In the rapidly evolving world of solar energy, efficiency is key. At Nevados, we’ve always been committed to simplifying the installation experience of our solar trackers for our customers. From the ground up, we design our hardware with EPCs and developers in mind, constantly seeking ways to streamline processes and overcome challenges. Today, we’re excited to share a game-changing development that aligns perfectly with our mission: our partnership with Milwaukee Tool.
Our Commitment to Efficiency
Our dedication to efficiency isn’t new. In fact, a recent study by solar construction consultants Eclipse-M ranked Nevados first in installation time among all other market-relevant trackers. Our solution requires only 118 labor hours per megawatt installed – a 25-50% increase in installation efficiency compared to similar trackers.
This efficiency stems from thoughtful design features like:
- Pre-assembled components
- Auto-alignment capabilities
- Single-worker installation steps
But we didn’t stop there. We’re always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in solar installation.
Milwaukee Tool: A Partnership for Progress
In our quest to further enhance installation efficiency, we’ve partnered with Milwaukee Tool to test and qualify their innovative new M18 FUEL™ Controlled Torque Impact Wrench (CTIW) with our All Terrain Tracker®.
This smart tool, featuring Milwaukee’s TORQUE-SENSE™ technology, is a game-changer for utility-scale solar projects. Here’s why:
- Precision and Consistency: The CTIW uses sophisticated sensors and machine learning algorithms to maintain target torque, ensuring precise and confident installations.
- Speed: By eliminating the traditional two-step torquing method, the CTIW can significantly increase installation speeds.
- Data Logging: Every trigger pull is logged, allowing for customizable reporting and quality assurance.
The Results: A Leap in Efficiency
Independent field testing conducted by Eclipse-M revealed impressive results:
- Labor Savings: The CTIW saved approximately 27.1 person-hours per MW on our Nevados system.
- Speed Increase: Installation was up to 3.5 times faster than traditional torquing methods.
- Versatility: The tool performed excellently across various joint types in our trackers, demonstrating its adaptability to different installation needs.
- Consistency: Zero torque failures were reported across tens of megawatts of production testing.
These results translate to substantial reductions in labor costs while enhancing the reliability and repeatability of solar installations.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Solar Installation
This partnership with Milwaukee Tool is more than just an incremental improvement – it’s a significant leap forward in our mission to make solar installation as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
By combining our terrain-capable, easy-to-install All Terrain Tracker with Milwaukee’s innovative CTIW, we’re offering a solution that addresses the core challenges faced by the industry today: installation time, and project costs.
As we continue to innovate and collaborate, we remain committed to our goal: making utility-scale solar projects faster to deploy, easier to manage, and more profitable for our customers. The future of solar installation is here, and it’s more efficient than ever.
To learn more about how our All Terrain Tracker and the CTIW smart tool can optimize your solar installations, contact our team of experts today. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future, one efficiently installed solar tracker at a time.
