Mammoth Solar North

Mammoth North Solar is the first phase of the Mammoth Solar project, one of the largest solar projects in the United States. Mammoth Solar North is estimated to generate 400-megawatt (MW) of energy and provide enough clean energy for 75,0000 households.

In 2020, RES was contracted by Doral Renewables to develop a Vegetation and Soil Management Plan (VSMP) and a Landscape Screening Assessment. These were designed to meet local pollinator-friendly requirements and comply with Pulaski and Starke Counties’ vegetation requirements and the Project’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Our experts conducted a thorough desktop review of the site and performed an on-site investigation to inform the VSMP. This included recommendations on soil preparation, seed mixes, arrangement, and soil management techniques. Local ordinances required that the facility be screened from viewsheds while enhancing biodiversity, wildlife foraging, and habitat. To meet these requirements, we provided a Landscape Screening Assessment that included a design mix of tree and shrub species including native trees, shrubs, and a tallgrass prairie planting.

The VSMP provided Doral Renewables and SOLV Energy, the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contractor, with expert guidance on establishing and maintaining native, pollinator-friendly vegetation for a large-scale solar facility. The vegetation installed will resist invasive species, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and maintain growing heights that will avoid shading the solar arrays—significantly reducing project costs over time. The inclusion of pollinator species will also generate key benefits for endangered species and fulfill a crucial habitat need.

In 2021, our team conducted preconstruction temporary- and permanent-seed installation on approximately 2,225 acres. Seeding in advance of the construction has enabled the early establishment of perennial species. These species helped to stabilize the soil during construction and provided the foundation for the long-term vegetative community under the solar arrays after construction. We worked directly with SOLV Energy to install and manage vegetation during construction. Since the installation, our team has paid close attention to managing stormwater and erosion in the areas installed with perennial vegetation.

In 2023, RES contracted directly with the owner, Doral Renewables, to install nearly 13 miles of landscape screening on site.  To accomplish this, we utilized more than 4,000 trees and shrubs and 150 acres of pollinator habitat seed mix. Nearly half of the trees and shrubs were grown in-house at one of RES’ nurseries.

Livestock Grazing

RES partnered with subcontractor, Bope Farm Services, LLC, to manage grazing activities on site. The site features a mixed herd of sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and livestock guardian dogs. Sheep are used for vegetation management. Alpacas and donkeys manage vegetation and serve as guardian animals, protecting against ground and aerial predators. Livestock guardian dogs are also employed to deter predators on site. In addition to overseeing grazing, Bope Farm Services, LLC also provides mowing and herbicide services.

Project Highlights

• The project received the Dual Use Plan of the Year Award at the North American Agrivoltaics Awards Ceremony in 2024
• Comprehensive vegetation planning, installation, and management of native, perennial, and pollinator habitat species on 2,225 acres
• Contracted directly with the Owner for VSMP and Landscape Screening Assessment development, landscape screening installation and maintenance, and long-term vegetation management
• Contracted with project EPC to install and manage vegetation during construction
• SWPPP-compliant project

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