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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 >

 

Texas’ Pflugerville Solar Project Commences Construction

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

See Recurrent Energy’s news release.

 

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

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

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

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

RPCS, Knobelsdorff Partner for 17 MW Portfolio

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

RPCS, RECON Corporation Partner for Solar Tracker Projects in Illinois

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RPCS(Monterey, CALIF.)—RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) and RECON Corporation announced earlier this week their partnership to build 8MWdc of solar tracker projects in Illinois this year.

RECON Corporation, a solar photovoltaic EPC contractor based in Michigan, will be building three ground mount solar tracker projects, utilizing the DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar tracker from leading solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies, Inc. The trackers will be supplied by RPCS, a trusted partner of Array and turnkey design, supply, and build subcontractor.

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% increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems and further optimizing project returns.

“RECON has completed many projects with RPCS using Array DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers and is pleased to partner with them on these projects,” says Scott Walker, President of RECON Corporation. “RPCS and RECON work together well to design and build a quality final product that meets or exceeds the owner’s requirements and expectations.”

 

 

 

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.

RECON Corporation is a solar contractor with the capability to provide EPC services for projects from start to finish. RECON is known in the industry as a capable and competent company that can handle difficult jobsites and working conditions while providing innovative solutions to any issues encountered. The majority of RECON’s current workload is EPC consisting of engineering, procurement and construction with in-house onsite supervision and some in-house mechanical installation. RECON Corporation has expanded dramatically in the last year. Growing from a few simultaneous projects to over a dozen currently in progress, RECON nearly doubled its annual installation rising from 27.655 MW in 2018 to 47.936 MW in 2019. RECON specializes in the installation of small to mid-range solar arrays (1-40MW) throughout the country.

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.

Looking Back at Solar Power International 2019

Posted on by Bri Bruce

We’re looking back at our time at this year’s Solar Power International in Salt Lake City, Utah, and all we have to say is . . . WHAT A SHOW! Here’s a brief recap of the week’s highlights.

With more than 19,000 attendees from across the renewable energy spectrum, this year’s show was RPCS’s most exciting yet. The company, nearing it’s five-year anniversary, celebrates over 360 projects and nearly 1GW of solar completed.

“We love going to these shows,” says Alex Smith, RPCS’s Chief Sales Officer. “We do so many projects rapid-fire throughout the year that we don’t often get a chance to just stop and catch up with our customers and vendor partners. This year’s SPI was fantastic, lots of smiles and talk about making next year even better than this one.”

SPI run with the sunAhead of the show’s start, RPCS members participated in the Run with the Sun 5K on Monday, spending the morning with 1,000 of their fellow solar friends. It was an exciting start to the week, with waterfalls and inclines leading to a spectacular sunrise over Salt Lake City.

RPCS Top Solar ContractorOn Monday night, RPCS was among the honorary guests in attendance at the Top Solar Contractors Gala, hosted by Solar Power World, where they were presented with an award for achieving a rank of No. 15 overall on the Top Solar Contractors list. Among their other rankings, RPCS placed No. 1 in the state of Georgia, No. 15 Utility Contractor, No. 4 Installation Subcontractor, and No. 11 Contractor in their home state of California.

On Tuesday morning, RPCS joined Array Technologies in booth 1627 as their trusted partner and to once again show their support for the world’s leading and most reliable solar tracker. Visitors caught a demo of the DuraTrack HZ v3 solar tracker in action, topped with bifacial modules.

RPCSThroughout the show, there was lots of talk about RPCS’s Safe Harbor strategy with the end of the year–and the phase out of the solar investment tax credit–on the horizon. Earlier this summer, RPCS detailed their Safe Harbor strategy to allow project developers, financers, and owners to benefit from this year’s ITC rate. Their industry-leading stocking position will enable customers to build more projects and handle portfolio execution with more flexibility, all while leveraging the ITC and plan for projects in the coming years. RPCS is helping customers secure the highest tax credit rate while minimizing risks from project or technology changes. Check out our post on our Safe Harbor strategy for more information.

