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2021 in Review

Posted on by Bri Bruce

2021 has been a year of both successes and challenges… 

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

RP Construction Services Inc. Receives 2021 Best of Monterey Award

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RP Construction Services Inc. Receives 2021 Best of Monterey Award

Monterey Award Program Honors the Achievement

 

solar energy contractorMONTEREY March 29, 2021 — RP Construction Services Inc. has been selected as a winner of the 2021 Best of Monterey Award in the Solar Energy Contractor category by the Monterey Award Program.

Each year, the Monterey Award Program identifies companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Monterey area a great place to live, work, and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2021 Monterey Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Monterey Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Monterey Award Program: The Monterey Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Monterey area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Monterey Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Their organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Their mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

 

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

SOURCE: Monterey Award Program
Original press release: https://monterey.cityrankingcontact-2021.org/PressReleaseub.aspx?cc=DMNA-XBNN-5HAA

 

Solar Hall of Fame Series: Interview with RPCS CEO Eben Russell

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Eb RussellSolar Hall of Fame Series

How RPCS CEO Eben Russell is Adapting to the COVID Pandemic

SolarFeeds Magazine

 

RP Construction Services CEO Eben Russell sat down with SolarFeeds Magazine as part of their Solar Hall of Fame series for an interview about how RPCS is fairing during the COVID pandemic.

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

 

SF Magazine: First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times?  

Eb Russell: Thankfully, we haven’t contracted the virus. We have a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old.  It’s toughest on our 4-year-old daughter and on my wife. There’s only so much video conferencing one can do to fill the void. The 1-year-old requires constant attention as he is now walking and grabbing at everything which means my wife needs to play one-on-one defense while our 4-year-old, without the outlet of pre-school, continuously tries to reassert her original title as “one and only.”

Days are long and hectic. I made an office out of the company Ford Transit in the driveway.

 

SF Magazine: Tell us about you, your career, how you founded or joined this company

Russell: My first career, straight out of college, was as a financial advisor. It was 1995 and the World Wide Web was moving from a concept to mainstream. There were lots of high-flying start-ups. It was a transformative time; horses and buggies moving to automobiles.

History told us 2,000 car companies failed, 6 survived but they all bought tires from Goodyear Tire and rubber and tools from Ingersoll Rand. I had my clients avoid DoubleClick, AltaVista, Lycos and, instead, own the equipment makers Cisco, Juniper, Corning, Broadcom.

Entering solar in 2003, most startups were focused on residential installations, modules, inverters, development, and EPC. I looked for something boring, the solar mounting system, and decided single-axis trackers offered the most amount of metal or MWs per sale and there was no clear market leader.

In 2008, Array Technologies had 9 people and the iPhone. It was night and day, a better product. It still is. Over the next 6 years, I sold 2,500MWS into a 3,000MW total addressable market.

In 2015, market research showed that 1,000 projects would be built between 1MWand 10MW over the next 4 years, but it was clear that to capture meaningful market share, this market segment would need a turnkey provider: DIRECTV versus satellite dishes. RPCS was formed and we provided the DIRECTV-style offering to the sub 10MW market. It worked out. We managed to grab over 700 of the 1,000 projects.

 

SF Magazine: How does your company innovate?

Russell: We hire people, not positions. Great people continuously find new and innovative ways to optimize and improve.

 

SF Magazine: How does the coronavirus pandemic affect your business finances?

Russell: Thankfully, solar has remained strong. It’s fortunate that our projects are outdoors where safe, social distancing is relatively easy to maintain and our crew has taken the virus seriously, making sure to travel in pods and follow all CDC guidelines.

 

SF Magazine: Did you have to make difficult choices regarding human resources and what are the lessons learned?

Russell: The inside staff moved to virtual and we quickly mandated that all calls be video calls to maintain community and connectivity. We gave the field crew time and pay to travel to sites by car to avoid airline travel.

COVID has been hard on all. From a work performance perspective, it seems most impactful to those with young kids who are now at home helping assist in virtual learning versus dropping the kids off and going to work all day. We have tried to acknowledge this reality. We see emails and team chats flowing through at all hours of the day and even weekends and don’t worry about voids in work or availability during the weekday school hours.

 

SF Magazine: How did your customer relationship management evolve?

