Tackling Design Challenges in Utility-Scale Solar

The United States is running out of good land for large solar farms. As a result, Blymyer Engineers is pushing the envelope to design utility-scale solar facilities in challenging environment — places with less-than-ideal weather and geographical conditions.

Typical challenges at these sites include soil expansion, deep frost layers, high snow loads, high (hurricane-force) wind zones, 5’-6’ flood zones, severe scour issues, high elevation, and irregular site conditions.

Besides customized and innovative design, several common factors help to optimize the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for these types of installations. Solar module efficiency has increased 50% between 2008 and 2015. More cost-efficient 1,500 volt systems are replacing 1,000 volt systems. Thin-film solar modules are helping to reduce energy loss in high-heat regions.

Blymyer Engineers is dedicated to work with the latest technologies, materials, and standards to design utility-scale facilities that make the most of the available land and resources — and bring clean energy to people and businesses all over the country.