 

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

 

 

RPCS Ranks No. 15 on the 2019 Top Solar Contractors List

Posted on by Bri Bruce
top solar contractors list rpcs
RPCS ranks No. 15 overall on this year’s Top Solar Contractors List from Solar Power World.
Solar Power World today released their annual Top Solar Contractors list, recognizing California-based solar firm RP Construction Services, Inc.’s installation efforts. RPCS achieved a rank of No. 15 overall, out of 415 solar companies, with a reigning position in the state of Georgia at No. 1. In addition, RPCS is ranked No. 15 Utility Contractor, the No. 4 Installation Subcontractor, and No. 11 Contractor in their home state of California.

 

The Top Solar Contractors list is developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year.

“Solar Power World enjoys assembling the Top Solar Contractors list each year, and our 2019 edition features hundreds of companies making big impacts in local energy markets,” said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. “Solar power is becoming competitive with traditional electricity sources in more markets, and cities and states are demanding more renewable energy options. It’s a great time to be a solar installer, and we’re happy to highlight the best installation companies in the country on our list.”

The U.S. solar market is expected to see 14% growth in 2019, with over 12 GW of new solar power added to the grid this year—enough to power 2.28 million average American homes. This increase in installations is attributed in part to a rush to get projects in before the 30% federal investment tax credit steps down to 26% next year.

To prepare for the stepdown, RPCS announced several weeks ago their Safe Harbor strategy that will allow project developers, financers, and owners to take advantage of the highest possible ITC rate for projects built in 2019 and in the coming years. Customers can realize savings by both purchasing solar tracker materials from RPCS and storing them safely and cost effectively in RPCS’s two tracker storage facilities, located in California and Texas, to serve projects nationwide.

Headquartered in Monterey, California, RPCS employs over 100 team members, providing leading design, engineering, and installation services for projects throughout the United States. Since 2014, RPCS has completed over 360 projects and nearly 1GW, with 262MW and 103 projects completed in 2018 alone, earning them a spot at No. 18 on the 2018 Top Contractor’s list.

“Thank you, team. This honor is yours,” expresses RPCS CEO and Founder Eben Russell. “You solve problems, you follow through, you give your all, you support your coworkers, our customers, and our vendors. You are constantly improving and innovating. It’s a blessing for me to work with you each day.”

With renewable energy expected to be the fastest growing source of U.S. electricity generation for at least the next two years, RPCS is proud to continue their contribution to the country’s energy mix.

 

About RP Construction Services, Inc.
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 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.

RPCS Announces Safe Harbor Strategy in Preparation for ITC Stepdown

Posted on by Bri Bruce

SAFE HARBOR WITH RPCS

 

July 2, 2019. MONTEREY, CALIF.—RP Constructions Services announced this week their Safe Harbor strategy that will allow project developers, financers, and owners to benefit from this year’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) rate for projects built in the coming years.

safe harbor rpcs
RPCS’s stocking yard in Bakersfield, California.

Customers can realize savings by both purchasing solar tracker materials from RPCS and storing them safely and cost effectively in RPCS’s two tracker storage facilities, located in California and Texas, to serve projects nationwide.

RPCS’s strategy offers complete flexibility to future projects by selecting components that are universal product parts and aren’t module or project specific. RPCS has the experience of engineering solar tracker projects in-house to give project owners and developers a competitive edge when it comes to planning and purchasing projects in advance in order to obtain the highest value of the ITC.

As Array Technology’s trusted partner for over ten years, RPCS focuses solely on designing and building solar tracker projects using the DuraTrack® HZ v3 to deliver the highest returns through long-term asset performance. Array’s industry-leading design is verified by an unparalleled track record of high uptime, exceptional performance, and zero scheduled maintenance.

RPCS’s Safe Harbor strategy complements their growing suite of turnkey services, including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering, foundation post and tracker procurement, mechanical installation, and tracker commissioning. With over 360 projects and nearly 1GW completed throughout the US, RPCS’s deep history and product knowledge provides customers with a trusted choice for turnkey execution of single axis tracker projects.

“One comment that has been made universally among people we’re engaged with on the Safe Harbor opportunity,” says RPCS CSO, Alex Smith, “is that, financially, it makes too much sense not to pursue. The question is how to keep as few strings attached to the materials in Safe Harbor as possible so that everyone can maintain their flexibility and take advantage of future shifts in technology or project design that aren’t yet known. We’re able to show how the components we recommend accomplish both things: they ensure a successful Safe Harbor program and also keep the project costs down later at the time of NTP. We’re already designing, stocking, and shipping out projects using these components in our two facilities so it’s natural for us to help companies looking to Safe Harbor materials for projects starting in 2020 and beyond.”

