Once a little more than a far-off prediction of life in the 21st century, solar power is finally flourishing. Advancements in technology have made it a viable replacement for traditional fossil fuels in many respects, and its prospects continue to improve. As harnessing the power of sunlight to meet our needs becomes more feasible, the need for the infrastructure to realize it grows. Solar farms are emerging all around the world, presenting new opportunities for energy providers but also many of the same old challenges as oil and gas pipelines and hydroelectric dams.

As was the case with the previous generation of power generation projects, solar farm construction frequently requires crews to grapple with some inhospitable and sensitive terrain. Even though they are more sophisticated and cleaner than other types of generating facilities, these farms still require a lot of land in some pretty out-of-the-way places with no pavement to ease the trip. This also means the contractors tasked with building them have to work in areas that may feature unstable or rugged soils. In some cases, they may need to cross untamed wetlands or other environmentally sensitive spots where treading lightly is necessary. Unfortunately, the machines needed to build these installations are not the most graceful or nimble.

A LOW-TECH SOLUTION TO HIGH-TECH CONSTRUCTION

The good news is that the solution to these issues is not as complicated as you might assume. Crews can improve access to remote job sites, prevent damage to their equipment and protect the environment with the use of hardwood timber mats. Made from extremely durable timbers linked together, these can be laid down and connected to form temporary roadways and staging areas that can support heavy equipment.

The use of these solutions on renewable energy projects can be extremely beneficial in numerous ways. Among the many benefits contractors can enjoy by using them include:

  • Improved access: Perhaps the most important advantage these provide is that they enable heavy machinery to cross untamed terrain with ease. Because many solar projects are built in wide-open spaces that are far from populated areas, these mats make getting essential equipment to and from the site much less of a hassle.
  • Cost savings: Building the roadways necessary to allow trucks and cranes to reach an isolated job site can add significant costs to what’s already a major capital project. On the other hand, use access mats allows workers to build a road quickly and without as much effort. This helps keep budgets in line.
  • Fewer delays: These temporary roads can be assembled and disassembled quickly, which means they help construction crews stay on schedule. Because they also provide machines with a solid, stable foundation on which they can work, these mats prevent damage that can lead to breakdowns.
  • Environmental protection: Without putting these down, treads and tires from construction machinery come into direct contact with the ground. This can cause serious damage to delicate ecosystems that may take years to heal. Therefore, installing mats on the site is crucial for contractors who want to avoid harming the environment and stay in compliance with regulations.

WHY CHOOSE YAK MAT?

YAK MAT access mat products are strategically located across North America, and our teams are ready to help you to find the right solution for your next solar farm project. We’ve helped countless renewable energy projects solve their difficulties with working in challenging and remote territories. Our products are built to provide the highest levels of quality and ease of use. To learn more about our mats, get in touch with us today to discuss your project or receive a quote.