Russell: It’s better. Everything is on video now and personal lives are exposed. Dogs are barking, kids are interrupting, and we laugh at the predicaments we are in. No one is worried about neckties and polished shoes.

 

SF Magazine: Do you use any specific tools to be efficient?

Russell: Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

 

SF Magazine: Did you benefit from any government grants or any business adaptation that help keep your business afloat?

Russell: A year ago, at the onset of the pandemic, no one knew what would happen to the global or US economy, so we secured a PPP loan. Thankfully, we haven’t had to rely on the loan to survive, but it’s been nice knowing the funds are there just in case.

 

SF Magazine: How would you predict the solar outlook of the post-COVID era in your country?

Russell: US solar is rolling. It’s now the lowest cost of energy, the easiest to deploy, the least variable as far as future cost fluctuations, and able to be installed at or near the demand. The future (pun intended) is bright for solar.

 

SF Magazine: What do you think your government can do more to accelerate Solar’s adoption?

Russell: The industry has done well to secure incentives, manage through the tariffs, and remove regulatory hurdles. Upgrading and modernizing the nation’s grid to handle and manage all the new generation is critical. Incentives that support this grid transformation are essential.

 

SF Magazine: Your final thoughts?

Russell: The industry has such good energy. We see our competitors more as collaborators, working alongside us to push the adoption of clean solar energy forward.    #ComeBuildWithUs

 

See the original post here: https://mag.solarfeeds.com/how-eb-russell-is-adapting-to-the-covid-pandemic/

RPCS VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE AND Q&A

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Join RPCS for a Virtual Open House!

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

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

Tune in March 25th, 2021 at 11am PST

Register here

 

About RPCS

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

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

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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.

Solar Arrays to be Installed for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Solar Arrays to be Installed for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

 

RPCS to provide mechanical installation services for Today’s Power, Inc. Project

 

general dynamics RPCS(Monterey, CALIF.) July 8, 2020—Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) announced earlier this week their partnership to build two solar arrays for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS), a Florida-based aerospace and defense company, and two Battery Energy Storage Systems for Ouachita Electric Cooperative (OECC). The solar arrays, each totaling 1.2 MWdc, will be constructed near General Dynamics-OTS’ facilities in Hampton, Arkansas. RP Construction Services (RPCS) will serve as the mechanical installation partner supplying the racking for the solar portion of the project.  The two battery energy storage systems will store electricity from the two solar facilities, and will have an output of 2.4 MW for two hours.

All four projects will be developed by Today’s Power Inc., and RPCS will be supplying and installing the solar array racking, which will consist of single-axis tracking systems by 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 percent increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Today’s Power Inc. as the mechanical installer for these arrays at the General Dynamics-OTS facilities,” says RPCS Sales Director Patty Thornton.

As mentioned, the sites will also incorporate on-site battery energy storage systems that will be supplied electricity generated by the solar arrays. The storage systems are designed to lower both the cost of operations for General Dynamics and for OECC customers.

“We are excited about this opportunity to expand our usage of renewable energy and reduce our carbon footprint at the General Dynamics-OTS Calhoun County facility,” Eric Ellis, Vice President and General Manager of Precision Systems at General Dynamics-OTS, said in a statement.

Construction is slated to begin this summer.

 

 

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.

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.

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

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

RPCS Continues Expansion, Logistics with Mississippi Distribution Facility

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RPCS Continues Expansion, Logistics with Mississippi Distribution Facility

 

Mississippi facilityMonterey, CALIF. MAY 28, 2020—RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) announced earlier this week the opening of a new logistics facility in Kosciusko, Mississippi. The new facility is now the third distribution yard owned and operated by RPCS in order to serve the U.S. utility scale solar market, complementing RPCS’s Texas and California locations.

The facility, comprised of two warehouses, rests on a 10-acre property. Warehouse I (the West House) is a 25,000-square-foot kitting facility that will house all materials necessary for RPCS’s pre-assembly operations. The West House will also include a mechanic shop for servicing equipment, tools, and toolboxes for field crews. Warehouse II (the East House) is a 35,000-square-foot facility that will store all other essential components.

