Build Group, a provider of general contracting services, has successfully completed the design and construction of Phase I of a 6.8 MW solar canopy project at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The first phase has involved the installation of 3.72 MW of solar carports on the South campus of the healthcare centre. The project has been awarded to Build Group by REC Solar, a mainstream energy company.
The project includes deployment of seven 240 W solar panels on each T structure, whereas the industry standard is just six panels. Thus, by installing more number of panels with the same quantity of T structure, the electricity generation per watt is maximized. The structure has been designed to resist a standard wind speed of 85 MPH. The solar canopy project has also utilized drilled cast-in-place piles that are cost-effective.
Build Group uses its national and global supply chain of structural steel manufacturers to source the building materials. In case of VA hospital project, only local materials have been used in accordance with the Federal Buy American Act.
Other solar structure projects of Build Group include a 9 MW for Solar City; 1.4 MW solar project for REC Solar at the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Hospital, California; 8 MW project awarded by Chevron Energy Solutions for solar installations at various campuses across Eastside Union High School District in California; and 3 MW REC Solar project at the West Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital.