A commitment to sustainable energy has been a steadily growing trend for quite some time. But implementing new technologies, such as solar panels, on a large scale has proven tough for construction project managers. Coordinating the various teams and tasks requires vigilance and synergy.
Corporate solar adoption has advanced significantly in just the past few years, with about half of all U.S. capacity installed since 2020. As the demand for solar farms increases, project managers must find the best ways to streamline solar farm construction by quickly learning what works and doesn’t work for these types of projects.
Before building begins, companies must establish safe and streamlined access to the solar farm construction site. Selecting a site is only the beginning; once the selection is finalized, leaders must still keep in mind the following operational processes:
No matter where a project is located, you’ll have to comply with some level of regulatory requirements. From construction permits to stormwater pollution prevention plans, this type of bureaucratic preparation is essential for staying on track. Failing to comply can result in project delays, fines, penalties, and damage to your brand’s reputation.
Every provider you work with brings specialized expertise to the table. Be sure to take advantage of this knowledge by bringing the entire team together in the early planning phases. As a project manager, allowing experienced team members to simultaneously focus on their areas of expertise is one of the best ways to play to your own strengths. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need trusted resources on your side.
Coordinating all of the materials and logistics for solar farm construction requires serious organizational skills. Implementing digital tracking solutions can help by informing teams of when key supplies will be delivered to the site so leaders can schedule crews accordingly. Of course, the human element can’t be underestimated, especially when it comes to handling logistics on the ground or responding to urgent matters.
Traditional solar panel installation requires digging trenches for conduit, driving piles, installing rack mounts, placing the panels, and connecting the systems. All of this requires safe and secure access to the site. When it comes to ensuring access to a solar farm construction site, many companies opt for matting solutions.
Matting is applicable in many stages of solar farm construction, such as:
Unpredictability and delays can make securing and sustaining access to a solar farm challenging. However, modern technologies can be incorporated along the way to streamline the process. This can include using an app to track the arrival of ground protection mats, employing digital construction management platforms to coordinate teams more effectively, or even using robots to protect workers from unsafe conditions.
Solar farm construction, like most construction projects, has a lot of moving parts and requires managing multiple partners for site access, installation, restoration, and more. For this reason, when it comes to site access and restoration, experience is key. A provider that has a proven track record in the industry will be able to deliver accurate estimates, stick to the timeline, and plan for common challenges.
Finding the ideal partner for preparing a solar site is crucial for meeting safety, efficiency, and budget goals. Solar farm construction requires diligent planning and preparation, so choosing a company with specialized expertise is your best bet for your project to go off without a hitch. Make sure you have the knowledge and resources you need before you start a solar energy construction project with help from YAK ACCESS.