers the industry’s best solar tracker technologies supported by a suite of project enablement services including design engineering, warehousing & logistics, pre-assembly, and mechanical installation to provide solar EPCs & developers with simple, high-performance solar tracking solutions. Since 2014, RPCS has delivered more than 4GW of fully engineered single-axis solar tracking systems to customer sites in more than 41 U.S. states and Canada. Our team currently consists of more than 200 individuals working throughout the United States to accelerate and simplify solar deployment. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com. RPCS is a proud member of the Quanta Services family of companies.

About Quanta Services

Quanta Services, Inc. is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the utility, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta’s comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.

2022 In Review

Posted on by Bri Bruce

What a year it’s been!

 

To say that 2022 was a prolific year would be an understatement. And just as in years past, this year has been RPCS’ best yet, with the numbers to prove it.

  • 1,297 MW Completed
  • 258 Projects
  • 31 States

In an industry continuing to see supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, price volatility, and tariff uncertainty—not to mention continued pandemic-related distresses—RPCS relied on strategy, namely the company’s unique ability to enable solar tracker projects through design engineering and logistics capabilities. Innovative, tech-enabled work practices persisted to give RPCS an excellent advantage over competitors and allow us to support customers in the design, engineering, and material supply scopes and at all stages of a project.

RPCS secured a steady standing among the nation’s leading design-build firms, earning the No. 27 spot in the Power market of the 2022 Top 400 Contractors survey list by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine, the company’s first year ranking on the list.

Solar Power World magazine recognized RPCS’ installation success by ranking the company at No. 11 overall on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors list. In addition to RPCS’ overall rank, the company also ranks No. 3 in the Installation Subcontractor category and No. 11 in the Utility Installation Contractor category, as well as No. 1 in Kansas, No. 2 in Illinois, No. 3 in New Mexico, and No. 6 in our home state of California.

We navigated and continue to chart the choppy waters of the ITC and IRA. Thanks to an unprecedented move from our current administration that provided a 24-month lift on duties related to solar imports, we marched on.

We continued to grow as a company while establishing additional locations to strengthen the foundations of sales and product management. We opened a new sales and marketing operations office in Tampa, Florida, and expanded our logistics capabilities by opening a new facility in Louisville, Kentucky, upping our capacity to kit projects and building on the total support we offer our customers and partners.

RPCS Announces East Coast Expansion with Florida Office

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RPCS Announces East Coast Expansion with Florida Office

 

[Monterey, CALIF.] December 21, 2022 — RP Construction Services Inc. (RPCS) announced this week the opening of a new office in Tampa, Florida.

This new office will be a hub for the company’s business development, marketing, and sales operations, with team members representing our data analytics, marketing, sales, software development, and customer success teams.

“We’re really excited about bringing our team into one location to move some of our more important customer-facing initiatives forward,” says Alex Smith, Chief Sales Officer. “There are several projects that we have been working on that will enhance our customer’s experience and allow RPCS to provide our partners with incredible insight into their project pipelines in various stages: development, estimating, engineering, pre-construction, and construction. Most of our customers deploy national portfolios and we are always improving the way we offer them visibility and predictability on their utility projects.”

The Tampa office plans to host a grand opening reception in the New Year.

 

About RP Construction Services

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) provides turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPCs, developers, and 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. 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 300 employees and is headquartered in Monterey, California, and maintains facilities in California, Mississippi, and Florida. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

RP Construction Services Named ENR’s No. 27 Top Contractor in Power Sector

Posted on by Bri Bruce

enr top contractor[Monterey, CALIF.] September 26, 2022 —Another incredible year of growth helped California-based solar contractor RP Construction Services (RPCS) secure a steady standing among the nation’s leading design-build firms.

RPCS earned the No. 27 spot in the Power market of the 2022 Top 400 Contractors survey list by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine, the company’s first year ranking on the list. In 2021, RPCS completed approximately 200 projects totaling more than 930 megawatts with continued growth throughout 2022.

In an industry bogged down by supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, price volatility, and tariff uncertainty—not to mention pandemic-related shutdowns—RPCS relied on strategy, namely the company’s unique ability to enable solar tracker projects through design engineering and logistics capabilities. Innovative, tech-enabled work practices give RPCS an excellent advantage over competitors and allows them to support their customers in the design, engineering, and material supply scopes and at all stages of a project.

