The Coldwater Solar team wishes area teachers, students, and other school staff a safe and productive start to the school year. Please consider us a resource for educational support through our community grant program or as a future field trip destination. We're eager to show off the soon-to-be-operating project to the broader Coldwater community.

On the construction front, we continue to sprint towards operations, with mechanical work largely complete on site and final electrical work scheduled to be complete in October.

Here's a quick rundown on recent progress and upcoming activities:

Laydown yard removal and restoration

Construction Progress Update

• Laydown Yard & Construction Trailer Removal: This week, many of the construction trailers at the laydown yard will be removed as we prepare to conclude construction on the project. Much of the gravel yard will be removed and restored to farmland with topsoil that was stockpiled in on-site berms at the start of construction. One trailer and some of the temporary parking area will remain until our permanent operations building is constructed near the project substation.
• Mowing/Vegetation Management: Over the past several weeks, the setback areas outside of the fence have been mowed to ensure weeds are properly managed. Specific areas along the fence also received an herbicide application for weed control. Mowing and targeted spraying of weeds will continue next year to ensure that our array and buffer mixes are properly established, which include several flowering plants and beneficial pollinators.
• Inverter Commissioning: Our electrical crews continue commissioning inverters throughout the project, which convert the DC power generated by the panels to AC power, which is transmitted to homes and businesses on the the regional electric grid.

Drivetrain for tracking system (center)

Upcoming Activities
Here’s what you can expect in the months ahead:

• Tree Screening/Landscaping: Over the next few weeks, our tree-planting crews will begin installing the designated landscape buffer areas between the project and nearby residences. If you have screening being installed immediately adjacent to your property, you may be contacted by these crews to keep you informed throughout the process. Areas where trees are being planted are generally staked out, but there may be final adjustments based on site conditions as the work is performed.
• Tracking System Commissioning: Crews will be commissioning the array tracking system over the coming weeks, which allow the solar panels to track the sun throughout the day. As the system comes online, you will begin to see the arrays consistently track the sun throughout the day across the project. This maximizes power generation from the panels and also allows us to stow the panels in safe positions during extreme weather events (for example, stowing vertically to minimize potential hail damage or stowing horizontally during extreme wind events)
• Ongoing Testing & Commissioning: As arrays are completed, access will be restricted to crews with proper electrical training for testing and commissioning.