Schletter Group’s Post

When working with #Solar PV modules #installation, we sometimes take the #feasibilitystudy and #sitetopography for granted until you actually run into a real life project where you actually have to be keen on these factors. Imagine working on an implementation project for a #5megawatt #groundmountPV system on what was previously used a quarry then it became a dumpsite! For me this has been an interesting challenge and a great learning experience where environmental stewardship and #engineering innovation meet! Before the mounting of the PV modules, the following steps are involved: 1. Site preparation This involves carrying out a thorough environmental impact assessment (#EIA) to identify the contents and toxicity levels of the dumped materials, proper dumping grounds as well as determining the stability of the grounds for operation. 2. Soil stabilisation The next step is finding the right soil type for filling in the open quarry. Here we had to compact the soil layer by layer to ensure that it could withstand the weight of the #groundmount #PVstructures and #modules. Various aggregates and chemicals like lime were blended with the soil to reduce plasticity, improve workability and enhance long-term strength and eliminate any risks of collapse. 3. Construction of concrete footings These was the most economical and feasible option for the foundation type for use in mounting of the #PVstructures that carry #PVmodules, taking into consideration the gound we were working with. 4. Assembly and installation of PV module structures, as in the attached photo. 5. The next step I am looking forward to is mounting and stringing of #solar #PVmodules and #DC to #AC power conversion and final evacuation for #transmission and #distribution. Stay tuned :)

Experience with literal thousands of solar projects and some of the best engineers in the field resulted in a novel tool for development! #solar #engineering #optimization

🔵 In order to avoid wasting land resources, building photovoltaic power plants on the water surface becomes a good solution.   In terms of the floating system, there are essentially four types: 👇 👇 👇 1️⃣ Pure FPV: In these systems, the PV panels are located above the flotation system. In these systems, it is important to calculate the maximum tilt angle to compensate for the increased cost of the anchoring systems due to the loads on the structure with the possible increase in production by optimizing the tilt angle.   2️⃣ Metallic FPV: These have a steel structure supported by a floating system on which the photovoltaic panels are supported and, although they offer better cooling with an impact on production, the costs of floating systems can be higher.   3️⃣ Membrane FPV: In these systems, the modules rest directly on the membrane in contact with the water. In these systems, although the loads are lower, production can be penalized depending on the location of the plant.   4️⃣ Other systems: Systems with alternative materials, usually composed of iron and concrete, currently with a lower level of implementation.   ☑ In the construction, when the water depth is less than 3 meters use piling method, and when above three meters choose a floating method. #JunnoEnergy #FPV #floatingsolar #sustainable #lake #solarenergy #learning

Is it possible to optimize your solar site, striking the ideal balance between grading and pile heights? What about reducing environmental impacts and construction costs without sacrificing site efficiency? The answer is, yes! While traditional solar analysis tools focus on “grading-first,” our in-house solution, PV Tune, was developed by solar civil and structural engineers to analyze thousands of pile points, optimize grading constraints, and compare various grading vs. tracker foundation height scenarios. This provides highly accurate results and cost-saving optimizations, giving you the power to make confident, data-driven decisions. Click the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/4eeHEos #KimleyHorn #SolarSiteOptimization #RenewableEnergy #Engineering

Geotechnical studies evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of soil and rock beneath the surface of the ground. This is essential to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ground-mounted solar PV systems. This will minimize the risks and costs associated with the installation and maintenance of this system. What typically happens during a geotechnical study: 1. Soil Sampling 2. Laboratory Testing 3. Field Testing 4. Analysis and Interpretation 5. Foundation Design 6. Recommendations and Reports why geotechnical studies are so important for ground-mounted solar PV systems: 1. Determining Load-Bearing Capacity: A geotechnical study can determine the load-bearing capacity of the soil. This ensures that the foundation can support the weight of the solar panels without sinking or shifting over time. The foundation of any solar PV system is the mounting structure. 2. Identifying Potential Hazards: The study discovers rock formations, or unstable soil, that could affect the construction process and the long-term stability of the solar PV system. By identifying these hazards early, engineers can take steps to mitigate their impact and ensure a safe installation. 3. Understanding Environmental Factors: The site’s geology, hydrology, and other environmental factors that may impact the project’s design, construction, and operation can also be identified before installation. You must be prepared to work around these challenges for a smooth installation. This information can help engineers make informed decisions about the type of foundation and mounting system to use, as well as the best practices for managing stormwater runoff and erosion control. The construction sequence for a ground-mounted PV system involves essential steps, including site assessment, geotechnical analysis, site preparation, foundation and mounting structure installation, electrical infrastructure setup, solar panel mounting, system testing, and grid connection. Without a geotechnical study, you run the risk of costly repairs, reduced energy output, and even structural damage. For more information and requests you can reach us,, - Email: Aqatawneh@aqelectric.net - Mobile: +201151006630 +962795154126 #renewableenergy #solarpower #sustainable #pvsolar #testing #commissioning #technicalservices #consultation #testing #performance #operationandmaintenance.

