Solar Design

Dibble assisted with the site design for this 10MW solar project, the Desert Star Solar Plant, located on 118 acres on the southern portion of the City of Phoenix landfill in Buckeye, Arizona. Energy output from the plant connects to the grid at the Gillespie substation approximately one mile west of the solar plant. During construction, more than 100 jobs were created for the local community.

Dibble conducted ALTA survey and topographic survey verification for the 118-acre site. The grading and drainage plan was prepared to accommodate the placement of the solar panels on the site. Storm water retention systems needed for the developed portions of the site were designed to meet the requirements of the City of Buckeye. Dibble assisted the contractor and Electrical engineer in developing a site plan for the solar field, solar equipment, and an access road. An exterior fence to encompass the entire solar complex was also part of the site plan design. Dibble was also involved in dry utility coordination on-site, with coordination and approval of all plans with stakeholders. Also included was the design of a paving plan for an access road and on-site maintenance road. Dibble provided support for permit preparation and submittal to the City of Buckeye and performed limited construction administration assistance and close-out items for the project.

Dibble was also contracted for additional design services that included a curb and gutter with rip-rap spillways on the upstream side of four basins associated with the solar project. A 20-foot wide ABC surface access road was also added to the design of the project. The new roadway included a concrete crossing at an existing channel location as well as guardrail design.

Project Lifecycle