Adjacent to the West House is a two-acre laydown yard for inbound and outbound kitting components. The 40,000-square-foot lot just outside of the East House is currently storing 18,000 foundation piers and more than 7 megawatts of pre-assembled materials for Safe Harbor. At the north end of the property, two solar arrays will be installed for training, demo and testing purposes. Both warehouses will have two loading and unloading docks, which makes the transport of materials quicker and more streamlined.

Mississippi facilityThe facility is located in close proximity to RPCS’s steel supplier, Attala Steel, who has continued to be a valued partner and has played an integral role in RPCS’s foundation supply. This contiguity will offer unlimited options for distributing partial pier loads with RPCS’s material, and the ability to request materials at the last minute to complete projects to keep construction timelines on schedule.

“This is a big move for RPCS,” says Brendan Teague, RPCS Executive VP of Operations. “The new facility gives us ample indoor storage and packing capability, which greatly accelerates our ability to process and ship orders.”

In addition to added supply chain enhancement, the new facility will ensure greater material and inventory accuracy, more streamlined installs, and improved deployment of serviced equipment and tools.

 

 

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 more than 400 projects completed throughout the US, RPCS’s experience in the ground mount utility 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.

In Response to COVID-19

Posted on by Bri Bruce

These are indeed uncertain times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, we are taking each day as it comes.

The health, safety, and well-being of our staff and their families, our customers, and our partners is paramount, and we urge everyone to take all precautions necessary to protect themselves and others as advised by public health authorities.

In light of the realities we’re facing amidst this COVID-19 outbreak, we’re taking proactive measures to do our part to promote safety and do our part to contain the spread of the virus:

  • Supporting our employees while they work remotely
  • Promoting increased personal hygiene, hand washing, and social distancing
  • Heeding warnings against air travel
  • Communicating frequently with our customers to ensure projects are continuing to make progress and that projects are operating responsibly and reliably
  • Maintaining readiness to respond quickly to worsening or emergency situations
  • Increasing on-site safety measures and protocols
  • Providing employees with updated information and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Rescheduling all non-essential business travel

We pride ourselves in our ability to overcome challenges, and it is in difficult times like these that RPCS remains more committed than ever to the safety and health of our employees and business partners, while continuing to provide the quality of service you’ve grown to expect. We’re still working hard, either remotely or on our construction sites, following all guidelines and safety protocols.

Should you have any questions about how we’re responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at info@rpcs.com.

We are all in this together. Stay safe!

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.

 

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.

RPCS Welcomes Sean Du Fosee as Director of Training and Development

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Sean Du FoseeRP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) introduced Sean Du Fosee as the company’s new Director of Training and Development this week.

Du Fosee joins RPCS as a third-generation contractor and entrepreneur with an extensive background in creating businesses and building projects. With over 12 years of experience in solar, specializing in the development and sales of PV mounting structures, Du Fosee has worked around the world in many different roles, including operations, business development, sales, product development, engineering and accounting, and has worked previously with RPCS on various projects over the years.

Prior to joining RPCS, Du Fosee owned PVHCON, Inc., a solar construction services firm, where he directed and implemented practical solutions for foundation installation, general construction, testing, and O&M for single axis tracker projects, among other endeavors. His previous positions include Technical Director at solar tracking manufacturer Arctech Solar, and co-founder of PV Hardware (PVH), a leading provider of solar PV tracking solutions for utility-scale plants worldwide.

Du Fosee will spearhead RPCS’s training and development efforts in 2020, helping to provide improvements in team member proficiency, project and installation quality, and project profitability.

“When Eb Russell approached me about helping RPCS become a world-class quality contractor, how could I say no?” says Du Fosee. “I’ve wanted to work with RPCS for a long time, and I’m looking forward to being part of the team.”

In 2020, RPCS expects training to be a significant contributing factor to their growth as a company and their expansion into larger markets. Training and development efforts will be key in further growing RPCS’s workforce, allowing the solar project design and construction company to complete even more projects, in more regions of the US, with the highest efficiency and quality.

 

 

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.

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. 

It’s Giving Tuesday! Help us build a brighter future.

Posted on by Bri Bruce

In honor of Giving Tuesday, RP Construction Services and non-profit Nurturing Minds Work to Bring e-Readers to the Solar-Powered SEGA Girls School in Tanzania

 

RPCS international literacy dayRP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) and Nurturing Minds are continuing their efforts on their campaign to bring e-Readers to the Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA) school in Morogoro, Tanzania, this Giving Tuesday.

