Planted Solar Receives Independent Validation of its Terrain-Following Solar Racking System

OAKLAND, Calif. — Planted Solar, Inc., a leader in solar racking innovation and deployment technologies, today announced that Black & Veatch, a globally recognized independent engineering, construction, and consulting firm, has completed a comprehensive third-party assessment of the company’s fixed tilt solar racking system. 

Planted’s solar racking solution is engineered for maximum reliability and cost efficiency through the fewest, simplest parts and the most material-efficient design on the market. The system enables high-density, terrain-following solar installations that reduce grading and steel requirements while accelerating deployment timelines. The evaluation included a thorough review of Planted’s product design, manufacturing facilities, quality control protocols, structural performance, and third-party testing data.

Completion of this review strengthens Planted Solar’s standing as a bankable partner for solar developers and lenders, providing independent confirmation of the system’s reliability, constructability, and long-term performance.

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“This rigorous evaluation validates our commitment to designing the most reliable, adaptable, and constructible racking platform in the market,” said Eric Brown, CEO at Planted Solar. “Meeting surging power demand is the big industry challenge today. By combining reduced material use, simpler components, fewer steps, and field-ready construction technology, we’re giving IPPs and financiers a solution that increases project certainty and shortens time to power.”

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Inside the assessment: How Planted’s solar racking performed under review

In its final report, Black & Veatch concluded that:

• Design & Performance: Planted’s terrain-following system enables high-density layouts with minimal site grading and specifies a ground coverage ratio of up to 94%. Its dual-redundant grounding strategy is UL 2703 certified for safety and compliance.
• Reliability & Durability: The racking system underwent extensive qualification testing, including wind tunnel analysis by RWDI and dynamic mechanical load testing by RETC and PVEL. Planted’s design supports both thin-film and crystalline silicon modules under industry-standard mechanical loads with no observed degradation.
• Manufacturing & Quality Assurance: The report noted Planted’s robust quality assurance program, and well-managed and scalable U.S.-based supplier manufacturing facility. The report also noted the company’s detailed inspection protocols and ISO 9001-certified suppliers.
• Installation & Operations: The Planted system is supported by automated installation equipment and construction software. The report found that Planted’s installation and O&M documentation to be a strong foundation for installing and maintaining Planted’s system.  
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Scaling smarter: A vertically integrated approach to solar development

Founded in 2020, Planted Solar has deployed multiple pilot projects and is now scaling operations to meet growing demand across on-site data center power, distributed generation, and utility-scale markets. 

The company’s vertically integrated platform includes software-generated construction layouts, rapid field installation equipment, and durable racking hardware designed for fast, repeatable deployment. This approach allows developers and EPCs to move from design to power faster without compromising quality or bankability.
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‍Contact us for a copy of the report

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About Planted Solar

Planted Solar is redefining solar deployment with an integrated hardware and software platform that pairs high-density, terrain-following arrays with automated installation. Planted's smarter, streamlined approach helps developers, EPCs, and IPPs unlock more land, lower costs, and build projects in half the time—delivering stronger project outcomes and accelerating the delivery of abundant energy. 

Ready to build smarter? Let’s talk.

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