How Fleet Solutions Support Renewable Energy Projects

From initial site preparation to cable installation and final project phases, the demands placed on a fleet often evolve throughout a renewable energy project. Different stages of construction require different equipment to support the work being performed across the job site.

A solar project may begin with supervisors and crews moving between staging areas and active work zones during mobilization. As installation activities ramp up, transportation needs often shift toward moving materials throughout the job site. Electrical work may then require specialized equipment to support cable deployment.

Understanding how fleet requirements change throughout a project can help fleet managers align equipment with the work being performed.

Supporting site preparation and project mobilization

Early project activities often require fleet solutions that can support transportation across developing work areas while providing room for the tools and equipment needed throughout the day.

Compact pickup trucks can be particularly useful on renewable energy projects where crews need to navigate space-restricted areas within solar arrays or access remote turbine locations. Available with AWD, compact pickups still provide hauling capability and enclosed storage space despite their smaller footprint. Their road-safe, highway-legal design also allows crews to travel between project locations while providing the comfort of a climate-controlled cab.

In addition, 15-passenger vans and SUVs can help support crew transportation as work takes place across large project footprints. These fleet solutions provide a practical way to move crews between work areas while supporting day-to-day operations.

Supporting material transportation throughout the project

Solar panels, racking systems and other project materials often need to be moved throughout a renewable energy project as construction progresses. Depending on the work taking place, different truck and trailer configurations can meet those transportation needs.

• Class 2 and Class 3 flatbeds: Commonly used to transport solar panels, racking systems and other project materials throughout the job site.
• Class 5 flatbeds: Provide additional towing capacity and are often paired with gooseneck deckover trailers, four- and five-reel trailers and equipment trailers. For loaded wind farm trailer configurations, a Class 5 flatbed or larger is typically required.
• Gooseneck deckover trailers: Help transport larger materials and equipment used during solar and wind construction.
• Single reel and turret trailers: Transport cable to staging areas ahead of electrical installation activities.

Supporting cable deployment and electrical installation

Installing medium-voltage cable involves multiple steps before it reaches the ground. From transporting cable reels across the job site to bundling cable for installation, each stage requires equipment designed for the work being performed.

Multi-reel trailers can help transport multiple industrial-grade cable reels across solar and wind projects. Their wider stance, heavier-duty reel bars and increased payload capacity provide the stability needed to handle larger cable reels across challenging terrain.

Once cable reaches the installation area, cable wrappers can bundle medium-voltage cable during deployment, reducing manual labor and creating consistent cable bundles. When paired with a fairlead, bundled cable can be guided into narrower trenches without requiring crews to work inside the excavation.

Together, multi-reel trailers, cable wrappers and fairleads help create an efficient workflow for cable deployment from material staging through installation.

Matching fleet solutions to the work taking place throughout a renewable energy project can help crews adapt as project demands change. From mobilization through the final project phases, selecting the right combination of trucks, trailers and specialized equipment helps keep work moving throughout construction.