Invented by visionary founder Lance Webb, S.O.S.’s patented Racking Efficiency System is a game-changer that reimagines the solar installation process. The state-of-the-art equipment, perfected over five years of rigorous testing, reduces the need for bulky machinery, streamlines mechanical workflows and significantly lowers the number of required installers. The cost savings from replacing diesel-powered telehandlers and the reduction in carbon footprint are equally impressive.
Our Patented Installation Method Enables Us To Complete Projects Swiftly, Accurately And Efficiently With Minimal Disruptions
S.O.S.’s trailblazing approach defies industry norms and sets a new standard in solar installation practices, heralding a brighter, more efficient future for renewable energy.
A Leap Beyond Traditional Methods
The patented Racking Efficiency System allows installation crews to place eight to 10 torque tubes per minute, compared to traditional methods that take fifteen minutes for the same job. This method also cuts the crew size by about a third, allowing for quicker and safer installations. The enhanced efficiency speeds up project timelines and reduces labor costs, making the entire installation process more effective and economical.
Obstacles such as adverse weather, staffing shortages, material damage, execution issues and the need for rework are often encountered in solar installation projects. While these challenges cannot be entirely eliminated during the pre-planning phase, the industry standard is to account for them with a reasonable float and rely on the site team to manage the impact on budget and schedule.
S.O.S. goes beyond this standard by providing clients with the best resources and tools that reduce the overall impact of these issues and eliminate their adverse effects on project health.
S.O.S.’s comprehensive suite of installation services covers everything from piles and mechanical components to panels. Clients receive end-to-end solutions tailored to their needs.
Economic and Environmental Benefits Redefined
The economic advantages of the Racking Efficiency System are compelling. Traditional rack installation methods are heavily reliant on diesel-powered telehandlers, incurring substantial fuel costs. These already high costs can quickly escalate, driven by the price of diesel and the specific quantity required for a project. On average, diesel costs around $3.89 per gallon. A single telehandler can consume between 600 to 720 gallons of diesel monthly, leading to a staggering expense of approximately $2,300 to $2,800 per telehandler. For projects requiring multiple telehandlers, this translates to an exorbitant monthly cost ranging from $11,670 to $14,000.
S.O.S.’s system offers a refreshing alternative. Operating on gasoline, which is cheaper than diesel, it significantly reduces fuel consumption. It uses as little as 240 gallons of gasoline per month, resulting in a lower fuel cost.
The annual savings are even more striking. Running diesel telehandlers for racking installation over a year could cost between $140,040 and $168,000. Operating the Racking Efficiency System for the same period costs under $9,000.
The Racking Efficiency System also symbolizes environmental stewardship in solar installation. The International Council of Clean Transportation reports that burning one liter of diesel releases about 13 percent more CO2 than the same amount of gasoline. Switching from diesel-powered telehandlers to gasoline-powered Racking Efficiency Systems reduces emissions, lowering a project’s carbon footprint.
“Our system significantly lowers the carbon footprint by reducing fuel consumption,” says Lance Webb. “It also improves utility-scale construction projects by boosting production while cutting down on manpower and equipment requirements.”
Expert Training for Peak Efficiency
At the heart of S.O.S.’s success is its team. Most members have five to eight years of experience, benefitting every project with a wealth of knowledge and practical insight.
From on-site training to immersive events, the team excels at developing comprehensive plans tailored to specific needs, enhancing client mindsets around safety, quality, production and communication. It provides a wide array of training options, allowing clients to become proficient with their distinctive line of specialized equipment. The latest, most efficient installation techniques are shared to reduce equipment costs and workforce requirements.
For a more in-depth experience, destination events offer one to three-day training seminars crafted to explore specific objectives. Various topics are covered, including safety, quality, communication, team structure and crucial management skills. Programs are designed to transform the site team’s mindset, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to sustain profitable and efficient projects.
By engaging in these events, client teams learn the latest industry best practices while gaining a revitalized perspective that enhances efficiency and effectiveness throughout all project installation stages.
A Journey of Expansion and Innovation
S.O.S. began as a spark of an idea six years ago. Since then, this vision has evolved through countless iterations, each refining the process and equipment to perfection. Its first year was dedicated to gathering invaluable feedback and securing key licensing agreements, including a partnership with a company operating across Australia and New Zealand.
This year marked a significant milestone in utilizing its equipment in the field. The company’s growth trajectory is impressive, particularly with its expansion efforts in Australia. Last year, the Australian partner conducted a soft rollout of the first phase, producing and testing two systems in the field. Encouraged by the successful results, it commissioned a second rollout. Within the next 12 months, the company plans to build and deploy 16 more systems.
Extending its own reach, S.O.S. is making strategic moves to establish a foothold in European markets, including Spain, Germany and Romania, as well as in Brazil. In the U.S., it is forming strategic partnerships to firmly establish its machines, processes and business operations.
Advancing with its racking system, S.O.S. is also developing solutions such as a pile distribution system and a PV glass installation solution, along with a variety of smaller tools known as “smalls.” Over the past two years, a significant shift toward A-frame foundations, as opposed to traditional pier foundations, has opened new avenues for expansion into the agricultural sector. This innovative approach aims to seamlessly integrate solar power generation with farmland, using state-of-the-art equipment, tools and techniques.
S.O.S.’s ambition to transition into a full-fledged EPC company within the next five to 10 years demonstrates its commitment to growth and excellence. Its distinctive equipment, experienced team and comprehensive services make it a valuable partner for any solar installation project. Its innovative approach offers transformative improvements over traditional installation methods, heralding a new era of solar installation practices.
