REGIONAL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
Construction on the proposed Firefly Solar Project can create economic opportunities for a wide range of local businesses and workers, ranging from heavy construction and electrical work to local hospitality services such as food and lodging. Firefly Solar Project values working with local and regional partners when feasible, and we’re seeking expressions of interest from qualified local companies and individuals. Below is a representative list of the types of work and services needed to build a utility-scale solar project.
If you or your company is interested in being considered for work on the Firefly Solar Project, please submit your information!
Disclaimer: Firefly Solar is not responsible for hiring decisions. Hiring decisions are subject to the discretion of the project contractor.
LIST OF SERVICES & DESCRIPTIONS
Constructing a utility-scale solar project is fairly straightforward and may last 6-8 months depending on the size of the project. The process begins by preparing the site, which may include grading, brush removal, and improving drainage. Next, the piles – vertical poles that support the panel racking – are installed, after which the racks are installed on the piles. The solar panels are then installed on the racks, and cabling connects each panel to a collection system that delivers all the electricity to the project’s substation, which in turn “steps up” the voltage for delivery to the electrical grid.
There are several types of work and services typically required to build a utility-scale solar project, listed below and separated by category:
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MAJOR AND MINOR CONTRACTORS
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SKILLED LABOR
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OTHER LABOR
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LOCAL GOODS AND SERVICES
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POST CONSTRUCTION - OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE POSITIONS
MAJOR AND MINOR CONTRACTORS
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Engineering Services
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Electrical Installation, Termination
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Equipment Rentals – Lights, Generators, Tools
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Equipment Fuel – Diesel, Gasoline
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Grading
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Office Trailers
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Lumber and Hardware Material
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Paving
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Phone / Internet Service
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Piping – PVC, Steel, Drain Tile Repair
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Irrigation Repair
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Road Aggregate
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Sanitary Facilities – Porta Potties, Temporary Trailer Hook-Ups
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Surveying
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Testing and Commissioning Services
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Trenching
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Trucking / Hauling of Equipment and Materials
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Water Services
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Well Drilling
SKILLED LABOR
Construction of the Firefly Solar Project will require skilled labor to perform a range of specialized tasks. Often the contracted construction company will fill these roles. Examples of these roles and brief descriptions of the duties they include are as follows:
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Project Manager
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Plans, budgets, oversees, and documents all aspects of the project construction.
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Superintendent
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Trade-specific; responsible for scheduling and inspections, also oversees quality control and job site safety.
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On-Site QA/QC Managers
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Inspect, test, and sample materials or assembled parts or products for defects and deviations from specifications. These roles include:
Electrical QA/QC Inspectors
Multi-disciplined QA/QC inspector
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Site Safety Personnel
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Ensure that all work is completed in accordance with established safety regulations and policies.
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Site Project Scheduler
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Organizes, implements, and maintains a scheduling management system to support the construction project.
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OTHER LABOR
Construction of the Firefly Solar Project will require other labor to perform a range of tasks, including installation of piles, racking, and solar panels, as well as other work.
LOCAL GOODS & SERVICES
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Construction of the Firefly Solar Project is expected to employ approximately 500 workers, many of whom will need goods and services such as the following:
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Gas Stations
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Grocery and Convenience Stores
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Laundry Services
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Restaurants
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Retailers
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Short and Medium-term Lodging
POST CONSTRUCTION —OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE (O&M) POSITIONS
Once construction on the Firefly Solar Project is complete, skilled O&M positions will need to be filled to support commercial operations, including:
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Project Manager
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Plans, budgets, oversees, and documents all aspects of the project construction.
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​
-
Superintendent
-
Trade-specific; responsible for scheduling and inspections, also oversees quality control and job site safety.
-
​
-
On-Site QA/QC Managers
-
Inspect, test, and sample materials or assembled parts or products for defects and deviations from specifications. These roles include:
Electrical QA/QC Inspectors
Multi-disciplined QA/QC inspectors
-
​
-
Site Safety Personnel
-
Ensure that all work is completed in accordance with established safety regulations and policies.
-
​
-
Site Project Scheduler
-
Organizes, implements, and maintains a scheduling management system to support the construction project.
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GET INVOLVED
Many of the products and services needed to build a project can be found locally and regionally. Hiring of local and regional subcontractors and individuals will be managed by the Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor selected to oversee construction of the Firefly Solar Project.
The Firefly Solar Project Regional Business Partnership program will collect expressions of interest from local and regional businesses and individuals that may wish to participate in the project.
Joining the program ensures the BOP contractor will receive your/your company's name and contact information as well as the service that can be provided upon signing the contract with Vesper Energy.