Spring is just around the corner and construction on Coldwater Solar will accelerate as the ground thaws and the temperatures climb.

You are likely well aware of some of the construction activities taking place, such as pile installation, but we'll provide a quick overview of progress in the past month and what lies ahead below:

Construction Progress Update

• Pile Installation: With over 20,000 piles delivered on site, the construction team has been laying out the piles prior to install. Once pile locations are set, install crews follow to pre-drill pile locations where needed and then install. Over 6,000 piles have been installed so farm, with just over 40,000 remaining. We know this is one of the more disruptive parts of construction and appreciate your patience as we work to complete the process as quickly and safely as possible.
  
  
• Main Power Transformer Delivery: Last month we received the main power transformer for the project substation (pictured above). These impressive pieces of machinery help "step up" the voltage from the project so that it can be transmitted on the 138 KV line running through the project area. Did you know that Coldwater Solar funded over $7 million in upgrades to the local transmission system? This included rebuilding the entire line section with Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) to improve function and reliability.
  
  
• Underground Collection Line: The team is over 50% complete on the installation of underground collection line throughout the site.
  
  
• Racking System: We have begun taking deliveries of the panel racking and tracking system, which enable the panels to track the sun throughout the day and maximize power generation.

Upcoming Activities

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

• Pile Installation: Installation will continue during daytime construction hours, 7:00am-6:00pm M-F and occasionally Saturdays based on weather and site conditions. Work continues on arrays 1-4, located in Coldwater Township, and will proceed south through the site in the coming weeks. Multiple pile crews are operating to complete this task as quickly as possible, taking into account weather conditions as the ground thaws.
  
  
• Panel Deliveries: Delivery of the solar panels themselves, which will involve an increase in truck traffic to the site, is on track to begin in April.
  
  
• Operations Timeline: The is on schedule and expected to reach mechanical completion yet this year and commence operations in late 2025 or early 2026.

As we have additional news, we'll continue sharing them with you in these monthly updates. We’re excited to complete construction in the next year and begin operating the project, delivering clean energy to the electric grid and delivering significant community benefits to Coldwater and Ovid Townships.