By implementing their Safe Harbor strategy, RPCS helps customers secure the highest tax credit rate while minimizing risks from project or technology changes. RPCS has the experience and capabilities to guide this purchasing decision toward components that will not lose their value or become barriers to other BOS selections when the projects are ready to proceed.

 

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. 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 or call us at 831.620.2188. 

City of Atkinson, Nebraska, Partners with GenPro Energy Solutions, RPCS, and TerraSmart to Build Innovative Solar Array on Former Fill Site

Posted on by Bri Bruce
genpro rpcs
City of Atkinson site in November 2018, nearing completion.

MONTEREY, Calif. January 8th, 2018—RPCS is pleased to announce their partnership with GenPro Energy Solutions and the City of Atkinson to build a 209kW solar array in Nebraska.

The city formerly used the Atkinson-owned site for fill, a place where soil, trees, and debris were brought then covered with dirt. Because of the nature of the site, project construction initially saw particular challenges. With embedment depths up to 30 feet—three times the norm—needed for proper installation of the foundation, using longer than normal I-beams would have added significant costs for construction and material. Moreover, loose soil and debris could cause refusal of the post for a regular piledriver.

The City of Atkinson wanted a tracked system that could provide enough energy to offset the energy consumption of their Water Treatment Plant. Through NPPD’s Buy-Sell Solar Rider, Atkinson can create long-term cash flow for the city through the production of solar energy.

Project developer GenPro Energy Solutions, who specializes in municipal solar development throughout the Midwest, brings design and custom energy solution integration expertise to the project while RPCS helped drive a creative solution to a complex engineering issue.

The site features DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers by Array Technologies, supplied by RPCS, Array’s DG partner. 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. RPCS designs and installs Array tracker systems throughout the country, with hundreds of projects completed to date in the utility and distributed generation markets.

plug-n-play solar tracker
The site features RPCS’s Plug-N-Play solar tracker system for above-ground wire management.

The project uses TerraSmart‘s innovative ground screw foundation posts, a seamless solution to the challenging nature of the site’s subsurface conditions. TerraSmart’s ground screws have a better ability to resist uplift than I-beams in loose soil and can drill into debris, reducing upfront construction costs and eliminating subsurface risks.

“This project is a great example of how teamwork, engineering, and innovative solutions can help overcome site challenges and result in the most efficient design for all parties involved. GenPro’s value engineering, Array’s superior grade tolerance, and TerraSmart’s unique foundation posts all allowed for a system that will maximize power production for the City of Atkinson,” says RPCS Sales Director Dylan Wraga. “There were underground challenges that TerraSmart’s solution was well suited to, and combined with Array’s reliable architecture this system will be producing clean power for many years to come.”

“It is exciting to come up with a unique solution for a site that has an ideal location in relation to the facility we’re looking to power,” says Molly Brown, GenPro’s VP of Energy Production. “The ability to use Array trackers with TerraSmart ground screws will allow us to maximize production on what would normally be considered a difficult site. It’s a very exciting project to be a part of.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place this week onsite on January 10th at 10am.

 

 

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 250 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.

GenPro Energy Solutions is the unparalleled choice for solar development and EPC services in Nebraska. From project concept through construction, our NABCEP certified team supports you through every stage of your project. GenPro has served the Nebraska market since 2007 and recently expanded their offices and warehouse to Central City, Nebraska. GenPro has earned their reputation for expert, reliable services and providing the highest quality of craftsmanship in Nebraska and nationwide. GenPro was founded in 2003 in Rapid City. Since day one, GenPro always strived to exemplify the core principles of integrity and best-in-class service. With GenPro’s rapid growth, new talent from inside and outside the industry sector was added to address the ever-changing energy market needs.

RPCS’s Top Projects of 2018

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RPCS’s TOP PROJECTS of 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, we’re looking back at the years many successes! Here’s a look at some of our top solar projects in 2018.

 

RPCS REC Solar CalPoly
Photo: REC Solar

CalPoly’s First Solar Farm

CalPoly partnered with REC Solar and RPCS to design, construct, and install an 18.5-acre 4.5 MW AC solar site. Financed by Duke Energy via a power purchase agreement, CalPoly purchases 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 and contains more than 16,000 solar panels. Located on the western side of the CalPoly campus in San Luis Obispo, California, it is set to generate more than 11 million kWh each year (enough to power over 1,000 homes), and will produce up to 25% of the university’s total electricity needs while creating nearly $17 million in savings.

