Solar Farm

FODS in the Field

Reusable Temporary Construction Entrance Used For Short Term Renewable Energy Solar Farm Project

Background

In 2012, Georgia Power launched its Advance Solar Initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at adding 210 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to Georgia's power grid. This initiative offered opportunities for small-scale solar purchases as well as competitive rates for utility-scale solar farms. By implementing this program, Georgia Power has significantly contributed to the growth of renewable energy projects and diversified the state’s energy resources.

One notable project completed in 2016 under this initiative is a 21.2 MW utility-scale solar field owned and maintained by AES Distributed Energy. Located in Rincon, a town near Georgia’s eastern border, this solar farm is composed of over 67,000 individual solar panels. These panels are equipped with single-axis trackers that follow the sun’s path across the sky, ensuring optimal energy capture. Collectively, the solar arrays generate over 16 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, powering thousands of Georgia homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy.

Ongoing Service Requiring Construction Entrance

MaxGen Energy Services, a nationwide provider of preventative and corrective maintenance solutions, plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Rincon solar farm. In addition to routine maintenance, MaxGen also provides rapid responses to emergencies that may arise. The solar field spans an impressive 12 million square feet, necessitating frequent access by service vehicles to address essential maintenance tasks and repairs.

Georgia’s abundant annual rainfall presents unique challenges for service teams. Muddy conditions are common, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate the site without causing erosion or spreading sediment onto nearby roadways. To comply with Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), stabilized construction entrances must be implemented to prevent soil erosion and sediment trackout during these operations.

Traditionally, these stabilized entrances are constructed using rock tracking pads. These pads are temporary and must be installed at each point of access to facilitate maintenance tasks such as replacing malfunctioning solar panels or repairing utility poles. Once repairs are completed, the rock tracking pads must be removed, and the site must be restored. This includes disposing of the rocks and addressing any damage to grass, topsoil, or other natural features disturbed during the process. While effective, this approach is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, often resulting in significant environmental impacts.

Reusable Construction Entrance Used On Multiple Locations

To better serve their clients, MaxGen uses FODS mats to provide trackout control for their repairs. FODS Trackout Control Mats can be secured to any substrate with minimal preparation and can be installed in as little as 20 minutes. When the tasks are complete the mats can be transported to the next location for reuse. The ease of transport and installation can dramatically increase efficiency of maintenance tasks and decrease total response time for time sensitive repairs.

Additionally, the mats sit on top of the substrate, so topsoil does not need to be removed, replaced or reseeded. Because natural features encounter minimal disturbance, less time and cost are required after the repairs are completed. Compared to using traditional stabilized construction entrances, MaxGen has saves time, costs and causes less environmental impact when serving their clients. 

In the competitive energy marketplace, FODS reusable construction entrances are helping contractors and service providers to lower the total cost to implement and maintain solar farms. We believe reusable and renewable go hand in hand. Being fully recyclable and built with post-consumer material, FODS mats help to reduce waste while protecting our water resources from pollution.

 

ABOUT FODS, LLC.

Based in Centennial Colorado, FODS Trackout Control System replaces ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you valuable time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove mud and sediment from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. We provide the only durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly trackout control system currently available on the market. FODS Trackout Control Mats are 100% Made in the USA and are reusable and recyclable.