Large-scale solar installation by Conti

Electrical

Business Case

Large-scale solar installation by Conti

Project story

Installation of PV modules across 2,000+ acres for Anson Solar

Key facts

Project figures

- 200 MW installed capacity
- 102,544 hours of work
- Commissioned December 2020

Introduction

Anson Solar is sited in a rural area, where large-scale energy projects bring much needed economic development, including short- and long-term employment as well as tax benefits to the local community. Located in central Texas, the project site is primarily agricultural in nature. Conti has been selected as the Prime Electrical Contractor to deliver the installation of PV modules across 2,200 acres of land and to complete the installation on time and on budget. Conti LLC’s work on the project began in 2020.

Challenges

The environmental and community benefits derived from the presence of a large-scale solar installation are not reaped without first overcoming challenges of equal scale. The client had to assess the risks to all neighboring environments and acquire the required permits. Conti had to commission the project with as little ecological impact as possible while staying in line with the client’s budgetary and scheduling targets.. The impact of performed work on all local stakeholders needed to be considered at each step in the process.

Solution

Conti was able to secure the first of three potential solar construction contracts by offering the required balance of top-notch solar solution experience with the knowledge of proper step-by-step execution. With no eagle and incidental takes, and with a complete assessment that identified no biological constraints, we were able to safely begin work. This project included the installation of all PV modules, a mechanical tracker system, structural pile supports, PCS (SCADA), a fiberoptic communications loop, medium voltage and all DC wiring, instrumentation, and built and installed combiner boxes. For maximum efficiency, we performed work seven days a week with a peak manpower of 150.

Results

From temporary and permanent local job creation to an expected $10-$12M in tax benefits, Conti is delivering a project that will positively impact the local community beyond the direct benefits of clean energy generation.