Predicting Soil Corrosivity for Ground-Mounted Solar Projects: A Desktop-Based Approach

Abstract

Soil corrosivity, a critical yet often overlooked factor, profoundly influences the structural integrity and longevity of solar project infrastructure, including racking systems, foundations, and grounding components. Corrosive soil conditions can lead to accelerated degradation, elevated maintenance costs, and a reduced operational lifespan of solar installations. This paper introduces a novel assessment tool designed to evaluate soil corrosivity at the desktop level, using publicly available data. The analysis focuses on red-flag assessments during the early-stage design and development of ground-mounted solar facilities. Key factors assessed include soil moisture, particle size distribution, acidity (pH), and electrical resistivity, specifically for uncoated steel solar piles. By facilitating early identification of soil corrosion potential, the tool enables teams to proactively integrate mitigation strategies, such as incorporating additional costs for protective measures, into project planning. This approach helps avoid significant post-development cost escalations, allowing stakeholders to optimize resource utilization and improve project sustainability and profitability. This research underscores the importance of integrating soil corrosivity assessments into early solar development planning and paves the way for future advancements in predictive modeling for renewable energy infrastructure.