Case Study: PureSky speeds community solar project with TerraTrak 1P tracker
PureSky Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of community solar farms and energy storage projects with over 9,000 customers that have received more than $5 million in cumulative savings.
PureSky sought to expand its portfolio with four solar projects in upstate New York. Each site posed its own challenges: uneven terrain, subsurface issues, waterlogged areas, and rocky soils.
For solutions, PureSky partnered with Terrasmart and deployed its TerraTrak 1P tracker paired with a ground screw foundation to handle the region’s frost, wind, and storms. The tracker’s 30% fewer parts, 30–50% fewer foundations per MW, and simplified wire management allowed for faster builds and reduced costs.
PureSky site challenges
Pond obstructions: One site featured a pond and eight previously installed trackers submerged in a foot of water. Terrasmart’s 1P tracker offered the flexibility needed to adapt layouts and adjust heights to accommodate the challenging conditions.
Tricky topography: Several sites required height variation to navigate uneven terrain. The TerraTrak 1P tracker’s design enabled flexible installation across variable slopes, enabling the team to complete work up to 30% faster than standard systems.
Rocky terrain: In locations with subsurface rock and dense soil, Terrasmart’s ground screws provided a proven foundation solution. Designed for durability in rocky and high-frost regions, they ensured long-term reliability despite tough site conditions.
Timing and permitting: Delays from permitting and site verification posed scheduling challenges. Terrasmart’s site surveys provided highly precise data, often revealing new information that allowed PureSky to refine its project designs before construction began.
Terrasmart solutions
Terrasmart’s integrated, in-house capabilities, which span engineering, manufacturing, and installation, gave PureSky a seamless experience from concept to completion. The full-scope package included:
- System design and engineering
- Manufacturing and logistics
- Mechanical installation of racking, panels, and network controls
- Integration of PeakYield™ monitoring software and weather stations
- End-user training and education
By combining TerraTrak 1P with its screw foundation, Terrasmart assumed full refusal risk and leveraged subsurface knowledge built on more than 11,000 pull tests. The tracker’s low profile fit the topography while maintaining performance under harsh weather.
When faced with subsurface rock, Terrasmart’s crews deployed specialized rock-drilling machines to pre-drill foundations, preventing delays. Installation teams exceeded expectations, setting 75 screws per day, which is 1.5x faster than typical market rates.
“We ultimately chose Terrasmart to build this portfolio for a few main reasons. One being the relationship and long history in working with their team from account manager to designers and installation team. We really like the reliability of their product; and the fact that their tracker, TerraTrak, is DC-powered is a big advantage for commissioning. Lastly, the stout and robust foundations and A-frames are very appealing for Northeast weather conditions.” – Pat McGowan, Senior Project Manager, PureSky
