Scroll the news and you’re bound to see a headline about a tech giant or major retailer setting ambitious renewable energy targets. Companies, large and small, and governments around the world are demanding carbon-free energy sources to power homes and businesses.
As solar power becomes more affordable, there is an increasing need for experienced construction professionals who can provide clients with quality energy solutions.
“Solar irradiance, being free and unlimited, provides some cost certainty for our clients,” says Andrew Moles, PCL’s director of Solar. “With solar power, clients get a locked-in rate of electricity guaranteed for 20 to 30 years. This means that monthly electricity costs won’t fluctuate – unlike fossil fuel prices, which change depending on supply and demand.”
We have a team of industry-leading experts who specialize in all aspects of solar engineering, procurement and construction and related energy solutions. We’ve worked with a diverse range of clients across Canada, the U.S. and Australia to help them harness the power of the sun on projects that range from utility-scaled operations to smaller localized systems.
Extensive experience with the engineer, procure, construct delivery method allows us to provide a single source contract to clients, minimizing administration processes, and maximizing the efficiency and quality of the finished installed product, which typically translates into fast revenue generation. In addition to doing what is best for the environment, clients are looking for decreased risk and the ability to meet business priorities. Our bankability combined with our integrated approach gives our clients a one-stop shop to deliver their projects on time while minimizing risk.
Through our renewable energy commitment, we’ve helped power nearly 100,000 homes and businesses in our communities by installing over 3.5 million panels.
We are defined by our client-focused solution provider culture that puts your project and business priorities at the heart of what we do. We care deeply about the communities in which we live, work and play and are passionate about the work we do. Our role as the EPC contractor for the Odom Solar Farm, located near the city of Moultrie in Colquitt County, a rural community in Southwest Georgia exemplified our commitment to making a positive difference.
To construct the project, PCL and its subcontractors hired approximately 150 craft workers, with preference given to recruits from the local labor pool and the military veteran community. Positions include mechanics, electricians, operators, foremen, safety professionals, inventory specialists, carpenters, installers, general laborers and more.
“PCL believes in the ability of solar power producers to bring long-term value and economic development to local communities through access to low-cost, clean energy,” says Andrew. “As a collaborative construction partner, we are committed to driving economic opportunities to the Colquitt County community through partnership with Silicon Ranch and the local labor pool.”
The need for renewable energy along with our ability to add value to projects has led us back to the land down under. We are constructing a 147-megawatt solar electricity generating station through an EPC delivery in Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia. The project includes civil works, foundations install, underground electrical works, racking and module installation and supply/install of inverter buildings.
“Our solar team is dedicated to understanding our clients’ business priorities and delivering quality energy solutions,” says Chris Gower, COO Buildings, PCL. “Our partnership with Canadian Solar has brought PCL back to Australia and will allow us to bring lasting value and positive economic impacts to the local community.”
Our solar team works alongside clients to engineer solutions that can reduce their energy costs. As the need for solar power continues to grow our team is here to develop solutions such as carport solar that generate electricity while providing weather protection for patrons and vehicles; battery energy storage systems that provide clients with resilience to grid failure; and future planning for the increasing demands of electric vehicles on their electrical infrastructure, as well as utility scale projects.
The environmental benefits of generating clean energy are attractive. The sun is a renewable, clean source of energy that reduces clients’ overall carbon footprint. “For clients looking for sustainable energy solutions, solar is truly a step forward in making the world a cleaner place to live,” says Andrew. “Solar power provides many benefits for our clients, the environment and our communities.”