 

 

About RP Construction Services

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) provides turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPCs, developers, and municipal utilities. RPCS is the nation’s leading contractor and single-axis solar tracker expert with projects successfully completed in more than 40 U.S. states and Canada, helping customers meet their renewable energy goals with simple, seamless project execution. RPCS currently employs a team of more than 250 individuals actively working on numerous construction job sites, in multiple warehouse locations, in our Monterey, California, headquarters, and in regional sales offices throughout the nation. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

RP Construction Services Takes No. 11 on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors List

Posted on by Bri Bruce

top solar contractor[Monterey, CALIF.] July 26, 2022 — Despite concerns over supply chain interruptions and tariff investigations, the U.S. solar industry saw record solar and energy storage demand in 2021. RP Construction Services can attest to this, having one of its busiest years yet. Solar Power World has recognized the company’s installation success by ranking RPCS at No. 11 overall on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors list.

The Top Solar Contractors list is developed each year by industry magazine Solar Power World to honor the work of solar installers in the United States. Solar firms in the utility, commercial and residential markets are ranked by number of kilowatts installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific services, markets, and states.

In addition to RPCS’ overall rank, the company also ranks No. 3 in the Installation Subcontractor category and No. 11 in the Utility Installation Contractor category, as well as No. 1 in Kansas, No. 2 in Illinois, No. 3 in New Mexico, and No. 6 in our home state of California.

RPCS completed nearly 200 projects totaling over 930MW of solar power in 2021. To date, the company has completed more than 3.5GW, providing turnkey design, structural engineering, procurement/supply, mechanical installation, and specialty services to EPCs, developers, and municipal utilities. Headquartered in Monterey, California, RPCS employs approximately 250 team members and maintains facilities in California, Mississippi, and Kansas.

“It’s an honor to again be included on the Top Solar Contractors List, surrounded by so many great companies,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith. “Thank you to all of the solar companies we work for and to every member of the RPCS team for making the transition to renewable energy a reality.”

 

 

About RP Construction Services

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. 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. Connect with RPCS on LinkedIn or learn more at stgrpcs.wpengine.com.

 About Solar Power World

Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors — including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets — grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

 

 

Media Contacts

RP Construction Services
Bri Bruce, Director of Marketing
831-620-2188
bbruce[at]rpcs.com

Solar Power World
Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief
216-860-5259
kpickerel[at]wtwhmedia.com

 

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.

 

 

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 >

 

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.

 

RPCS Welcomes Mario Colecchia as Senior Structural Engineer

Posted on by Bri Bruce

mario colecchiaRP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) is pleased to welcome Mario Colecchia as Senior Structural Engineer

 

Mr. Colecchia joins RPCS from AZTEC Engineering Group, where he was previously a structural engineer.

As Senior Structural Engineer, Mario Colecchia will provide structural engineering assessments, calculations and stamped designs to comply with applicable codes, as well as manage and oversee engagement with geotechnical firms to gather needed field level data and generate geotechnical studies.

Working closely with the RPCS sales team, project managers, and field crews, Mr. Colecchia’s role in analyzing geotechnical reports or onsite issues related to foundations will help identify solutions and keep projects running smoothly. Mr. Colecchia will help contribute to the overall strategic initiatives of the company to help RPCS continue to maintain its reputation for quality and as an innovative, solution-oriented design-build installation company.

Mario Colecchia is a Professional Structural Engineer with over 20 years of experience designing a variety of structures including highway bridges, retaining walls, overhead sign structures, and PV trackers and foundations. For several years before joining RPCS, he worked as a consultant designing foundations for hundreds of RPCS projects. In total, Mr. Colecchia has worked designing and engineering hundreds of RPCS projects, as well as leading projects across the country.

Mr. Colecchia earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from Princeton University in 1992 and his Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994. He is accomplished in the application and interpretation of the AASHTO/ACI/AISC/IBC/NDS design codes and local agency design guidelines. Although most of the projects he has worked on are in the United States, he has international experience as well, including in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Mr. Colecchia is a former Adjunct Professor of Structures at Essex County College where he taught an introductory class in steel, concrete, and timber design emphasizing LRFD to sophomore-level college students. In addition to giving lectures, his responsibilities included developing the curriculum, preparing lessons, and creating exams. He currently teaches the Structures session of a review course for engineers preparing to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. His teaching experience began at Princeton University where, as a teaching assistant, he led a class that introduced engineering concepts to liberal arts students and reviewed papers for publication.

“After several years of working with RPCS as a consultant, it’s great to be able to join the team I most enjoyed serving,” Mr. Colecchia says. “I hope to continue to provide RPCS and their customers the results they’ve come to expect. I am excited to focus entirely on RPCS’s customers!”

 

 

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.

 

2019 In Review

Posted on by Bri Bruce

For RPCS, 2019 has been a banner year.

