SOLAR FOUNDATION DESIGN
Geotechnical Services for Solar Foundations
ENGINEERS EXPERIENCED IN COLD CLIMATE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
PRI Engineering specializes in geotechnical services for solar foundations – designed, engineered, and constructed to withstand the pressures of any climate, especially the cold regions in the Northeast United States and Canada including permafrost regions in the Arctic.
Our personnel have been involved in the full project delivery including permitting and planning, preliminary/detail design, construction inspections and remediation designs. Our detailed foundation designs include an assessment of local climatic data for frost load optimization and thorough use of field load testing data for ultimate risk management.
With hundreds’ of successful foundation designs for solar projects ranging in size from 0.12 MW to over 500 MW, PRI Engineering has the experience and expertise in solar foundations to reduce your project risk and prevent increased capital outlays from scope creep and construction delays.
OUR GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES FOR SOLAR FOUNDATIONS
We offer competitive rates by tailoring our budget to your risk profile. No matter the project type, we design a targeted work program to deliver exactly what you need, nothing more, nothing less. Our rates include access to our highly experienced core team of engineers, who bring expertise to every project.
SOLAR FOUNDATION DESIGN
We work with all major racking manufacturers across Canada and the U.S., accounting for a wide range of racking loads. Using these inputs, we develop site-specific geotechnical parameters tailored to the project’s location and subsurface conditions.
DATA MANAGEMENT
We manage and organize Quality Control (QC) records that document foundation construction details, essential for verifying compliance with design requirements and supporting final project review.
GEOTECHNICAL DESKTOP STUDY
Our team completes a comprehensive review of available background information, including topography, surficial geology, soil mapping, and previous subsurface investigations. This initial study helps identify potential geotechnical risks, guide field investigation planning, and support cost-effective design decisions.
CONSTRUCTION QA/QC
Our expertise and experience ensures efficient construction Quality Analysis (QA) and Quality Control (QC) of your solar array foundations. When designing a solar foundation for cold climates, QA/QC ensures your project is built to last.
SURVEYING
Topographic surveying is the first step in any design program at PRI Engineering. Accurate survey data establishes site boundaries and captures existing conditions - providing the foundation for both effective design and precise construction layout.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Our integrated geotechnical and structural engineering team delivers coordinated foundation solutions tailored to solar PV projects. We account for racking constraints and site-specific conditions, with the option to enhance designs through pile load testing programs where required.
PRE-PRODUCTION TESTING
PRI Engineering is one of the few geotechnical engineering firms in North America offering both pre- and post-production testing. Production testing verifies that our initial analysis and design recommendations are accurate, high-quality, and result in durable structures built to perform throughout their intended lifespan.
WHY WORK WITH PRI ENGINEERING
EXPERIENCED AND CERTIFIED ENGINEERS
Fully certified engineers and technicians to deliver reliable results quickly.
AGILE AND ADAPTABLE TEAM
Rather than a one-size-fits-all attitude, we believe that we can save money and time by personalizing our services to your exact needs.
COMMITTED TO RISK MANAGEMENT
We cater our services to your risk profile, budget, and needs.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
We tackle every project with innovative solutions to accomplish exactly what our customers need, so they can be confident that they are saving time, money, and of course – peace of mind.
BROOKS II
FEATURED PROJECT
PRI Engineering worked to significantly enhance Alberta's solar capacity with the successful completion of the Brooks Solar II Project, which added 27 MW through innovative solutions to challenges like soft clay and frost-heave soils. Our comprehensive role included detailed design, pre-production load testing, and stringent onsite quality control, showcasing our commitment to excellence in solar infrastructure.