Mortenson Installs Leading-Edge Solar Technology

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Mortenson Construction recently began work at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) facility near Denver, Colorado; installing the nation’s largest single installation of Amonix™ Inc.’s  solar power systems.  SolarTAC is the largest test facility for solar technology in the United States.

The solar installation, owned by Amonix, Inc, a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology provider, will consist of 13 Amonix solar systems. As general contractor, Mortenson is responsible for the installation of the systems and construction of access roads and required infrastructure.  Mortenson’s industry expertise, along with the unique design of the Amonix solar system will help reduce construction challenges, project costs, and completion schedules.

The Amonix solar systems require no water in power production and uses land more efficiently. It also produces more energy per acre than any other solar technology.  At 10 feet by 49 feet, each system is comprised of 36 paired receiver plates and lens sets, producing approximately 10 kilowatts.

Mortenson will optimize the construction process through their Kaizen approach.  Kaizen is a process of continuous improvement that targets improvements to safety, quality, and efficiency by focusing on value-added activities, eliminating waste, and finding ways to work smart.

“Mortenson Construction is pleased to partner with Amonix for this leading-edge project,” said Tom Wacker, senior vice president of Mortenson’s Renewable Energy Groups.  “We have a history of developing construction programs for emerging, renewable energy concepts. The project objectives to install this leading CPV technology are in perfect alignment with the skills we have developed in the renewable energy market.”

Mortenson Construction has become the leading builder of renewable energy facilities in North America. Mortenson’s Renewable Energy Group employs about 220 team members with dedicated teams to deliver renewable energy projects (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro) to its growing list of customers. With 100 percent of Mortenson’s business in the power sector coming from renewable energy, Engineering News-Record ranked Mortenson the 13th largest among Power industry contractors in the U.S. for 2009.

About Amonix
Amonix is the recognized leader in designing and manufacturing concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems that require no water in power production, use land better, and produce more energy per acre than any other solar technology. With the longest track record of real-world CPV deployments in the industry, Amonix is proven to be the best choice for solar power systems in sunny and dry climates. Amonix is headquartered with a manufacturing facility in Seal Beach, California. For more information, visit www.amonix.com.