The project involved the design, engineering, procurement, and construction of a ground-mount solar PV system tailored to Water Reclamation District (WRD) South Campus’s energy needs. The solar array was installed on unused land at the facility, ensuring minimal disruption to existing operations. WRD decided to invest capital, considering the long term benefits and attractive ROI associated with solar systems.
- System Size: 532 kW
- Anticipated Annual Production: 651,746 kWh/yr
- Grid Connection: The solar system is connected behind the meter, operating in parallel with the grid.
- Annual Environmental Impact: The solar system is expected to offset the facility’s carbon footprint by 438 tons, equivalent to carbon dioxide emissions from 49,272 gallons of gasoline.
- Role: GEC served as the Developer and EPC
Lessons Learned
- Stakeholder Engagement:
Early involvement of all stakeholders, including the client, contractors, and utility providers, was critical to the project’s success. Effective communication and alignment on goals helped streamline the process and address challenges proactively. - Trenching/Boring for Underground Conduits and Conductors:
- Marking and Documentation: Use permanent markers, such as visible flags or painted lines above ground, to mark the underground utilities during the construction phase. This allows for accurate transfer of the information to GIS systems upon project completion.
- Detailed Records: Keep precise records of the trench/boring path, including depth, to assist future excavation teams in avoiding damage to the conduits or locating faults.
