Solar In Massachusetts

Albion, MI – April 1, 2013 – Patriot Solar Group (PSG), completes installation of a 3.4 megawatt array of solar in Massachusetts; the largest ground mounted solar field in the states history. This particular project utilized both post driven, and ballasted ground mount systems to accommodate a total of 14,521 modules. In addition to manufacturing and supplying over 3,000 sections of ground mounts, PSG’s scope of work also included site preparation, racking assembly, and panel installation.

“Three major challenges stood ahead of us”, explains Brent Jennings, Senior Construction Manager with PSG. “We experienced unforgiving terrain with slopes ranging from 5 to 15 degrees, rocky soil conditions, and a demanding timeline for completion.”

Solar Installation

While installing Solar in Massachusetts, most of the ballasted ground mount systems were installed on the Eastern array because of poor soil conditions and vast amounts of jagged, uneven rock. PSG’s unique telescoping post and multiple-angle adjustment-plate, allows for height alteration along with 10 to 30 degrees of post tilt variance.This patent pending design allows the block to follow the contour of the land while maintaining the desired module tilt-angle.

Solutions

Although the Western array offered a more gentle and forgiving terrain, the installation crew encountered large underground boulders while driving posts. “Whenever we hit a large rock in the desired post location, we moved on and dropped a concrete ballast in its place. This was an enormous time and cost saver for us” stated Jennings. Patriot’s modular truss and rail configuration allowed for the use of a ballast footing instead of disrupting the soil and trying to remove the boulder of unknown size. The driven post and ballast post height were engineered to be at the same height level to accommodate this unique installation solution. The entire racking installation was completed in just over three weeks; averaging just over one megawatt per week with an installation crew of 12 workers.

About Patriot Solar Group (PSG)

With its headquarters in Albion, MI., PSG specializes in engineering and manufacturing solar mounting systems, including: fixed pole mounts, single and dual-axis trackers, and ground mounts for large commercial or utility scale projects. PSG distributes solar panels in all sizes, as well as offering a full line of on and off-grid systems that are custom engineered to client specifications. Our mission is to provide quality solar products and services in the most efficient and responsible manner to generate outstanding customer value while remaining committed to the principles of sustainability.