As the world moves toward renewable energy sources, the buzzword is solar as it significantly reduces the detrimental impact on the environment. However, the process of building solar power plants is a complex endeavor for independent power producers. To set up a profitable solar power plant, independent power producers (IPPs) today need a large capital investment, adequate infrastructure, and a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies. The reality is the majority of the IPPs lack time, resources, or ability to keep pace with ever-changing technologies and the implementation of specific solutions.

In order to design, procure, and manage construction across several projects, IPPs are on the lookout for a reliable project partner who can guide them through the trivia of design and implementation to engineering and procurement of major equipment and administration of construction sites. That’s precisely what RPCS brings to the table. RPCS is well-positioned to be the IPP’s mechanical partner that provides complete solar tracking solutions from turnkey project design, procurement and commissioning, to mechanical installation services. “Accredited by Array Technologies as a trusted partner in distributing single axis trackers, RPCS has mastered site management, which not only makes the deployment easy but also delivers high-quality construction capability,” elucidates Eben Russell, president of RPCS.

While there are still a number of very large single sites being developed and constructed (50+MWs), IPPs are challenged to sustain their asset growth by building high numbers of small projects spread all over the county. Being able to effectively design, procure, and manage the construction of many small projects simultaneously is a major challenge. To address these intricacies, RPCS offers robust mobile workforce solutions that enable IPPs to manage their construction site effectively from anywhere and anytime.

As a first step toward solar power plant installation, the RPCS team studies the blank canvas of the Earth, followed by analysis of the topography, and then lays out the tracker in the most cost-effective and constructible manner.
The engineering team studies all the requisites, incorporates all the tracker components into one engineering package, fulfills the order down to the last nut and bolt, packs and ships all the essential equipment to the site destination, and finally installs and commissions the system. RPCS has completed over 260 projects in renewable energy markets and has proficiency in handling the intricacies of tracker projects in different geographic locations. By supporting every step of the project, from initial site assessment and installation to final commissioning, RPCS guarantees the highest level of service and ROI. To elaborate more on their value proposition, Russell cites a case scenario of a successful commissioning of a 5MW project at the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). Most bidders assumed fixed tilt was the only option to lay a solar power plant on the undulating terrain. When they reached out to RPCS, the RPCS’s engineering team did a detailed topography analysis, shot lasers across the grid, and confirmed that the tracker could be installed within its grading tolerance. RPCS won the project for IPPs in the bid and later installed trackers as promised while helping them generate higher ROI.

Having carved a niche for themselves in the renewable energy landscape, RPCS is poised for a bright future. The company is constantly developing new ways for material and crew deployment in order to get daily tasks completed in a timely manner. The team is also enhancing their mobile apps to streamline jobsite progress and reporting. “With custom-built apps, we are not only monitoring projects in real-time also but also ensuring schedules are met while maintaining safety,” concludes Russell.