READ MORE >

 

MCE Solar One RPCSMCE Solar One

MCE Solar One, the Bay Area’s largest publicly owned solar project, is a new 60-acre, 10.5 MW ground mount solar farm in Richmond, California, built on an old Chevron oil refinery. The project deployed approximately 80,000 ground mounted modules, and a portion of the site uses Array Technologies’ DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis tracker, supplied and installed by RPCS. MCE Solar One generates renewable energy to power 3,417 homes per year.

READ MORE >

 

statewide renewable rpcsMcAllen Ranch

RPCS and Statewide Renewable partnered to build a 1.2MW solar site on one of the oldest continuously owned tracts of land in the United States. The ranch has been owned by the McAllen family since 1791, an original Spanish land grant. The high overhead of ranch operations necessitated a search for electricity cost mitigation, but paramount to cutting costs was preserving the historic land.

The site also features RPCS’s Plug-N-Play Solar Tracker system, which integrates Array’s single-axis tracker, Shoals Technologies’ electric balance of systems wiring solutions, and the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped (CAB Solar) above-ground messenger wire cable management system. This system significantly simplifies tracker project install by reducing trenching by 50%, utilizing less specialized labor, and requiring less time—all resulting in faster time to completion and CAPex savings.

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cloud county community college rpcsCloud County Community College

RPCS partnered with Cloud County Community College to supply Array Technologies’ single axis solar trackers for a 200kw site. The site will service the campus’s energy needs, and will be installed by students enrolled in the Cloud County Community College Solar Energy Technology program. The program is centered around hands-on training for solar projects, including construction and electrical training for both residential and commercial solar.

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genpro rpcsFormer Fill Site in Atkinson, Nebraska

RPCS worked with the City of Atkinson, Nebraska, GenPro Energy Solutions and TerraSmart to build an innovative 209kw solar array on a former fill site. GenPro Energy Solutions, the project’s developer, brought design and custom energy solution integration expertise to the project while RPCS helped drive a creative solution to a complex engineering issue. The city formerly used the Atkinson-owned site for fill, a place where soil, trees, and debris were brought then covered with dirt. Because of the nature of the site, project construction initially saw particular challenges. With embedment depths up to 30 feet—three times the norm—needed for proper installation of the foundation, using longer than normal I-beams would have added significant costs for construction and material. Moreover, loose soil and debris could cause refusal of the post for a regular piledriver.

The project uses TerraSmart‘s innovative ground screw foundation posts, a seamless solution to the challenging nature of the site’s subsurface conditions. TerraSmart’s ground screws have a better ability to resist uplift than I-beams in loose soil and can drill into debris, reducing upfront construction costs and eliminating subsurface risks.

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Cloud County Community College Goes Solar

Posted on 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.

 

cloud county community college rpcsMonterey, 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.

cloud county community college rpcs
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.

Statewide Renewable and RPCS Build 1.2MW Solar Site in South Texas

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) and Texas EPC Statewide Renewable announce the completion of a 1.2 MW solar site in southern Texas.

McAllen Ranch, the home of this new solar site owned by Los Faroles, LLC, is one of the oldest continuously owned tracts of land in the United States. The ranch has been owned by the McAllen family since 1791, an original Spanish land grant.

RPCS and Statewide broke ground on the project in late May after the McAllen family expressed their goal to generate revenue from their land while also maintaining its purity. In addition, high overhead of ranch operations necessitated a search for cost mitigation, but paramount to cutting costs was preserving the historic land.

Statewide Renewable successfully negotiated a power purchase agreement (PPA) with local utility Magic Valley Electric Coop (MVEC) on a 20-year basis. MVEC is particularly interested in this project as a pilot. Along with other Texas utilities, MVEC wants to engage renewables as a way to alleviate costs, hedge market volatility, and provide members with clean, renewable energy.

The site utilizes Array Technologies’ DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers, procured and installed by RPCS, Array’s trusted DG partner. 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. RPCS designs and installs Array tracker systems throughout the country, with hundreds of projects completed to date in the utility and distributed generation markets.

