Building Solar Farms From The Ground Up
As global energy priorities shift towards sustainability, solar farms have emerged as critical infrastructure in Canada’s transition to clean energy. The reliability of the surveying work that precedes construction are pivotal to the long-term success of these projects. At Challenger Geomatics, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in this green revolution, offering surveying expertise that ensures solar farms are built efficiently, accurately, and with long-term performance in mind.
We’ve supported a range of solar farm developments across Canada from remote communities in the Yukon to the largest solar project in Canada. Our work demonstrates not only our technical capabilities but also our deep understanding of the unique logistical and environmental challenges each site presents. These are just three solar projects we’ve completed in the past:
Travers Solar Farm – Vulcan County, Alberta
The Travers Solar Farm is the largest solar project in Canada, with a capacity of 465 megawatts and covers approximately 3,300 acres. Located in Vulcan County, this project represents a massive leap forward in renewable energy for Alberta and the country at large. For a project of this magnitude, accuracy and coordination were paramount.
Challenger Geomatics played a key role by delivering topographic surveys, site grading support, and construction layout services. Our team provided timely as-built data and worked closely with the general contractor to adapt to the fast-paced construction schedule. The vast footprint of the project demanded meticulous planning, and our surveyors used advanced GNSS and total station equipment to ensure each racking system, inverter, and cable trench with exact placement.
The success of the Travers Solar Farm not only highlights our capacity to handle large-scale projects but also our commitment to delivering value at every stage of development. By reducing rework and streamlining communication with other trades, our contributions helped keep the project on track.
Saddlebrook Solar Farm – Foothills County, Alberta
Not every solar farm requires the scale of Travers, but even mid-sized projects bring their own challenges. The Saddlebrook Solar Farm demanded a responsive and detail-oriented approach due to evolving site conditions and coordination between multiple contractors.
Challenger provided full construction survey support including staking for access roads, piling systems, and electrical conduit routing. Our field staff worked closely with civil engineers and construction managers to ensure design plans translated accurately into physical reality.
Our ability to quickly mobilize and adapt was essential on this site. With a proactive approach to field changes and efficient data turnaround, we were able to maintain construction momentum even as site conditions shifted. Our extensive experience in southern Alberta gave us an edge in understanding regional terrain, drainage, and soil characteristics that influenced design and construction outcomes.
Old Crow Solar Array – Yukon
Located in the remote northern community of Old Crow, this project was spearheaded by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation as part of their goal to reduce diesel reliance. With limited access, short construction seasons, and sensitive environmental conditions, the Old Crow Solar Array presented a unique set of challenges.
Challenger Geomatics was selected for our expertise in northern and remote surveying. We provided control surveys and site layout in coordination with the community and project partners. Working in Old Crow required significant logistical planning, including mobilization by air and adapting to permafrost and snow conditions.
What made this project especially rewarding was the collaborative spirit. Our team engaged with local stakeholders and supported capacity-building efforts by sharing knowledge and providing mentorship opportunities to community members. This aligns with our commitment to Indigenous partnerships and respectful engagement wherever we work.
Versatile Services While Providing Consistent Quality
What unites our work across these solar projects is a consistent focus on quality, responsiveness, and long-term client support. Our surveying services include:
- Preliminary site surveys and feasibility assessments
- Construction layout for civil, electrical, and structural components
- Topographic and volumetric surveys
- As-built documentation and QA/QC verification
- Control networks and geodetic surveying
Using leading-edge technology such as UAVs (drones), 3D laser scanning, and real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS systems, our crews ensure every measurement is reliable and repeatable. We integrate with clients’ digital workflows, providing survey data in formats compatible with modern CAD and GIS platforms. Through our past experience we have created our own innovative techniques to deliver thousands of data points daily to our clients while staff layout up to a 1000 piles a day.
Our People Make the Difference
The strength of our service lies in the expertise and dedication of our team. At Challenger Geomatics, we employ experienced professionals who aren’t afraid to get their boots dirty. Our crews are used to working in all weather conditions, often in remote locations, and understand the importance of delivering results under pressure.
From project managers to field staff, everyone at Challenger is aligned in the goal of making each project a success. We maintain open communication with our clients, stay ahead of construction schedules, and are always ready to adapt to new challenges.
Respectful and Productive Indigenous Partnerships
Across Canada, especially in northern and remote regions, we believe in forming meaningful, long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities. We currently have 13 active partnerships and approach each one with respect, transparency, and a focus on mutual benefit.
On solar projects like Old Crow, these partnerships have resulted in not only successful project outcomes but also stronger relationships and lasting impacts for the community. We recognize that operating on Indigenous land requires not just compliance but genuine collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As solar energy continues to expand across Canada, Challenger Geomatics is prepared to support developers, EPC firms, and Indigenous communities in supporting their energy goals. Our track record of success on solar farm surveying speaks for itself, from the country’s largest installation to innovative off-grid systems in the Arctic.
If you’re planning a solar project, now is the time to partner with a surveyor who understands the demands of renewable infrastructure and the importance of precision and reliability.
Contact us today to learn how our team can help your solar farm shine.
