How Does Nevados Help Utility-Scale Solar EPCs Build Faster?

For solar engineering, procurement, and construction firms (EPCs), getting projects over the finish line as efficiently as possible is a top priority. Unfortunately, many factors can hold up construction timelines for utility-scale solar projects, including permitting delays, sourcing issues, skilled labor shortages, and more. Thankfully, Nevados developed the All Terrain Tracker (ATT) to streamline large-scale solar panel installation in several ways. Keep reading to discover how this all terrain tracker can help your utility-scale solar EPC build faster.

1.  Eliminates Grading

Without a doubt, grading is one of the most labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks in installing a solar power plant. The process involves excavating and moving soil to level the ground. Moreover, mass grading involves constructing retention ponds to manage runoff and  reseeding to restore ecological balance, which can hold out project closeouts and cost more money. Depending on the project size, grading can take several months to complete. Worse, the grading project can attract lawsuits or public outcry when done incorrectly. In such an unfortunate event, a utility-scale solar EPC will have to halt the project for years or terminate it altogether. The Nevados ATT helps utility-scale solar EPCs bypass the need for grading, so they avoid the setbacks associated with the task. The tracker can handle post-to-post angle changes of up to 26% and overall slopes of up to 37% in any direction. As such, utility companies won’t have to do any grading to achieve optimal solar panel positioning.

2. Reduces Permitting Requirements

Before starting mass grading, government authorities must give utility-scale solar EPCs the green light. Mostly, the agencies need plans that showcase how a solar EPC will manage wastewater from the site and stabilize the soil during and after installation. The permitting process can take months or years to complete since authorities must ensure that a solar EPC can comply with environmental regulations and land use policies. At times, securing a permit from government agencies might not be enough to launch grading, as communities are usually vigilant against projects that can degrade their environment. As a result, the community can oppose a utility-scale project if it entails mass grading and clearing of vegetation.   Nevados’ All Terrain Tracker eliminates the need for mass grading, often the primary cause of rigorous permitting standards and community resentment. As such, with the tracker, a utility-scale solar EPC is likely to have an easy time securing permits and community approval.

3. Has Generous Installation Tolerances

The same features that allow the ATT to adapt to rugged terrain also give it generous installation tolerances regarding the angle, rotation, and height of the tracker.   
  • Flexible cradle: The torque tube cradles on either side of the ATT bearing can flex up to 2.5 degrees, totaling 4.4% tolerance across the whole bearing.
  • Torque tube engagement: Within the cradle, each torque tube has a roughly 1.5” window of engagement for the north/south direction.
  • Hinged bearing: (Articulating bearing version only) As the name implies, the articulating bearing can flex on both sides of the cradle to adapt to steep angle changes.
  • Pivoting support bolts: The articulating bearing also features two pivoting support bolts around the cradle that affix it to the pile, allowing for more flexible installation tolerances.
  For EPCs, this means that the ATT has an easier learning curve for laborers than other options on the market and an overall more efficient installation process. As a result, there is also less chance of having to perform time-consuming corrections on incorrectly installed trackers.

Build Faster With Nevados ATT

Quick turnaround times are valuable for any utility-scale solar EPC. The Nevados ATT ensures solar EPCs complete projects on time, so they can take advantage of the demand for solar power. Designed with optimizing construction times in mind, it eliminates the need for grading, one of the most time-consuming processes. Moreover, it reduces complexities like community resentment and environmental disruption, which prolong permitting and delay the overall project. Contact us to learn more about the ATT and how it can help you on your next project.

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Chief Commercial Officer

Jenya Meydbray

Jenya is the Chief Commercial Officer of Nevados, prior to that he co-founded PVEL in 2010 and served as CEO for the past dozen years. 

He developed the first extended reliability and performance test protocols for the downstream PV industry as well as innovative methods of evaluating PV performance for power plant level risk assessment and mitigation. 

Prior to founding PVEL, Jenya was the Senior Quality and Reliability Engineer at SunPower where he designed accelerated test methods for high-efficiency solar cells and modules. Jenya began his career at NASA Ames Research Center’s hyper-gravity facilities. He also served as VP of Technology for Cypress Creek Renewables, a utility-scale project developer.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Rick Baldini

Rick has over 18 years of finance experience across several industries including financial services, insurance, real estate, and construction.  Rick is experienced in building, leading, and advising companies through complex restructurings, business expansion and product development.  

Prior to Nevados, Rick was the CFO for Link Real Estate & Urban Land Co, a real estate investment firm, that Rick led to become the fastest growing private company in Central Ohio.  Rick has also been successful in structuring a multi-million-dollar licensing deal with a public company while CFO at Global Administration Management, a boutique consulting firm in the insurance industry.

Rick is a graduate of the University of Arizona where he received a B.S. in Finance and Marketing.