The site also features RPCS’s Plug-N-Play Solar Tracker system, which integrates Array’s single-axis tracker, Shoals Technologies’ electric balance of systems wiring solutions, and the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped (CAB Solar) above-ground messenger wire cable management system. This system significantly simplifies tracker project install by reducing trenching by 50%, utilizing less specialized labor, and requiring less time—all resulting in faster time to completion and CAPex savings.

“Richard and Tomas have been excellent partners at every step of this project and we are really excited to work with them again. We’re very proud of the finished site and the McAllen Ranch has been a beautiful and special place to work,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith.

The project’s solar trackers can deliver large amounts of energy late in the afternoon when MVEC is battling high demand at peak hours. Temperatures in this region of Texas often reach 100 degrees in the afternoon, and power demand peaks at a very high level.

Statewide Renewable is working with partners like RPCS to further their commitment to helping commercial, industrial, educational, and property development sectors in reducing energy costs while also reducing their carbon footprint.

“If our system is successful both in delivering energy and in capturing accurate data, we will be able to not only enlarge this system but be able to offer it to utilities and large private entities throughout the State of Texas,” says Statewide Renewable CEO and Founder Richard Estrada.

“Texas has the largest solar resource in the country and Texans are putting it to good use for reliable cost-competitive power,” said Charlie Hemmeline, executive director of the Texas Solar Power Association. “With large-scale solar projects in development in more than 70 counties across the state, we expect solar power to be an increasing contributor to our Texas electricity portfolio for years to come.”

The McAllen family believes that solar energy is the favorable method to reducing costs, and utilizing land to offset expenses and generate additional revenue while also preventing the degradation of their land. “Our goal is to sustain this land through many generations by caring for its resources,” states the McAllen Ranch website (www.mcallenranch.com).

Wildlife on McAllen Ranch is a valued resource. Hunting happens very conservatively, and wildlife health and growth throughout the year is monitored closely. “Preserving nature and wildlife is not only our duty as landowners, but it also ensures there will be a ranching business for future generations,” the website states.

McAllen Ranch was the proud recipient of the 1996 BBU Environmental Award. Many details of its livestock operation include strategies to help the wildlife coexist and flourish, including pasture rotation and providing abundant watering areas in remote regions of the property.

McAllen Ranch is one of the oldest existing ranches in the United States in continuous ownership. Historically, the ranch was mainly used to raise cattle, horses, and sheep.  The grasslands of the lower Rio Grande River valley, where the ranch is located, is perfectly suited to support cattle and other grazing livestock. Today, the ranch continues to breed quality livestock and entertains hunting guests from all over the world.

 

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. 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 500 MW and over 225 projects completed throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. 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.

Statewide Renewable provides clients with the finest renewable energy solutions.  This is achieved through a meticulous process of listening to the client, researching the finest technology available, and pairing the two with our vetted finance partners.  Statewide Renewable does all of this to show clients this is the time for the commercial, industrial and educational sectors to look at new ways to reduce their energy costs while also reducing their carbon footprint.  For more information about Statewide Renewable, please visit statewiderenewable.com or (512) 796-1719

 

RPCS, Array Technologies, CAB Solar, and EBoS Leader Shoals Technologies Group Partner to Bring Streamlined Approach to Solar Project Installations

Posted on by Bri Bruce

MONTEREY, CALIF. July 26, 2018 – RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) is pleased to announce their new partnership with solar balance of systems leader Shoals Technologies and CAB Solar, launching their latest turnkey product offering, the Plug-N-Play 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.

The Plug-and-Play Tracker features the Array Technologies DuraTrack™ HZ v3 single-axis tracker, Shoals Technologies’ electric balance of systems wiring solutions, and the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped (CAB Solar) above ground, messenger wire cable management system.

Considered the next evolution in their recognized turnkey solution, RPCS is combining best-in-class American-made products from the industry’s top manufacturers to optimize cost, labor, and installation for tracker projects nationwide.

plug-n-play rpcsThis exciting new partnership is aimed at simplifying tracker project install by reducing trenching by 50%, utilizing less specialized labor, and requiring less time—all resulting in faster time to completion and CAPex savings. Shoal’s patented wiring systems come pre-labeled and pre-tested, demonstrating their unmatched efficiency and robust construction. Coupled with RPCS’s established reputation for turnkey success, this new system will eliminate the need for trenching within the array, reduce risk and complications associated with cost, lessen environmental influence, and improve trade coordination, creating faster, simpler installations. The Plug-N-Play Tracker approach also allows for more solar panels per string and fewer combiner boxes per site, cutting cost and solar electrical complications.