The California-based solar project design and installation firm 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. To date, RPCS has completed over one gigawatt of projects in 32 different states and Canada.

At the center of their accomplishments this year, RPCS successfully tripled its workforce, welcoming new staff members to help the company expand further into new regions and focus on building larger projects. The hiring of new staff required attention to training and development efforts to allow RPCS to grow safely, without compromising the company’s stellar reputation for quality.

“Employees are the most important asset in our organization,” says RPCS Executive Vice President of Operations Brendan Teague. “That’s why we believe in investing in their safety and development, both of which are foundational to continuing our success in the solar industry.”

RPCS expects the team to continue to evolve, innovate, and refine in the coming year as their pipeline for 2020 takes shape.

Earlier in the 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.

RPCS concurrently implemented their Safe Harbor strategy to help project developers, financers, and owners take advantage of the highest possible solar investment tax credit rate for projects built in the coming years. Their strategy allows customers to realize savings and maximize ROI by both purchasing materials directly from RPCS as well as storing them safely and cost effectively in RPCS’s storage facilities to serve projects nationwide—safeguarding project pipelines prior to the stepdown of the ITC to 26% beginning in 2020.

 

Among other notable achievements 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.

RPCS celebrated their landmark year by giving back, increasing involvement in charitable initiatives, namely helping fundraise for eReaders for the solar-powered SEGA Girls School in Tanzania, Africa, and donating to the efforts of the Youth Sports Alliance in support of RPCS Sales Director Jay Miles, whose daughter fights Leukemia with the help of the organization’s Utah chapter.

 

“This is such a great time to be part of RPCS,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith, reflecting on the year’s successes. “We’ve been adding top talent to our team, building larger and more exciting projects, and we continue to innovate and improve the way companies design and build their single axis tracker projects. We’re very lucky to have such a strong team and a brilliant CEO leading the way.”

 

RPCS’s 2020 forecast is bright, with a number of projects scheduled to begin in early 2020, continuing their momentum and putting the company on schedule for another prolific year ahead.

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 and SunPower Partner to Build 3MW Solar Array for Leading Global Retailer Gap Inc.

Posted on by Bri Bruce
Gap RPCS
Photo by RP Construction Services, Inc.

MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 1, 2019 – Solar energy company SunPower announced earlier this week that the installation of a 3MW solar array for Gap, Inc. is underway at the retailer’s Fresno, California, distribution center.

The ground mount system, owned by Goldman Sachs Renewable Power (GSRP), will be built by RP Construction Services Inc., US-based project design and construction firm specializing in ground-mount solar tracking projects. The project will feature SunPower’s Performance Series solar panels and will track the sun throughout the day, maximizing clean energy production for years to come.

Gap RPCS
Photo by SunPower.

The system will help Gap, Inc. meet nearly half of the facility’s energy needs, while lessening operating expenses and facilitating the company’s target of reaching 100 percent renewable energy across all of its facilities in the next ten years.

“We’re deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and our impact on the planet and communities where we do business,” said Keith White, EVP of Global Sustainability, Gap Foundation and Loss Prevention at Gap Inc. White states the renewable energy generated by the project “is a reliable, cost-effective way to address our sustainability commitments while also contributing to the health of the local community.”

The array will offset 4,539 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of removing nearly 1,000 passenger vehicles from the road for one year.

To learn more about the project, read the original press release from SunPower.

 

 

About RP Construction Services
RPCS designs and builds ground mount solar projects. With over 360 projects and nearly 1GW completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis tracker, 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. 

About SunPower
As one of the world’s most innovative and sustainable energy companies, SunPower provides a diverse group of customers with complete solar solutions and services. Residential customers, businesses, governments, schools and utilities around the globe rely on SunPower’s more than 30 years of proven experience. From the first flip of the switch, SunPower delivers maximum value and superb performance throughout the long life of every solar system. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, SunPower has dedicated, customer-focused employees in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. For more information about how SunPower is changing the way our world is powered, visit www.sunpower.com.

Stocking Services from RPCS: An Interview with CEO Eben Russell

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Offering customers a warehousing or stocking option can be a complex enterprise. It requires, in the least, an inventory tracking system and trained personnel to manage it—not to mention the short-term disruption in cash flow to get the endeavor underway. However, these services can give solar installers an advantage, adding levels of predictability, efficiency, and reliability to their business operations.

As an installer, RP Construction Services (RPCS) began maintaining its own warehouse and stocking operations in January, with facilities in California and Texas. In just under a year, the advantages RPCS gains by bringing warehousing operations in-house are clear.

