In a significant advancement for utility-scale solar installations, Nevados has announced that its All-Terrain Tracker will be utilized in a new 170 MW solar project in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This innovative technology eliminates the need for extensive land grading, resulting in substantial environmental and economic benefits.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
An independent analysis by Sierra Overhead Analytics revealed that traditional installation methods would have required moving over 400,000 cubic yards of soil—enough to fill 123 Olympic-sized swimming pools. By employing Nevados’ All-Terrain Tracker, the project avoids this massive earth movement, preserving the natural landscape and simplifying stormwater management. Additionally, the system reduces the need for steel piles by more than 230,000 linear feet, equivalent to over 43 miles of steel, leading to significant cost savings.
Innovative Design
The All-Terrain Tracker features articulating bearings that allow it to adapt to slope changes of up to 26% at each foundation, enabling the system to follow the existing terrain without requiring grading. This design not only minimizes environmental disruption but also accelerates project timelines by reducing permitting and construction complexities.
Industry Endorsement
Allen Oldroyd, General Superintendent of MYR Energy Services—the EPC firm responsible for constructing the project—praised the system, stating, “I am blown away by the simplicity and the capabilities of the Nevados All-Terrain Tracker. It is truly versatile and does more than reduce cost; it reduces the environmental impact of a project.”
Looking Ahead
With the increasing prevalence of solar projects on challenging terrains, Nevados anticipates signing over a gigawatt of projects by the end of 2024. The All-Terrain Tracker positions the company to support this growth by offering a flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for solar installations.