Founded in 1996, Shoals Technologies revolutionized solar installations. With solutions second to none in the marketplace, Shoals’ solar PV electrical balance of systems products are installed in some of the largest solar fields around the world.

plug-n-play trackerThrough innovation and diversification, Shoals has grown exponentially since its founding, and currently holds the largest market share of electric balance of systems, maintaining a diverse portfolio of PV balance of systems products manufactured in Tennessee. Shoals Technologies’ unmet reliability and performance is backed by their extensive in-house testing and rigorous quality controls, making them an ideal partner for RPCS’s next in line turnkey solution.

“We’re really excited to be working with Shoals on our projects,” says Alex Smith, RPCS Chief Sales Officer. “RPCS is constantly striving to make project management easier and to allow our customers to win more projects and trust that the RPCS portion will be executed cleanly. Shoals wiring allows us to do that, as do Array trackers. We can provide a faster installation, a better price, and completely reliable products and project schedules that make executing tracker projects as easy or easier than fixed tilt.”

CAB Solar, the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped’s solar products division, pioneered the use of above ground cable management in grid-scale solar plants and has continually provided innovative designs and systems to meet customers’ needs. The newly released Integrated Grounding Cable Management System uses a copper composite messenger wire and specialized hardware for grounding and is safety listed by Intertek to UL 2703. For over 85 years, their various products routinely exceed the most stringent quality standards demanded by respected national and international customers.

“CAB systems integrate well with both Array and Shoals, and RPCS is very knowledgeable in how to maximize CAB’s benefits. We are excited about the potential,” says Tim Wedding, CAB Solar Project Manager.

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 25 GW years of energy production, Array’s products have been optimized through unparalleled experience garnered over nearly three decades.

plug-n-play rpcsRP Construction Services designs and builds ground mount solar projects using the industry’s gold standard for quality, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis tracker. With over 400 MW and over 225 projects completed throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels Array’s market reputation.

“We are excited to partner with RPCS and are glad to support the highly optimized approach to solar construction that RPCS is taking by integrating a great family of products,” says Kent Miller, Shoals Technologies Senior Vice President of Sales, of the Plug-N-Play Tracker. “Combining above-ground wire management from CAB Solar Products, the Array Technologies tracker, and the Shoals wire management system is going to help developers and EPCs by providing a schedule-friendly and easier-to-maintain system.”

“As an electrical guy at the core, there is nothing better than a wireway that is accessible. RPCS’s installation, in combination with the Shoals wiring system, Array’s solar trackers, and the CAB Solar hangars, the installation process is smooth and keeps wires away from unknown underground conditions,” says Adam Larner, RPCS’s Vice President of Projects.

Through this latest offering, RPCS will be a single point of contact for design, engineering, installation, and procurement. From factory floor to field installation, RPCS makes tracker projects even simpler with the Plug-N-Play Tracker.

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

 

 

RP Construction Services, Inc. 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 Array’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

Shoals Technologies Group is a leading manufacturer of balance of systems solutions. Consistently providing customers with innovative designs and superior quality products has contributed to the company’s exponential growth since its founding in 1996. With over 25 GW of BOS products deployed globally, Shoals maintains a diverse portfolio of solar balance of systems products, including, combiner/re-combiner boxes, disconnecting combiner boxes, custom harnessing solutions, junction boxes, wire, in-line fuses, racking and monitoring solutions. Learn more at www.shoals.com.

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 25 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.

Cambria County Association for the Blind & Handicapped is the manufacturer of CAB Solar Cable Management Systems. CAB Solar pioneered the use of above ground cable management in grid-scale utility plants and has continually provided innovative designs and systems to meet customers’ needs. CCABH unites vocational training and a manufacturing business producing quality products that offers employment for persons with disabilities while ensuring worldwide customer satisfaction. For over 85 years, their various products routinely exceed the most stringent quality standards demanded by respected national and international customers. From mops and rugs to cable hangers, hooks, and reflective safety garments, through the years the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped has manufactured a wide range of useful items. Learn more at www.cabproducts.com.

 

 

 

 

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