The SEGA school opened in 2008 to provide quality education and life skills for at-risk girls in Tanzania. SEGA provides secondary education and housing for over 270 girls in grades 7 through 11. In addition, 60 graduates live off-campus who are currently enrolled in continuing education programs supported by SEGA scholarships and SEGA’s “Modern Girl” community outreach program now gives another 450 girls in very remote villages the chance to learn skills and improve their future through weekly clubs facilitated by SEGA graduates and staff. Their mission is to educate and empower Tanzanian girls who are impoverished, marginalized, and in danger of becoming involved in exploitative forms of child labor.

international literacy day rpcsIntroducing e-Readers will provide the opportunity for students to become active learners through technology, and will be an added resource to fuel academic success. Through their joint campaign, RPCS and Nurturing Minds hope to supply 60 e-Readers to students to improve reading and vocabulary skills, and aid students in scoring higher on national exams, all while creating a brighter future for SEGA students.

“We have been blessed to get book donations over the years, but it is often challenging to transport them and get them to the school,” says Laura DeDominicis, Director of Nurturing Minds. “E-readers are a fabulous, cost effective way for Nurturing Minds to expand SEGA’s library.”

SEGA also instills environmental stewardship, and operates an environmentally sustainable off-the-grid campus that runs entirely on solar power. This provides a clean, renewable energy source which eliminates the dependency on unreliable nationally supplied electricity and provides a superior learning environment for students. The solar power will ultimately allow students to charge e-Readers and give them the ability to study at night.

international literacy dayTanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world and only 17% of girls in Tanzania attend secondary school. Poverty forces many girls to drop out of school, resulting in early marriage and teen pregnancy. With a 97% pass rate and a 96% retention rate, a quality education provided by SEGA leads to continuing education, future employment, and ultimately an increased standard of living which includes improved healthcare, food security, and housing. Just one extra year of secondary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 15 to 25 percent.

SEGA uses a holistic approach to education which includes an academically challenging Tanzanian curriculum, entrepreneurship development, and a comprehensive life skills and leadership program. In addition, the school teaches computer technology and entrepreneurship and provides the girls with counseling, business training, and healthcare. It is now ranked in the top 20% of small secondary schools in Tanzania.

“This campaign is simple,” says RPCS Founder Eb Russell. “It’s about those 270 girls. You give and their lives change forever.”

RPCS has pledged to match each dollar raised.

 

Help us build a brighter future – Donate Today

 

 

 

 

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. 

Nurturing Minds provides financial and technical support to programs improving access to quality education for girls in Tanzania, with a particular emphasis on girls who are poor, marginalized, and at risk of becoming involved in exploitative forms of child labor. Currently, Nurturing Minds is supporting Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA) and its development of a girls’ secondary boarding school in Morogoro, Tanzania. For more information, please visit www.nurturingmindsinafrica.org

RPCS Makes Donation to Youth Sports Alliance

Posted on by Bri Bruce

Youth Sports AllianceMONTEREY, Calif. November 21, 2019 – RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) announced last week their contribution of $2,500 to the Youth Sports Alliance to support a cause close to their company.

Established in 2002 as a legacy to the Winter Olympic Games, the Youth Sports Alliance spearheads a community-wide effort to encourage first through ninth graders’ participation in sport programs through competitive sport teams and after-school programs.

RPCS
RPCS’s Jay Miles as the keynote speaker at the YSA Jans Winter Welcome fundraiser, sharing his daughter Hadley’s (right) story about “The Meaning of Sport.” The fundraiser raised of $200,000.

YSA programs aim to keep kids active and engaged, and away from their screens, while promoting good sportsmanship and healthy lifestyles through participation, education, and competition, the alliance says. On a more personal level, the alliance supports its mission by fostering confidence and self-esteem in youths, demonstrating the lifelong benefits of fitness to participants, and learning the true meaning of S.P.O.R.T., the organization’s core values: Sportsmanship, Perseverance, Optimism, Respect, and Teamwork.

