Distributed Energy Infrastructure completes New York solar project despite site challenges
Distributed Energy Infrastructure completed a 3.37-MW solar project in New York despite difficult site conditions, adapting its design to overcome shallow bedrock and high groundwater levels.
Distributed Energy Infrastructure (DEI), an engineering, procurement and construction firm specializing in solar and battery storage, has completed the 3.37-MW DC Sapphire Solar project in Jefferson County, New York. The project faced significant site challenges, including shallow bedrock and a high water table, which complicated excavation and installation efforts across multiple areas of the site.
During construction, DEI discovered shale bedrock located just 16 to 20 inches below ground level in several sections, compounded by continuous groundwater seepage into open trenches. These conditions made the original underground direct current conduit design unworkable, forcing the team to reassess and modify the approach mid-project.
The company’s engineering, construction, procurement and contractor teams worked together to redesign a portion of the project, converting part of the underground DC conduit scope to an above-ground cable tray system. Underground trenching was retained only where necessary, such as row-to-row crossings, while ensuring long-term site access for operations and maintenance.
The redesign, material procurement and field implementation were completed within the originally planned timeframe for the underground trenching scope. DEI emphasized its commitment to adapting quickly to site-specific challenges while maintaining project timelines and reliability.