In an interview with RPCS CEO Eben Russell, Russell discusses what it takes to maintain a stocking operation as an installer and how this allows RPCS to be ahead of the game.

 

Q: Describe the warehouses/stockyards. Where are they located and how many people does it take to maintain them?

Eben Russell: We have two facilities. One in Bakersfield, California, and the other in central Texas. Warehouse staff ranges from 4-8 full time but many of our mechanical installation crew members will converge at locations at different times to prep materials for an upcoming job, service our pile driving machines and other equipment, or assist with our kitting and barcoding efforts.

 

Q: What do you use for inventorying? 

ER: We have created several SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and means and methods to ensure the following:

  1. Accurate inventory counts;
  2. Accurate picking and counting;
  3. Safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly re-packaging;
  4. Easy field receiving and reconciliation, and;
  5. Easy field deployment.

We use NetSuite, along with connections through various APIs, to our logistics company and our warehouse management software to keep track of our inventory, bin counts, and warehouse locations, item receipts, item fulfillments, and shipment tracking.

 

Q: Where do you purchase solar equipment from? Directly from a manufacturer? Do you use a distributor?

ER: Array Technologies. We have a single focus on aspiring to be the easiest, most accurate, quickest source for ground mount systems including front end layout optimization, stamped engineering, delivery, and field installation as a trusted subcontractor partner.

 

Q: What advantages does it give to RPCS as an installer to do warehousing in-house? 

ER: Controlling the delivery schedule and the material accuracy of the mounting system allows our field installations to be as efficient and predictable as possible.  There are already enough variables like weather, subsurface conditions, and the customer’s module deliveries that are outside of our control. We are just trying to eliminate inefficiencies and schedule impacts with the portions of the work we can control.

 

Q: How are you able to make sure your inventory turns over and you don’t just have a backstock of components sitting on your shelves? 

ER: Our market wants lead times that are faster than our manufacturers’ sub-suppliers can commit to, so this is an ongoing challenge. Fortunately, our sales team does a great job of forecasting the high probability orders, the engineering team generates the correct parts lists required to fulfill those forecasted orders, and the sales operations team orders the materials to arrive at the right time to meet our customer’s needs but also allows us to turn the inventory quickly.

 

Q: What’s unique about RPSC’s warehousing offering? 

ER: Most of the single axis tracking system manufacturers focus on the utility scale solar market, which can accept longer lead times and direct-to-the-jobsite bulk container shipments from overseas sources. Having a large stock of components allows us to quote, engineer, and deliver orders quickly and drastically reduce onsite quantity discrepancies and or non-conformities. We are looking to optimize our field delivery methods even further to simplify the receiving and increase the speed of the field installation.

 

Q: When would you recommend other solar installers consider starting their own warehouse operation? 

ER: The solar industry relies on synergistic relationships and partnerships to keep the total installed cost of projects down and the number of installations each year to increase while still maintaining quality. If the warehousing operation isn’t adding value such as kitting or pre-assembly, adding the additional offload/reload touchpoint doesn’t, likely, make sense. We revere companies that take work typically done in the field and put it into the controlled environment, allow the work to be consistent and at the highest quality level, and enable a meaningful amount of work to be completed prior to day one on the jobsite.

 

Q: What should other solar installers know upfront about starting their own operation? How much work is it? 

ER: It has taken the heroic efforts of many to bring it all together. It’s a ton of work. We are finally recognizing the benefits of all that work. The whole team needs to believe in the vision and take it on passionately for it to succeed.

 

To learn more about RPCS’s Safe Harbor strategy, visit https://www.ampacity.com/rpcs-safe-harbor-itc-stepdown/.

To get a project quote, get in touch with our team at http://quote.rpcs.com

 

Original article published by Solar Power World, September 11, 2019

RP Construction Services Modernizes Processes with TrackVia

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Sol Rebel to Share How RPCS is Improving On-Time, On-Budget Project Delivery at OPEX Week Summer

 

DENVER, COLO. (PRWEB) AUGUST 14, 2018 — TrackVia™, the leading low-code workflow platform for operations, is streamlining the data collection processes of RP Construction Services (RPCS) with custom-built software applications. These mobile-ready applications help RPCS collect and analyze job site data in real-time and with greater accuracy.

With the help of Sol Rebel, a solar consulting services firm, RPCS identified that its manual data collection methods were outdated, impacting productivity and eroding its bottom line. These manual data collection methods included using Excel spreadsheets and dry erase markers on laminated maps. TrackVia’s solutions offered a digital alternative. With TrackVia, RPCS was able to easily build and implement a custom workflow application in less than eight weeks.

