Ridgely Solar Farm

In the small town of Ridgely, Tennessee- the lights of main street, which guide a community of just 1,800 residents are powered by a new source. Stretching across more than 2,300 acres in Lake County, the Ridgely Solar Energy Farm was developed in response to the region’s growing demand for clean, renewable energy. Capable of generating up to 177 megawatts, the installation represents a significant investment in Tennessee’s energy future. To ensure the long-term reliability of this expansive solar field, durable, low-maintenance materials were essential from the ground up.

Supporting this massive array are roughly 30,000 galvanized steel solar posts, totaling 6,100 tons. Meeting the project’s fast-paced vision required exceptional coordination: the entire scope was scheduled within just 18 weeks, with 6 to 8 truckloads of steel leaving the galvanizing facility each day to keep construction on track.

Because the solar field included a wide assortment of post sizes and bolt-hole configurations, no two days looked the same. Clear, continuous communication between the fabricator and the galvanizer became the backbone of the project’s success. Daily planning ensured that the correct bundles were galvanized and delivered precisely when crews in Ridgely needed them.

The choice of hot-dip galvanizing played a critical role in the solar farm’s long-term performance. With structural steel constantly exposed to both atmospheric conditions and soil moisture, the galvanized coating provides unmatched corrosion resistance, ensuring each post will stand strong for decades with minimal maintenance.