Mesquite Solar 1

170MW_AC

920 acres in the harsh Southern Arizona desert

Over 300 inverter systems

190,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions offset annually

Challenges

The plant was experiencing unexpected operational issues after construction was complete.
These operational issues had a significant impact on the site's energy production.
A cross-functional team that consisted of Hatch, the constructor, and other consultants was formed to identify potential root causes.

Solutions

We provided a small team of experienced engineers with unique and specialized skills specific to electrical grounding and large solar inverters.
A detailed GAP analysis was developed and concerns were identified that related to system design specifications, grounding grid impedance measurements, fall potential readings, and system modeling.

Highlights

One of the first utility solar power plants installed in the United States, it is larger than 100MW with future growth plans to reach 700MW.
A complete review of the electrical grounding system design was carried out, which included nearly 500 documents and drawings.
Unique mechanisms and potential root causes were identified for the problems noted based on specific-to-large solar inverter know-how.

Project numbers

800,000 multicrystalline modules
85,000 steel piers
300 US construction jobs
56,000 households powered
Expandable up to 700MW capacity
CAD$399M CAPEX
20-year power purchase agreement