“The TrackVia platform is easy to use and the team has provided excellent service in helping us build a custom, mobile native application,” said Randy Batchelor, operations consultant for RPCS and founder of Sol Rebel. “With TrackVia we have vastly improved project visibility, reporting, and analysis.”

Batchelor will present how the TrackVia application has digitally transformed the RPCS business at OPEX Week Summer, Aug. 27-29, in the session “Shining a Light on Solar Construction Operations – A Digital Transformation.”

With TrackVia’s mobile application, RPCS projects are finishing on time and within budget. Crew members and executives spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on the project. Job site workers now use the TrackVia mobile app — eliminating the need for paper forms and rekeying data after-hours. The application also sends automated reminder notifications for overdue data entry, as well as prompts workers when data is entered incorrectly or missing.

The application uses a custom-built Google Maps integration to visually track the status of each solar panel with granularity. Using the TrackVia app, RPCS can view panels within a row to see if foundation posts have been driven, racking installed, or if modules have been mounted. The application also sends automatic updates so everyone from the C-suite to the field knows project status in real-time with a simple glance. Additionally, advanced reporting allows for more accurate forecasting and allocation of resources.

By eliminating costly manual data collection processes, RPCS is now positioned to scale its operations to address market demands. To read the full case study, visit http://bit.ly/TV-RPCS

 

 

About TrackVia:
TrackVia™, the leading low-code workflow management platform for operations, helps companies build applications that improve on-time performance and reduce costs. TrackVia offers operations leaders the fastest and easiest way to build powerful applications that are business led and IT-approved. Companies like Honeywell, DIRECTV, Stearns Lending, and Brinks, rely on TrackVia to digitize their operations. Learn more at: http://www.trackvia.com

About Sol Rebel:
Rebel, provides consulting services to solar contractors, owners, and developers to improve business results and optimize project delivery. Founded by Randy Batchelor, Sol Rebel’s mission is to mitigate climate change and build resiliency to the effects of climate disruption with maximum return on investment for its clients.

 

Article originally published by PRWeb: http://www.prweb.com/releases/rp_construction_services_modernizes_processes_with_trackvia/prweb15689552.htm

Looking Back at InterSolar North America 2018

Posted on by Bri Bruce
intersolar
Front and center in the third floor lobby of the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif.

This year’s InterSolar North America trade show, which was the 11th InterSolar North America exhibition, saw both new and industry leading innovators and their products and services, and a myriad of key solar and storage players. There were many exciting and engaging conversations happening at the Array Technologies’ booth, which dominated the third floor exhibit hall lobby at the Moscone Center in the heart of San Francisco.

As Array’s trusted partner, RPCS showed their support in the booth, where there was an in-depth demo of the DuraTrack HZ v3 solar tracker, topped with both bifacial modules and First Solar Series 6 modules. RPCS shared their year’s many successes, including reaching a recent milestone: 225 projects and 450MW completed.

Reflecting on the show, RPCS founder and president, Eb Russell, comments, “For us, this year’s InterSolar wasn’t closed door meetings about braggawatts, but more of a support group session with friends, colleagues, and competitors sharing openly about the challenging past several months—and a sigh of relief about the recent return to normalcy.” He continues, “We left reinvigorated because of the amazing individuals that make up our industry and that share the vision of a clean, solar energy future for our planet. Thanks everyone for all the good chats and cheer!”

We’re already looking forward to next year’s InterSolar show, and RPCS’s growth.

The Plug-N-Play Solar Tracker

intersolar
The Array Technologies booth was abuzz with visitors and engaging conversations.

On Tuesday at the start of the show, RPCS announced their new partnership with solar balance of systems leader Shoals Technologies and CAB Solar, launching their latest turnkey solution offering, the Plug-N-Play Solar Tracker system. This union will bring an even more streamlined approach to RPCS’s solar tracker installations, providing custom designed wiring solutions for projects using the Array Technologies, Inc., DuraTrack™ HZ V3 solar tracker.

“We had a great showing at Intersolar this year; 2018 has been another great year for RPCS and our Array and Shoals partnership announcement makes our offer to the DG market so much stronger,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer, Alex Smith. “We’re really proud of the number of projects we’ve done the past couple years, but also know that the real work is ahead of us. It’s also really fun to see our RPCS team growing and interacting with all of our customers and partners during the show.”

Together, RPCS, Shoals, and CAB provide customers the next evolution in solar tracker systems, providing simpler installations and making solar energy a more affordable, lower risk source of clean power for future generations.

For more information on the Plug-N-Play Tracker, visit https://www.ampacity.com/plug-n-play-solar-tracker.

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