Testimonials
Case Studies
More Power Delivered
Business Needs
This California-based developer delivers solar projects on highway cloverleafs, land that is typically unusable within highway off-ramps. Access to this land is rarely granted by transportation departments, as it may be needed for future interchange expansions. The developer successfully negotiated the land rights, and also needed to address issues of shading, glare, power line proximity, drainage systems, soiling, and neighborhood aesthetics. Panel glare needed to be mitigated so it would not interfere with passing cars or airplanes, and the soil from traffic on the highway had to be controlled since it would lessen potential power generation. Finally, the project needed to be aesthetically pleasing to nearby neighbors, and it could not impact the habitat of several protected species. In addition to all of these hurdles, the developer needed to manage a complex project, with many stakeholders and complicated utility tie-in. The design firm selected would have to work with all parties—the developer, the neighborhood, environmentalists, Caltrans, structural and civil firms, electrical contractors, and architects—to design an appropriate system. Finally, the developer also needed to accurately anticipate costs in order to better understand if the projects would be financially viable.
Solution
McCalmont Engineering was able to satisfy all of the stakeholders and develop a design for the project that delivered the optimal amount of power for the sites. We conducted a feasibility study to better understand which type of system generates the most power while maintaining the best appearance: fixed flat-plate, single axis trackers, or double axis trackers. Upon selecting flat-plate systems, McCalmont Engineering carefully developed the physical plant to optimize its power generation potential while working around site obstacles and environmental considerations such as habitat and glare. The result was aesthetically pleasing systems to both motorists and the adjacent neighborhoods. McCalmont Engineering also provided an accurate cost analysis for the project, enabling the developer to explore competitive pricing with the utility.
Benefits
At McCalmont Engineering, we understand the importance of ‘getting the most for your money’. Since we have many years of field solar experience, our engineers are able to design projects that reduce costs and generate more electricity. Since power plants generate energy over decades, a design that assures increased energy overtime is the ultimate arbiter of value delivered.
Construction Know-How
Business Needs
This United States Army project was driven by a federal mandate to solarize its facilities. Since military procurement operates under a detailed and complex process, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needed a firm with a deep understanding of the solar power industry that could design the project and follow complex Federal procedures. The project required unusually tall carports to accommodate army trucks, and since the project was funded by a government grant, American products were a must. This project required an experienced, organized firm that knew the industry inside and out, and McCalmont Engineering was selected to answer the call.
Solution
McCalmont Engineering won the Army base project based on our technical competence and deep experience with building solar power plants. Our years of experience enabled us to engineer this complex project and assure it could be built at a reasonable cost. We supplied design and engineering services, procurement, and construction oversight. Beyond those responsibilities, McCalmont Engineering organized the entire response team, selecting appropriate partners for structural work, construction, electrical work, and architecture.
Benefits
Throughout the project, the U.S. Army benefitted from McCalmont Engineering’s long previous construction experience with solar power plants. Our prior experience building solar plants has prepared us for such challenging projects. We have a deep understanding of the capabilities of the technology, which translates to aesthetically pleasing projects that also save money. We understand how to manage large and complex projects, and have knowledge of Federal building codes, resulting in more efficient project execution. As opposed to traditional engineering firms, at McCalmont Engineering solar is not an afterthought—solar design is all we do.
Years of Experience
Business Needs
With solar already on one of their existing buildings, this California high-tech company wanted to triple the system size and increase its proportion of self-generated power. The company wanted to showcase a greener campus that was aesthetically pleasing and delighted customers and employees alike. Unlike many projects, for this company lowest cost was not the primary objective. The most important factors to them were: corporate responsibility, being green, and doing the right thing. The company also had the need for an engineering firm that understood complex projects, as there were many difficult engineering and construction challenges to overcome.
Solution
McCalmont Engineering met the requirements of all invested parties, and provided a design that generated more power. Not only did the design meet the basic standards, but McCalmont went above and beyond to design a visually spectacular campus-wide system that significantly increased the customer’s proportion of self-generated power. Our engineers had to deal with a complex utility interconnection, working around existing infrastructure to connect to multiple meters for solar arrays on different buildings. Further, our solar designers are architects, thus they designed aesthetically pleasing solutions that delighted the customer. Not only was the company pleased with the environmentally friendly impact they were making, but also its employees and customers were thrilled with the final result.
Benefits
This project benefitted from McCalmont Engineering’s years of experience. Since our employees know the solar industry so well, they consider all of the intricacies of a complex project. Our staff provided support to the roofing, racking, and electrical subcontractors throughout the job. At McCalmont Engineering, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for each project. Not only do we get the job done, but we work hard to delight every customer.
