Hunter Solar, UT
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, provided geotechnical engineering, environmental, and pile load testing services for the Hunter Solar project — a large-scale photovoltaic energy facility spanning approximately 1,150 acres in Emery County, Utah.
Key Information
Project Name: Hunter Solar
Client: Kimley-Horn & Associates/Community Energy Solar
Location: Emery County, Utah
Services Provided: Geotechnical Engineering, Pile Load Testing, Environmental Services
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The Challenge
A 1,150-Acre Solar Development Requiring Driven Pile Foundations
The Hunter Solar project involved the development of a roughly 1,150-acre site designed to host rows of photovoltaic panels. These panels were mounted on single-axis tracking systems, themselves anchored to the ground through driven pile foundation.
The project footprint extended well beyond the solar arrays, encompassing a broad range of supporting infrastructure: access roads, perimeter fencing, operations facility, inverter pads, substation, and power transmission lines.
The Solution
An Integrated Scope of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, provided geotechnical, pile load testing, and environmental services for the Hunter Solar project.
Geotechnical Engineering
- Subsurface explorations were carried out across the site
- Preliminary and final geotechnical design evaluations were performed
Pile Load Testing
- Axial and lateral pile load testing was conducted
- Pile capacity recommendations were established based on the load test results
Environmental Services
- Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) were completed
- NEPA/CEQA screening was carried out
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, provided geotechnical, pile load testing, and environmental services for the Hunter Solar project.
Geotechnical Engineering
- Subsurface explorations were carried out across the site
- Preliminary and final geotechnical design evaluations were performed
Pile Load Testing
- Axial and lateral pile load testing was conducted
- Pile capacity recommendations were established based on the load test results
Environmental Services
- Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) were completed
- NEPA/CEQA screening was carried out
The Results
Project Deliverables Supporting Solar Development
Key Results:
- Geotechnical data and subsurface analysis delivered to support foundation design
- Pile load testing results and capacity recommendations provided for tracker systems
- Environmental documentation completed, including Phase I ESA reports and NEPA/CEQA screening materials
- Technical inputs delivered to support design and permitting of project infrastructure
Through the delivery of integrated geotechnical, environmental, and testing services, our team helped advance the Hunter Solar Project in support of Utah’s renewable energy goals while contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability in Emery County. This project highlights the positive impact that large-scale clean energy development can have on local communities.
