News & Blog
October Newsletter 2021
Featured Installations
Solar Foundations USA can propose creative structures outside of our standard systems for individual situations. October did not disappoint as Solar Foundations' installation crews had the opportunity to execute some unique projects in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
6Lx6C Open Frame Carport in Reading, PA
SFUSA had the opportunity to work with Powerstream Solar & Electric on this 36-panel Open Frame Carport in Reading, PA. The 14.22 kW system was built for 6-panels high in landscape by 6-panel columns wide using a 5-degree tilt and 8.5 ft south leading-edge height to clear the electric vehicle charging stations underneath. This featured project was one of Solar Foundations' more challenging installations as the crew needed to safely work around the numerous conduit lines running underground and center the piles between the stations.
(click images to view larger versions)
Learn More About Solar Foundations USA’s Open Frame Carport Solution
91.74 kW Utility Canopy Project in Tarrytown, NY
Our friends at Earthlight Technologies approached Solar Foundations USA for a solution to this unique project in Tarrytown, NY. This site is currently under construction to become an art gallery with extensive landscaping covering the property. The elevated utility canopies Solar Foundations USA installed will allow plants and gardens to flourish, bringing the clients' vision to life. This 91.74 kW system is comprised of five different structures, all in a 4L configuration (4-panels high in landscape) with a 15-degree tilt and 7 ft south leading-edge height. The project site will eventually have walking paths throughout the property for visitors to admire the gardens and solar arrays. SFUSA’s team of talented installers were challenged with uneven grade slopes and extremely wet site conditions due to the active drainage swales. While extensive site and design work was required from Earthlight Technologies and Solar Foundations USA, the coordination between both companies made for a successful execution of the arrays.
(click images to view larger versions)
Learn More About Solar Foundations USA’s Utility Carport & Canopy Solution
Job-Specific Company Contacts
When submitting a project design to Projects@solarfoundationsusa.com, the Project Submittal Sheet should always be filled out completely and sent along with any additional site plans and photos if applicable. The Project Submittal Sheet gives Solar Foundations USA vital information to help the Operations Team down the road as the project progresses. SFUSA would like to take the time to emphasize the Job-Specific Company Contact section on this form.
The Job-Specific Company Contact is the person SFUSA would call if there are questions while the installation crew is onsite. Solar Foundations USA relies on this specific contact for immediate resolution. Please understand if the SFUSA crew is sitting idle at a job site due to the solar company being nonresponsive to Solar Foundations’ questions or concerns, the solar company is getting charged for the wasted time onsite.
Common concerns that come up when the Solar Foundations USA crews arrive typically involve inaccurate stake-outs, access issues with gate codes, homeowner adjustment requests for the array location, property boundaries, or potential private utility lines that are not marked and running through the array location. Identifying any of these issues before Solar Foundations’ mobilization will ensure a smooth and professional installation while at the same time preventing unnecessary costs.
Download either a PDF or Excel version of the Project Submittal Sheet that your company can use for the next project design request.
Certified Installation Reports
Did you know Solar Foundations USA can provide a Certified Installation Report after a project is complete? Part of the standard installation process is for the Certified Installer to record the depth of each pile and the developed pressures achieved during the installation. This certified information is communicated back to Solar Foundations' Engineering Department and used to generate a certified installation report for each project. These reports are signed and stamped by the design engineer and sent to all interested parties upon request. Certified Installation Reports can only be issued if the project was installed by a trained and certified SFUSA crew.
Contact our Engineering Department if there is any additional documentation required to close out a specific project.
Installation Manual Update
Version 5.0 of the Solar Foundations USA Ground Mount Structure Installation Manual is now available. Please reference the Module Compatibility section beginning on page 13 to view the additional panel manufacturers, model numbers, and frame thicknesses added for use under the UL 2703 standard. Solar Foundations USA will continue to work with CSA Group, a global provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, as new modules enter the industry.
Download the Installation Manual
SFUSA Employee News
Solar Foundations USA’s Communications Director and Project Coordinator, Meghan Matrazzo, will begin maternity leave in November. Please contact the following SFUSA personnel going forward:
- All new project design/quote requests (including revisions) should always be sent to Projects@solarfoundationsusa.com
- John Bollentin (JBollentin@solarfoundationsusa.com) at (302) 499-3300 Ext. 109 with any project design questions or general inquires on the status of your project
- Catelyn Linendoll (CLinendoll@solarfoundationsusa.com) at 302-499-3300 Ext. 105 with any post-installation documentation, mark out questions, and shipping assistance (structural drawings and hardware packages)
- Jim Douglas (JDouglas@solarfoundationsusa.com) at 518-396-0483 with any scheduling or field related questions
- Mike Zuritis (Mike@solarfoundationsusa.com) at 518-858-7359 with any freight needs or product/service questions
- Lisa French (LFrench@solarfoundationsusa.com) at 302-499-3300 Ext. 106 for accounting support
- Devin Paris (DParis@solarfoundationsusa.com) at 856-745-6558 for sales support and introductory questions
