Summary: AMD Solar was selected to design and fabricate three custom floating utility platforms, each rated for 123,000 lbs. to serve as the central electrical hub for an approximately 14.5 MWAC floating solar installation in the Northeastern U.S. Engineered to withstand 150 mph winds, snow, and ice loading, the platforms are now being fabricated at AMD Solar's Wellsburg, West Virginia facility.
A utility owner in the Northeastern United States contracted an EPC to develop a utility-scale floating photovoltaic installation on a large industrial water body. The approximately 14.5 MWAC project required three floating utility platforms, rated to each support a maximum load of 123,000 lbs., to serve as the structural and electrical hub of the floating solar array, supporting string inverters, combiner equipment, transformer infrastructure, and maintenance access systems above the waterline.
No commercially available floating solar utility dock met the project's structural loading requirements, environmental design criteria, equipment footprint, and operational access needs. AMD Solar was selected to design, fabricate, and deliver a custom-engineered floating utility platform specifically configured for the project.
AMD Solar does not supply solar panels or pontoon float systems. AMD's role is to design and fabricate the heavy-duty floating utility platform that serves as the central electrical collection point for the surrounding floating solar array. Array cabling routes from the floating panel fields to the AMD platform, where electrical equipment is mounted above the waterline before power is transmitted to shore-based infrastructure.
The Challenge: Purpose-Built for Utility-Scale Demands
Utility-scale floating solar projects place unique demands on the central utility platform. The project required accommodation of substantial equipment dead loads while maintaining sufficient freeboard, stability, and personnel access under operational conditions.
In addition to equipment loading requirements, the three platforms needed to withstand significant environmental conditions, including design wind speeds approaching 150 mph, seasonal snow accumulation, ice loading, fluctuating water levels, and long-term exposure to a freshwater environment.
Traditional residential and commercial dock systems were not engineered for the combined structural demands of utility-scale electrical equipment, environmental loading, and floating solar operational requirements. The project required a purpose-built floating utility platform rather than an adapted recreational dock system.
AMD's Approach: Custom-Engineered Configuration
AMD Solar's engineering team reviewed site survey information, water-depth data, environmental loading criteria, equipment schedules, and floating array layouts during the preliminary design phase.
Working from the project's electrical equipment requirements and site-specific environmental conditions, AMD developed a custom platform configuration incorporating equipment support pads, integrated cable-routing provisions, personnel access systems, mooring connection interfaces, and maintenance clearances.
The final platform configuration was engineered as a multi-section marine-grade structure with continuous maintenance access, perimeter safety rail systems, and equipment layouts optimized to balance platform loading while supporting long-term operation and maintenance requirements.
Fabrication and Engineering
Platform sections were fabricated at AMD Solar's Wellsburg, West Virginia manufacturing facility using marine-grade structural components and corrosion-resistant hardware suitable for long-term deployment in freshwater environments.
The platform was engineered to support utility-scale electrical equipment while maintaining operational freeboard and stability requirements. Section dimensions were optimized for transportation efficiency while minimizing field assembly requirements.
Stamped engineering documentation, structural calculations, equipment layout drawings, and loading summaries were provided to support project permitting, financing review, and construction activities.
Anchoring and Mooring System
AMD Solar worked closely with a specialized mooring and underwater anchoring partner to support development of the project's site-specific mooring system.
Based on water depths, bottom conditions, environmental loading criteria, and water-level fluctuations, the mooring design was developed to maintain platform position and support the surrounding floating solar array under long-term operating conditions.
AMD fabricated the structural connection brackets and integrated attachment points required to transfer mooring forces safely into the floating utility platform structure. The completed system was designed to accommodate seasonal water-level changes while maintaining operational performance under severe weather conditions.
Project Outcome
At the time of publication, fabrication of the floating utility platforms is underway at AMD Solar's manufacturing facility in Wellsburg, West Virginia.
Upon completion, the platforms will serve as the central electrical and operational hub of an approximately 14.5 MWAC floating solar installation, supporting critical electrical infrastructure above the waterline while providing safe access for operations and maintenance personnel.
The project demonstrates the growing demand for purpose-built floating solar infrastructure capable of supporting utility-scale renewable energy developments in regions subject to significant wind, snow, ice, and seasonal environmental loading.
As floating solar adoption continues to expand throughout North America, projects such as this highlight the importance of custom-engineered utility platforms designed specifically for the structural, operational, and environmental demands of large-scale floating photovoltaic systems.
AMD Solar continues to work closely with the project team throughout the fabrication phase and looks forward to supporting installation and commissioning activities as the project progresses toward commercial operation.
Preliminary platform configurations and budgetary pricing can often be developed from site survey information, water depth data, and equipment schedules, allowing developers and EPCs to evaluate floating utility platform costs during the earliest stages of project planning. Contact AMD or call 1-800-223-3444.
