Why Alion

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

  

How many acres per MW are required for this type of array?

Typically 4-5 acres/MWp depending on row spacing.

 

How much can we save over standard rack solutions?

Minimizing labor and logistics on site reduces the costs of installed racking with modules attached, often over 30%. Alion eliminates the risk of rework from rejected piles and the cost of additional steel and coatings in corrosive & high wind environments.

 

Will the concrete crack and break over time?

Alion Energy works closely with concrete structural experts to ensure the optimal design will last for decades.

 

Will the glue hold for 40 years?

Yes. The 2-part epoxy is approved by US Dept. of Transportation for anchoring bolts in bridges.

 

How long is the warranty?

15 Year Limited Product Warranty

  • will be free from defects in design, material, workmanship or manufacture that materially impede their functioning, and 
  • will conform to the specifications and the drawings applicable thereto.

Most systems are at a minimum of 18” above ground. Will the output be reduced by shading from weeds?

SPOT will automatically manage the vegetation for you keeping the site trimmed to 6”. The concrete ballast eliminates the growth under the modules removing the majority of growth and eliminating manual weed abatement.

 

Does the solution require compaction and a gravel base for slab on grade construction?

Ground preparation is site specific depending upon the geotechnical report. No gravel base is required as this is not a roadway and will not be exposed to heavy truck traffic loads.  The four  standard pieces of data we will use to optimize our foundation designs  are:  (1) soil bearing capacity, (2) soil coefficient of friction, (3) wind requirement, and (4) seismic loads.

 

What is the maximum variability in grade and what site prep is required?

Limited by heavy trucks ability to deliver both concrete and PV Modules. Maximum slope is 15% grade. Our flexible couplings between tracker tables allow our structures to follow the terrain sinusoidally. 5% change in call directions each 4 to 8 pv modules. 

 

What are the site water requirements per MW of construction?

It’s in the cost of concrete already.

340,000 liters (90,000 gallons) potable or well water if we have site batch plant.

 

What are the impacts to site drainage and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan?

We use site specific hydrological analysis to design for water flow considerations.  We have segmented foundations and other solutions to successfully address SWPP Plans.

 

What are the impacts on wildlife? Have you seen nesting under the panels?

The space under the modules is inhospitable to wildlife. Rodents prefer enclosed spaces such as conduit to minimize exposure to predators.

 

How is my Conditional Use Permit impacted by change from posts to continuous ballast rails? Will an on-site batch plant be a big impact?

A simple change to a less intrusive, non-penetrating solution. On-site batch plants reduce the number of concrete trucks on the roads. Concrete maximizes use of local materials from local suppliers which typically enhances the value of the project for the community.

 

Won’t the exposed wires be chewed by rodents?

Every PV plant has exposed wires. Rodents tend to chew for nesting in tight spaces that do not exist in this design without conduits.

 

Is it safe and within code to eliminate the grounding of the module and racking?

IE evaluations are available. The concrete ballast and support structures are non-conductive.

The Most Power from PV

Alion Energy provides the best tracker, kept clean to deliver the most energy and ballasted to perform in the most challenging sites.

Maximize Energy Yield

Reflective, ballasted foundations, paired with automated cleaning solutions, plus a durable, high wind capable tracker design, improve energy yield and protect against performance loss.

Lowest Solar LCOE

Alion Energy builds local, utility scale projects faster and for lower cost, while producing more energy yield than standard pv tracker projects. Generate higher returns with the lowest cost of power in the industry.