The efforts of the YSA’s Park City, Utah, chapter contribute to a cause close to RPCS. The company became involved through longtime RPCS Sales Director Jay Miles, whose daughter Hadley was enrolled in a winter sports program while undergoing treatment for Leukemia.

“Thank you, RPCS, for supporting YSA,” says Jay. “Hadley’s figure skating club coaches and teammates were invaluable in helping Hadley battle her cancer diagnosis last year. From visiting in the hospital, cutting and donating hair to organizations that help make wigs for cancer patients, raising money, and general support helped keep my daughter’s fighting spirit alive. When facing a health scare like we have, you realize sport is much more than competition. Sport is about living healthy, providing a support system and friendship, and YSA is helping kids get involved in the early formidable years for our community youth.”

Figure skating, through resources provided by YSA, became an important outlet for Hadley.

“I am so grateful for the support my coaches and teammates have given me while in treatment,” says Hadley. “When I was too sick to skate, they would call or visit. When I was well enough to visit the rink, my club gave me an outlet to forget about all the hospital visits and chemo treatments. It was the escape I needed and made the time go by easier.”

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Youth Sports Alliance, please visit www.ysaparkcity.org

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!

 

 

Celebrating International Literacy Day

Posted on by Bri Bruce

RP Construction Services Partners with Nurturing Minds this International Literacy Day to Bring e-Readers to Solar-Powered Girls School in Tanzania

 

RPCS international literacy dayRP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) announced this International Literacy Day the launch of a campaign to bring e-Readers to the Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA) school in Morogoro, Tanzania, with the help of Nurturing Minds, a U.S.-based non-profit organization.

Funded by North American parent organization Nurturing Minds, the SEGA school opened in 2008 to provide quality education and life skills for at-risk girls in Tanzania. SEGA provides secondary education and housing for over 270 girls in grades 7 through 11. In addition, 60 graduates live off-campus who are currently enrolled in continuing education programs supported by SEGA scholarships and SEGA’s “Modern Girl” community outreach program now gives another 450 girls in very remote villages the chance to learn skills and improve their future through weekly clubs facilitated by SEGA graduates and staff. Their mission is to educate and empower Tanzanian girls who are impoverished, marginalized, and in danger of becoming involved in exploitative forms of child labor.

international literacy day rpcsIntroducing e-Readers will provide the opportunity for students to become active learners through technology, and will be an added resource to fuel academic success. Through their joint campaign, RPCS and Nurturing Minds hope to supply 60 e-Readers to students to improve reading and vocabulary skills, and aid students in scoring higher on national exams, all while creating a brighter future for SEGA students.

“We have been blessed to get book donations over the years, but it is often challenging to transport them and get them to the school,” says Laura DeDominicis, Director of Nurturing Minds. “E-readers are a fabulous, cost effective way for Nurturing Minds to expand SEGA’s library.”

SEGA also instills environmental stewardship, and operates an environmentally sustainable off-the-grid campus that runs entirely on solar power. This provides a clean, renewable energy source which eliminates the dependency on unreliable nationally supplied electricity and provides a superior learning environment for students. The solar power will ultimately allow students to charge e-Readers and give them the ability to study at night.

international literacy dayTanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world and only 17% of girls in Tanzania attend secondary school. Poverty forces many girls to drop out of school, resulting in early marriage and teen pregnancy. With a 97% pass rate and a 96% retention rate, a quality education provided by SEGA leads to continuing education, future employment, and ultimately an increased standard of living which includes improved healthcare, food security, and housing. Just one extra year of secondary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 15 to 25 percent.

SEGA uses a holistic approach to education which includes an academically challenging Tanzanian curriculum, entrepreneurship development, and a comprehensive life skills and leadership program. In addition, the school teaches computer technology and entrepreneurship and provides the girls with counseling, business training, and healthcare. It is now ranked in the top 20% of small secondary schools in Tanzania.

“This campaign is simple,” says RPCS Founder Eb Russell. “It’s about those 270 girls. You give and their lives change forever.”

RPCS has pledged to match each dollar raised.

 

Help us build a brighter future – Donate Today

 

 

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. 

Nurturing Minds provides financial and technical support to programs improving access to quality education for girls in Tanzania, with a particular emphasis on girls who are poor, marginalized, and at risk of becoming involved in exploitative forms of child labor. Currently, Nurturing Minds is supporting Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA) and its development of a girls’ secondary boarding school in Morogoro, Tanzania. For more information, please visit www.nurturingmindsinafrica.org

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. 