Pull testing is a method used to assess the strength and stability of the foundations or piles that support the solar panel structures. This test is crucial for ensuring that the ground-mounted system can withstand various forces such as wind loads, soil movement, and other environmental stresses. The process typically involves: ◦ Inserting Piles or Anchors: The vertical support structures, known as piles or anchors, are driven into the ground to form the foundation for the solar panel mounts. ◦ Applying a Controlled Load: A hydraulic puller or similar equipment is used to apply an upward or lateral force to the piles to simulate the forces the structure may experience in real conditions. ◦ Measuring Resistance: The force is gradually increased until the pile either reaches the specified load or moves beyond acceptable limits. The test measures how much load the pile can resist before it begins to displace or fail. ◦ Evaluating Results: The results help engineers determine whether the installed piles or anchors are strong enough for long-term stability or if adjustments need to be made to the depth, material, or installation method. Pull testing is essential for ensuring that solar panel installations are safe, secure, and compliant with engineering standards, especially in areas with high wind loads or challenging soil conditions. It helps prevent future structural failures and enhances the overall reliability of the solar installation. At Gridfit, we can have both the expertise and equipment to carry out pull testing for your next installation. Why not give us a call and discuss your proposed project? #PullTesting #SolarInstallation #GroundMountSolar #RenewableEnergy #SolarEngineering #PileTesting #SolarFoundations #StructuralIntegrity #SolarConstruction #CleanEnergy #GreenTech #SolarPower #SustainableEnergy #SolarIndustry #EngineeringTesting #GroundMountedSolar

Construction staking and grading are the cornerstones of successful construction. 👍 By meticulously marking out the site and preparing the ground, we ensure your project starts on solid ground. #TerraTechResources #TerraTech #BuildingStaking #Grading #Surveys #Construction #MegaCaps #Surveying #Civil #OilandGas #Infrastructure #EnergyStorage #DeepFoundations #HelicalPiles #FoundationServices #SolarPower #PV #RenewableEnergy #Piling #EnergyStorage

*PEG-EW* Lightweight and straightforward PEG racking design, resulting in substantial CAPEX savings. -      Decreases the necessary equity investment -      Fosters a financially more viable project. This is achieved due to: 1.      Significant cost savings in material supply, delivery, and logistics. 2.      Substantial reduction in labor hours required for system installation. 3.      Only low-skilled labor needed, leading to decreased labor hourly rates. 4.      CAPEX optimization achieved by strategically locating the DC system to minimize or eliminate site earthworks preparations. 5.      Major cost savings in machinery and tools, with installation requiring only hand tools, thus reducing mobilization and installation costs. 6.      Elimination of the need for concrete, sand, and DC trenching for foundations. 7.      Reduced risks associated with underground infrastructure due to shallow foundations. 8.      Improved feasibility of projects in unionized or expensive labor markets. 9.      Bankable solution supported by an extensive bankability report provided by DNV GL. 10.  Secured bank financing available for pre- and post-financing of projects to specific locations. 11.  Proven PEG tested design with operational assets in the field since 2012. 12.  No warranty claims reported for all installed PEG solar plants to date, totaling over 500 MWp installed. 13.  Established company history of German engineering excellence, with over 3 GW of DC cabling and 2.6 GW of substructure assets utilized on solar plants, with over 700 MW under construction. #PEGEW #JurchenTechnology #CostSavings #CAPEXOptimization #GermanEngineeringExcellence #LaborEfficiency #SkilledLabor #ToolSavings #FoundationSimplicity #ReducedRisk #Feasibility #BankableSolution #ProvenDesign

✅✅✅Solar Project Walkway： When selecting a walkway material for solar photovoltaic systems, both aluminum and steel gratings are viable options. ✅Aluminum bar gratings are lightweight, approximately 1/3 the weight of steel gratings, and offer superior corrosion resistance, contributing to a longer service life. ✅ Steel gratings are more cost-effective but are significantly heavier and provide less corrosion resistance, resulting in a shorter lifespan compared to aluminum grilles. ✅✅The choice between aluminum gratings and steel gratings should be based on the specific operational requirements and budget considerations. #walkway #aluminumgrating #steelgrating #solar #Photovoltaic #construction

WHAT WENT WRONG HERE??? As Engineers, we find this question very difficult to answer with this unique case - a Pumped Hydro Project in Australia called “Snowy Hydro 2.0.” The original budget of $2B is now at $12B? and still at the midway of the Tunneling works that would span up to the end of the decade as the target delivery while the “net present value” of this project is more than $3 billion only based on a new assessment released last week. By comparison, a worst-engineered project can painfully allow a 100% cost overrun against the original budget and schedule. But this one goes to 600% + cost overrun at a time when modern technologies in engineering and construction are available and advancing rapidly. Here are the safeguards in practice prior to commencing a big-ticket project. A FEED design is mandatory for big-ticket projects to determine the project's viability in terms of engineering, constructability, safety, and economy. Site data are collected by mapping out the routes and meticulously conducting a study at every turn at every possible route. Principal Geotechnical engineers play a crucial role in all the above site studies and create a 3D model simulation of the underground routes (which means 2 or 3 routes to make choices) as a virtual representative of the underground site conditions unseen from the above. Then principal structural engineers would come in to prepare a conceptual 3D model of the tunnel structure in line with the given geotechnical 3D simulation model to match the soil/rock conditions against the structural model design that would resist the geotechnical forces identified. All are calculated by sophisticated engineering programs. The geotechnical and structural 3D models are blended into one simulation. Then constructability review follows by creating another set of 3D model simulations for the constructability phase to study the kind of tunneling equipment to be used and how it will perform when confronted with variable types of soil/rock along the simulated route. At this point, the so-called construction risks like being "Bogged in soft ground", and "wedged in a pinch-point on very hard rock" should have been detected in the 3D model simulation reviews and should have been mitigated straight away. After the mitigation of the critical items, FEED Budgetary estimates are prepared with a tolerance of (+/-) 30% of the FEED Cost, then EPC companies submit their bid proposals within the budget tolerance. Upon the award, the EPC winner also signed a separate Acceptance Agreement highlighting that they studied, reviewed, concurred, and confirmed the correctness of the FEED design. That’s how big-ticket projects are executed. How did this project balloon to a 600% cost overrun? Let's focus on highly viable Clean Energy Projects at the cheapest Our 30MW Rollie Wind Turbine Technology can do the job and doesn't need an Energy Storage System. The cost to build is US$ 2.0 -2.2M Per MW along shorelines.