Solution
With a long-standing relationship with the utility, Burns & McDonnell was hired for design and construction of the solar array. The project was executed using an engineer, procure, construct (EPC) approach to cost-effectively self-perform construction from start to finish. Taking an innovative approach from the traditional single panel in portrait installation, a two panel in portrait orientation was used — where two panels are effectively side by side — with the 535-watt/1500-volt photovoltaic (PV) modules pivoting on a single-axis tracking system.
Our integrated solar design and construction team optimized project delivery to maximize energy yield and capacity cost-efficiently. Over 12,000 solar panels were installed to accommodate the energy needs of the residents and businesses that signed up to receive energy as part of the utility’s Community Solar program.
Construction was self-performed through the use of direct hire capabilities with AZCO, part of the Burns & McDonnell family of companies. Nearly 27% of local vendors and contractors used were diverse owned, exceeding the original supplier diversity spend goal of 20%. There were zero safety incidents recorded throughout the project’s duration. Throughout the project, our integrated team engaged in value engineering to optimize the site layout to fit the project budget estimates.