Landfills and brownfields have few options for development. Solar is a big exception. Developers are pursuing these areas for solar arrays instead of forest, farm fields or otherwise usable land.
Landfills and brownfields are also typically located in industrial areas or out-of-the-way places where local opposition to solar is limited. In addition, state governments are starting to embrace the development of these sites for PV projects with higher SRECs and other benefits. Utilities often approve these projects faster as well.
The challenge for landfills and brownfields has been the high cost of installing non-penetrating ballasted PV systems with high ground clearance. Labor costs are high for landfill work because union workers are often required, meaning installation speed is a significant issue. Traditionally, large precast ballast blocks have been used, which can be expensive and slow to install. If the racking system doesn’t accommodate for variations in terrain, the blocks must be perfectly leveled and spaced.
Recently, however, racking solutions have emerged using approaches other than precast blocks or ones that allow for adjustments in the racking. For instance, ballast trays for standard pavers and pour-in-place plastic forms, which have concrete poured into the forms on the site after racking has been installed, can reduce install time and racking costs. In these cases, the need to cast the concrete is removed, leading to lower costs. Also, the racks are assembled first, while they are light. The weight is added after the system is lined up.
The Dupont solar landfill project was a 548-kW, five-acre solar installation in Newport, Del., on the site of a former landfill. The company, which owned the site, wanted to make it productive with solar, according to Terry Gooding, a public affairs manager at DuPont. Gooding said the panels provide a viable renewable energy option for the Newport community and enough electricity to power 60 homes.
Gamechange’s first generation ballasted ground racking was used on the landfill site. It was chosen for its low cost (about 40% less than typical precast systems) and ease of deployment. Dupont’s thin-film technology panels where used in the installation.
Major Construction Considerations For Landfill PV
The United States has more than 3,000 active landfills and over 10,000 old municipal landfills – plenty of room for development. Here are a some key considerations before starting construction.
- Site preparation and grading requirements and constraints
- Site compaction
- Avoidance of penetrating landfill cap
- Dust control
- Stormwater management
- Site security
Source: EPA
By Andrew Worden, CEO, GameChange Racking
Webinar Alert
Landfill Solar: Be A Part Of The Trend
Join GameChange Racking and PanelClaw as they discuss landfill PV development and how thoughtful racking can help projects succeed. A developer will also join the conversation to discuss permitting and financing.
When: Thursday, March 27, 2 p.m.
Watch for registration opening at www.SolarPowerWorldOnline.com/webinars
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