Jackson Solar

The Jackson County Solar Project is among Michigan’s largest renewable-energy builds – a 125-megawatt solar farm spanning more than 1,400 acres of rural land west of Albion. Built to meet the state’s rising demand for clean power, the project demanded a steel foundation capable of surviving Michigan’s punishing climate and soil. Hot-dip galvanizing delivered the necessary protection to the thousands of structural components supporting the array’s vast racking system.

Together, the fabricator and galvanizer delivered approximately 2,400 tons of hot-dip galvanized structural steel for the racking system. With an accelerated installation schedule and an expansive footprint, success hinged on disciplined material flow: more than 120 truckloads were galvanized, inspected, and shipped to the site in sequenced deliveries that stayed aligned with field progress.

Just as important, the project aimed to keep Michigan dollars within the state by prioritizing local suppliers. Choosing a Michigan-based galvanizer supported regional industry, shortened transport routes, and kept critical processing close to the site – strengthening efficiency while investing in the community.

Hot-dip galvanizing was specified for its proven protection – able to withstand moisture-rich soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and long winter exposure. Metallurgically bonded zinc–iron alloy layers deliver abrasion resistance during handling and installation, then provide decades of low-maintenance corrosion protection in service.

With posts and racking elements varying in size and configuration, the galvanizer maintained strict attention to venting, draining, and processing sequence to ensure uniform coating quality across thousands of pieces. That consistency was essential for long-term performance as well as seamless field assembly.

The Jackson County Solar Project showcases what it takes to build utility-scale renewable infrastructure at speed: reliable galvanizing capacity, disciplined logistics, and technical expertise. The result is a corrosion-resistant steel foundation designed for a multi-decade service life – advancing Michigan’s clean-energy future and strengthening the local economy that helped build it.