Project Complete: Building & Earth Powers Up Solar Energy in Missouri
In the hills of Warren County, Missouri, a massive solar farm has taken shape, promising to supply thousands of homes and power Amazon’s local operations. Behind the scenes, the expertise of Building & Earth’s engineers and technicians has played a crucial role in bringing this ambitious project to life.
The 139 MW solar farm, capable of generating power for more than 29,000 homes, is part of Amazon’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The solar farm will not only generate clean electricity but also stimulate economic growth in the local community. Construction projects of this scale often create jobs and boost the local economy.
But before the first solar panel could be installed, the groundwork had to be laid – quite literally. That’s where Building & Earth comes in, bringing their experience in materials testing and professional service firm consulting to ensure the project’s success from the ground up.
Donnie Ives, Branch Manager for Building & Earth’s Dallas office, explains the company’s involvement: “We did the materials testing for this project. It was primarily density testing for the road construction and for the backfill of the conveyance systems for the electrical lines. And then we did load testing for the foundations for the solar panels.”
Setting Up for Success
This comprehensive testing is crucial for the long-term stability and efficiency of the solar farm. By ensuring the proper density of road materials and backfill, Building & Earth helps guarantee safe access to the site for construction and maintenance. The load testing for foundations is particularly critical, as it ensures that the solar panels will remain stable and properly aligned for optimal energy generation.
Dustin Houser, a CMT Project Manager from the Dallas Branch, brought a wealth of experience to the project. In fact, Ives describes him as foundational to the Dallas team. “Dustin has been involved in projects such as this for a number of years,” Ives notes, highlighting the continuity of expertise that Building & Earth brings to renewable energy projects.
The company’s involvement begins at the earliest stages of the project. “Typical projects begin with construction of roads to enable access to the project site,” Ives explains. “A lay down yard is then constructed the contractors use to base their operations from, and eventually will be the operation and maintenance hub of the facility.” During this phase, Building & Earth technicians provided crucial density testing for the road construction and for the backfill of the conveyance systems for the electrical lines.
Solar Pile Load Testing
Building & Earth’s work didn’t stop at the initial phase. As the project progresses, their technicians continue to play a vital role. “We’re observing the actual piles that are being used for the foundations being installed per the specifications that were derived from the test piles installed and tested during geotechnical exploration,” Houser explains. This attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the foundation meets the stringent requirements necessary for a project of this scale.
One of the unique aspects of this project is the client, Qcells. As Ives explains, “Qcells is a Korean firm, and they built a manufacturing facility in the United States, which streamlines supply chain shipments.” This localized manufacturing approach not only reduces shipping times and costs but also aligns with the project’s overall goal of sustainability. Building & Earth’s ability to work seamlessly with both domestic and international clients showcases their versatility and adaptability in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.
The company’s expertise in renewable energy projects has allowed them to expand their reach beyond their Dallas-Fort Worth base. “Working in Missouri wasn’t a stretch for the Dallas office, as we have the mobility to set up testing labs in regions that require travel,” Ives notes. This geographical flexibility is just one demonstration of Building & Earth’s agility to meet project needs with remote technician teams.
Looking Toward the Future
This was the first large scale solar installation that the Dallas branch worked on with Qcells. Already, the success of the Warren County project has already led to further opportunities. “We were awarded a second project with another client in Missouri, and we were just awarded a third project in South Texas with Qcells” Ives says. This continued partnership speaks volumes about the quality of work and the relationships.
With the Warren County solar farm nearing completion, Building & Earth is proud of their contributions to this landmark project. As Ives puts it, “We strive to understand exactly what the client wants.” It’s the focus on relationship building that yields understanding, combined with technical expertise and a commitment to quality, that played a major role in this project’s success. “They know that I’ll answer the phone. They know that when they need something, we’ll come right away,” Ives says.
As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Building & Earth is positioned to play an increasingly vital role in creating a more sustainable future for our country.