OCI Solar Power recently acted as prime contractor for the upgrade of its Alamo 2 solar plant to maximize performance and reliability. The 4.4 MWac project is located on 45 acres of land and began operation in March 2014. After eight years of maintaining the solar plant, responding to a steady stream of mechanical failures, and observing new and emerging tracking technologies in action, OCI Solar Power undertook a second, multi-month upgrade, during which it also performed the scope of work for the project.
More efficient equipment for increased production
“We ended up fixing the tracking devices and then fixing them again a few days later due to mechanical issues. It was very similar to what our Alamo 1 solar plant south of San Antonio experienced a few years ago. Now, both solar plants have state-of-the-art tracking devices from Array Technologies, Inc. and have seen an increase in production,” said Jason Thompson, construction manager at OCI Solar Power.
The Alamo 2 solar plant upgrade, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2022, was completed in increments, similar to the Alamo 1 upgrade project completed in 2019. This method allowed the solar plant to remain partially powered so that it could continue to provide energy to CPS Energy, the nation’s largest state-owned generator and distributor of electricity, natural gas and power.
A commitment to clean and sustainable energy
“The Alamo 2 plant upgrade is another example of our commitment to our customers and the solar industry,” said Charles Kim, president and CEO of OCI Solar Power. “We are constantly working to ensure that the solar plants we own and operate are operating near their maximum capacity, so that electric customers receive clean energy. The construction project was also a way for us to emphasize the importance of investing in a clean, reliable and sustainable energy source.”
The Alamo 2 solar plant is located at 8203 Binz Engleman Rd. just northeast of San Antonio. With this upgrade, OCI Solar Power continues to strengthen its commitment to solar energy, providing clean, renewable energy to the community.
