Solar projects are the fastest-growing renewable energy source. Despite the fact that solar modules generate clean energy, there is still room for improvement in terms of sustainability during procurement and construction. By focusing on these efforts from the start, environmental impacts can be reduced, making your solar project even more environmentally friendly.
With that in mind, here are four environmentally friendly ways to improve your solar projects:
Cable recycling. Miles of cable are installed on any utility-scale solar project, but purchasing the exact amount is often difficult, and overage is common. Some suppliers provide recycling programs that include the removal of excess cable and empty spools rather than disposal in landfills. These programs are ideal because the materials can be reused on another project, and your project jobsite will be safer and more productive without the tripping hazard of unnecessary cables. Encourage your procurement team to inquire about recycling programs at cable suppliers.
Racking systems. Solar panel racking systems serve as the foundation of solar projects. Many manufacturers offer terrain-following designs that require significantly less civil work and grading, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions from heavy equipment. (For example, Black & Veatch is installing solar arrays on a sloped terrain project using Nextracker Horizon-XTR trackers.) Consult with your racking manufacturers about conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether these systems are a viable option for your site.
Reusable packaging. Small, high-volume parts, such as connectors, are typically packaged in boxes with a lot of plastic. Some suppliers now provide materials in knock-down totes and buckets, as well as other reusable, non-cardboard containers that can be picked up and re-used. Innovative suppliers also make use of all-terrain connectable carts, which allow a single vehicle to pull multiple carts of materials directly to the installation site, reducing the amount of fuel required to drive back and forth. Consider working with material suppliers who employ these waste-reduction (and cost-cutting!) strategies.
Enhance best practices in construction. Reduce soil disturbance: In addition to the racking systems mentioned above, it is critical to reduce clearing, re-seed to replace removed native vegetation, and install runoff-preventing silt fences. These practices minimize the negative effects on neighbours while saving you money on fuel and labour. Allow for on-site metal recycling: The installation of solar project cable, racking, and piles generates a large amount of leftover metal scrap. Consider reserving a metal scrap dumpster for your project to recycle at the end of the construction process.
Repurpose wood pallets: Despite the industry's efforts to create a standardized reusable non-wood pallet, thousands of wood pallets continue to accumulate on solar project sites. Find a local company to haul away and reuse the wood pallets if that is an option in your area. Another option is to chip up the wood pallets and spread them as ground cover, which aids in erosion and dust control.
Sustainable development aims to meet current needs without jeopardizing future generations. Implementing sustainability measures on solar projects early in the procurement and construction process saves time and money while reducing waste. It is not only the right thing to do, but it also adds tremendous value to your projects in the present and future.
With that in mind, here are four environmentally friendly ways to improve your solar projects:
Cable recycling. Miles of cable are installed on any utility-scale solar project, but purchasing the exact amount is often difficult, and overage is common. Some suppliers provide recycling programs that include the removal of excess cable and empty spools rather than disposal in landfills. These programs are ideal because the materials can be reused on another project, and your project jobsite will be safer and more productive without the tripping hazard of unnecessary cables. Encourage your procurement team to inquire about recycling programs at cable suppliers.
Racking systems. Solar panel racking systems serve as the foundation of solar projects. Many manufacturers offer terrain-following designs that require significantly less civil work and grading, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions from heavy equipment. (For example, Black & Veatch is installing solar arrays on a sloped terrain project using Nextracker Horizon-XTR trackers.) Consult with your racking manufacturers about conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether these systems are a viable option for your site.
Reusable packaging. Small, high-volume parts, such as connectors, are typically packaged in boxes with a lot of plastic. Some suppliers now provide materials in knock-down totes and buckets, as well as other reusable, non-cardboard containers that can be picked up and re-used. Innovative suppliers also make use of all-terrain connectable carts, which allow a single vehicle to pull multiple carts of materials directly to the installation site, reducing the amount of fuel required to drive back and forth. Consider working with material suppliers who employ these waste-reduction (and cost-cutting!) strategies.
Enhance best practices in construction. Reduce soil disturbance: In addition to the racking systems mentioned above, it is critical to reduce clearing, re-seed to replace removed native vegetation, and install runoff-preventing silt fences. These practices minimize the negative effects on neighbours while saving you money on fuel and labour. Allow for on-site metal recycling: The installation of solar project cable, racking, and piles generates a large amount of leftover metal scrap. Consider reserving a metal scrap dumpster for your project to recycle at the end of the construction process.
Repurpose wood pallets: Despite the industry's efforts to create a standardized reusable non-wood pallet, thousands of wood pallets continue to accumulate on solar project sites. Find a local company to haul away and reuse the wood pallets if that is an option in your area. Another option is to chip up the wood pallets and spread them as ground cover, which aids in erosion and dust control.
Sustainable development aims to meet current needs without jeopardizing future generations. Implementing sustainability measures on solar projects early in the procurement and construction process saves time and money while reducing waste. It is not only the right thing to do, but it also adds tremendous value to your projects in the present and future.