DMFAB Solar Farm

Project Overview

The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB) solar project is a 15.4MW project constructed over 170 acres on an active Air Force base. Located in Tucson, Arizona the project includes polycrystalline modules on an Array Technologies single-axis tracking system. This required the first Department of Defense approval for an Air Force project of this type.

The project also includes a power purchase agreement to provide electricity to DMAFB at a reduced rate for a period of 25 years. This results in an annual savings to DMAFB of nearly $500,000. The power generated by the plant supplies enough clean energy to power 5,173 households.

 

Project Challenges

DMAFB is the third-largest employer in the Tucson area with 46,000 employees, including more than 11,000 airmen.

As an active military base, security was a high priority for the site. All workers needed to pass background checks in order to access the site. We worked in close collaboration with base personnel, for site access as well as equipment and material deliveries. We also maintained frequent and constant communication to coordinate access to high-security areas and electrical shutdowns.

 

Santé Solutions

As the EPC, our primary focus was on tracking and maintaining a detailed schedule. We also ensured close coordination with the client and independent engineer as well as the suppliers, consultants and subcontractors. We achieved this by holding daily project meetings and establishing working teams to manage the timely execution of tasks and sub-tasks.