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

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

 

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

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

Project partner NARENCO, a leading engineering, procurement, construction, and development firm (EPC), helped install the 175,000 tracker panels on the site. The site features DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis solar trackers by Array Technologies, mechanically installed by RPCS, Array’s trusted partner. The trackers keep the modules following the sun on its course throughout the day, ensuring up to a 20 to 25% increase in energy production over fixed-tilt systems.

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

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

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

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

 

 

RP Construction Services (RPCS) designs and builds ground mount solar projects using the industry’s gold standard for quality, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis tracker. With over 550 MW and over 260 projects completed or under construction throughout the United States in the last few year, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world-class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels Array’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

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

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

RPCS Named Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Company of 2018

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

See our ad in Energy CIO Insights Magazine

See Our Feature Article

 

 

RPCS designs and builds ground mount solar projects using the industry’s gold standard for quality, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 single-axis tracker. With over 550 MW and over 260 projects completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels Array’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

2018 in Review

Posted on by Bri Bruce

For RPCS, 2018 was an incredible year—and we think that’s worth celebrating.

 

This has been a year of incredible growth. RPCS saw the completion of 210 megawatts and 82 projects in 2018, the most in any year of RPCS’s history. In just a few years, RPCS has completed over 550 MW and 260 projects in 27 different states, including a 28MW project in California, a 28MW project in Hawaii, and 57MW site in South Carolina.

For the first time, RPCS broke into the Canadian solar market, completing a site in Ontario this past fall. With a robust solar market emerging from locations like Canada and Minnesota (RPCS completed 20 projects in Minnesota this year), it is becoming increasingly clear that the economics are in favor of trackers—even in the northernmost locales and in the most challenging conditions. We’re always eager to prove the advantages of ground mount solar trackers projects and to further solidify that trackers can be used in many more locations than people expect.

After market hold up in 2017 and early 2018 due to uncertainty surrounding tariffs, RPCS successfully grew its pipeline for 2019, 2020, and 2021 projects. RPCS had a busy year working with portfolio companies, and we’re seeing developers and EPCs lock in their projects much earlier given the high demand that everyone is expecting in the coming year. Many interesting projects are slated to start in early 2019, putting RPCS on schedule for an even more robust year ahead.

RPCS welcomed new staff members to help the company expand further into new regions, while increasing involvement in co-op marketing initiatives and garnering media attention. Three notable achievements this year was the company’s recognition as a Top Solar Contractor  ranking number 18 overall, a Project of the Year nominee for a noteworthy project in California built at an old Chevron refinery, and the company’s recognition as a Top 10 Renewable Energy Services Company, awarded by Energy CIO Insights Magazine.

Nearing the close of our strongest year yet, we are confident in the strength of RPCS in the coming years given our current growth rate in an otherwise dampened market—one that is forecasted to improve significantly as a whole.

As we look forward into 2019 and beyond, we are as committed as ever to advancing the growth of solar energy.

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.

READ MORE >

 

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.

READ MORE >

 

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.

READ MORE >

 

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

 

LOOKING BACK AT SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2018

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

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

Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

VIDEO: Our Time at InterSolar North America 2018

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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.

 

Read more about our time at InterSolar North America 2018 at https://www.ampacity.com/intersolar-north-america-2018/.

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

RPCS Recognized as a 2018 Top Solar Contractor

Posted on by Bri Bruce

The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractor List Includes Monterey-based Solar Firm

 

[Monterey, Calif.] July 24, 2018—More than 10,600 megawatts of solar power were installed last year in the United States, and local installer RP Construction Services, Inc. (RPCS) has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its contributions to the industry.

 

RPCS achieved a rank of 18 out of 450 solar companies on the magazine’s 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. RPCS is also the No. 18 Utility Solar Contractor, No. 3 Solar Installation Subcontractor, and the No. 8 California Solar Contractor.

 

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. The 2018 list was released on July 24.

“Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors,” said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. “Our 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after 2016’s huge rush to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year’s high. We’re happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets.”

The U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016, installing more than 15,000 MW. Although installations in 2017 dropped to 10,608 MW, the total still represents 40% growth over 2015 numbers. The year-over-year downturn can be attributed to the large influx of 2016 projects rushing to meet the anticipated expiration of a 30% federal tax credit that was eventually renewed. Last year also saw uncertainty surrounding potential Section 201 tariffs on imported solar panels, which may have led to delayed or canceled projects.

Despite initial setbacks posed by the Section 201 tariffs, RPCS installed more solar in 2017 than previous years, and is ramping up for a number of exciting projects in the latter half of 2018.

A major highlight of 2017 was the non-residential market growing 28% year-over-year, the fourth straight year of annual growth for commercial, industrial and community solar. In 2017, 30% of all new electric generating capacity brought online in the United States came from solar, second only to new natural gas capacity.

The first quarter of 2018 showed a 13% growth over the first quarter of 2017, and RPCS will continue to contribute to the wave of increasing solar generation. By 2023, more than 15,000 MW of solar is expected to be installed annually.

RPCS employs 66 workers, in addition to local temp labor, who installed 165,777 kW of solar power in 13 states in 2017. Since its founding in September of 2014, the company has installed over 450,000 kW of solar.

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

“We’re thrilled and honored to have such a high ranking,” says RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith. “Sincerest thanks to our customers for their continued support. Our place among this list speaks to the relationships we have with our customers and partners, and to our incredibly hard working team.”

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

 

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

RPCS
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

MCE Solar One Ribbon Cutting

Posted on by Bri Bruce

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

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. MCE Solar One will generate renewable energy to power 3,417 homes per year.

“It’s great seeing an old refinery convert its property to a solar project. Overcoming site-specific environmental and property challenges on this site is proof that more of these projects are going to keep happening. It was a pleasure supporting MCE, sPower, and our long-term partners at Cenergy while providing opportunities for local workers through RichmondBUILD,” said RPCS Chief Sales Officer Alex Smith.

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

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

 

About RP Construction Services, Inc.:
RPCS designs and builds ground mount solar projects using the industry’s gold standard for quality, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 Single-Axis Tracker. With over 300 MW and over 180 projects completed or under construction throughout the United States, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker. RPCS’s expert knowledge of Array Technologies’ trackers ensures world class turnkey project assistance including site layout optimization, ancillary engineering services, tracker and foundation procurement, and complete mechanical installation. The team at RPCS provides reliable support at every step of the project, delivering a level of quality and efficiency that parallels ATI’s market reputation. For more information about RPCS, please visit rpcs.com or call us at 831.620.2188. 

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

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

Posted on 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

Russell Pacific Continues East Coast Expansion with Orlando Distribution Warehouse

Posted on by Nate Russell

Monterey, Calif. 12/21/2017

Russell Pacific, a wholesale distributor of solar electrical products, continues their east coast expansion with the opening of a solar distribution center in Orlando, Florida. Following the successful opening of their Baltimore warehouse earlier this fall, the Orlando warehouse is Russell Pacific’s second distribution center serving the east coast market. Product stocked in Orlando will provide solar contractors and integrators throughout the southeastern United States region with fast regional shipping, next-day local deliveries, and same day will-call product pickup.

Founded in 2009 by industry veterans, Russell Pacific is a wholesale distributor of solar modules, inverters and balance of systems (BOS) products for solar installers and integrators. By choosing only to focus on the solar industry’s premier brands from trusted manufacturers, Russell Pacific maintains a small, manageable product line, providing the best products at the best prices and fastest lead times.

Russell Pacific is now stocking the Orlando distribution center with North American Made Silfab Solar modules, REC Solar modules, SolarEdge, SMA,. and HiQ Solar inverters, and SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions. Array Technologies’ single-axis tracker systems are also available through their sister company, RPCS (RP Construction Services Inc.). Russell Pacific is dedicated to providing their customers with the highest level of sales and service, and is pleased to announce steady stock and fast turnaround for the solar industry’s Mid-Atlantic customer base. East coast sales are being managed by solar industry veteran, Christian May. Chris joined Russell Pacific after successful tenures at Maryland based PV developer / EPC, Standard Solar, and California based solar distributor, AEE Solar (a Sunrun company), said Eb Russell, Founder and CEO of Russell Pacific.

 

With multiple distribution warehouses located throughout California, Utah, Oregon, Maryland, and now Florida, Russell Pacific (www.russellpacific.com) supports solar installers and integrators throughout the United States. Deep product knowledge and manufacturer relationships enable us to pass on product confidence and empower our customers to stand behind their projects. When your name is on the line, you can trust Russell Pacific to supply quality products, on-time and on budget, every time. For more information, please contact East Coast Sales Director, Chris May at 301.832.7010 or cmay@russellpacific.com.

 

 

RPCS Volunteers, Sponsors the Denver Housing Authority Community Solar Build

Posted on by Nate Russell
denver housing authority community solar build
RPCS Volunteers and Construction Crew

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Learn more about the event here.

 

Russell Pacific Expands, Opens East Coast Distribution Center

Posted on by Nate Russell

Russell Pacific Announces East Coast Expansion with Baltimore Distribution Warehouse

 

Russell Pacific ExpansionMonterey, California (October 11, 2017) — Russell Pacific, a wholesale distributor of solar electrical products, announces the opening of their first East Coast distribution center located in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore warehouse marks Russell Pacific’s expansion into the East Coast market; providing solar contractors and integrators throughout the Mid-Atlantic region with fast regional shipping, next-day local deliveries, and same day will-call product pickup.

Founded in 2009 by industry veterans, Russell Pacific is a wholesale distributor of solar modules, inverters and balance of systems (BOS) products for solar installers and integrators. By choosing only to focus on the solar industry’s premier brands from trusted manufacturers, the company maintains a small, manageable product line, providing the best products at the best prices and fastest lead times.

Following their East Coast expansion, Russell Pacific is now stocking the Baltimore distribution center with a full line of North American Made Silfab Solar Modules, SolarEdge, SMA & HiQ Inverter Products, SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions and LG RESU10H Batteries. Array Technologies’ single-axis tracker systems are also available through their sister company, RPCS (RP Construction Services Inc.). Russell Pacific is dedicated to providing their customers with the highest level of sales and service, and is pleased to announce steady stock and fast turnaround for the solar industry’s Mid-Atlantic customer base. East coast sales are being managed by solar industry veteran, Chris May.  Chris joined Russell Pacific after successful tenures at Maryland based PV developer / EPC, Standard Solar, and California based solar distributor, AEE Solar (a Sunrun company), said Eb Russell, Founder and CEO.

With multiple distribution warehouses located throughout California, Utah, Oregon and now Maryland, Russell Pacific (www.russellpacific.com) supports solar installers and integrators throughout the United States. Deep product knowledge and manufacturer relationships enable us to pass on product confidence and empower our customers to stand behind their projects. When your name is on the line, you can trust Russell Pacific to supply quality products, on-time and on budget, every time. For more information, please contact East Coast Sales Director, Chris May at 301.832.7010 or chris@russellpacific.com.

 

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

Posted on by Nate Russell

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Nate Russell

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

 

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

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

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

RPCS designs and builds ground mount solar projects using the industry’s gold standard for quality, the Array Technologies DuraTrack® HZ v3 Single-Axis Tracker. With over 275 MW and over 150 projects completed or under construction throughout states including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Indiana, and the southeastern states mentioned above, RPCS provides full turnkey service and support for the industry’s most bankable and reliable tracker.

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

 

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

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

 

MCE Solar One Project Progress Update

Posted on by Nate Russell

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

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

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

 

RPCS Supports i1 Energy’s First Solar Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join RPCS at Intersolar North America 2017

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

Join RPCS at Intersolar North America Next Week

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

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

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

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

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

 

Indiana Newspaper Features RPCS

Posted on by Nate Russell

 

TrackerInstall
Mitchell, IN Hoosier Energy ATI Tracker Project

Courtesy of Jeff Routh, Times Mail – Bedford, IN

New Solar Field Under Construction South of Mitchell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ATI Ships Over 6 Gigawatts Globally

Posted on by Nate Russell

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

Solar tracker manufacturer has shipped six GW of solar trackers globally

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

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

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

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

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

 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:

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

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

Posted on by Nate Russell

Albuquerque, NM | 9/15/16

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

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

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

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

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

 

About Array Technologies, Inc.:

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

About RP Construction Services, Inc.:

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