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Solar Farm Infrastructure Construction with Small Rotary Drilling Rig
Latest company case about Solar Farm Infrastructure Construction with Small Rotary Drilling Rig

Solar Farm Infrastructure Construction with Small Rotary Drilling Rig

2026-07-16
Project Background

With the global push towards green energy, APIE FOUNDATION EQUIPMENT (CHINA) LIMITED supported a large-scale solar farm developer in setting up foundations for photovoltaic (PV) panels in a rugged hilly region. The terrain was uneven and soft, making it difficult for heavy machinery to traverse without getting stuck or causing significant ground disturbance.

Technical Requirements

The project involved the installation of over 3,000 micropiles to support the solar panel arrays. The piles needed to be 6-8 meters deep with a diameter of 300mm. Due to the remote location and the scattered nature of the piles, the client required a highly mobile machine that could move quickly between rows of panels without the need for extensive ground preparation.

Why the APIE Mini Rotary Drilling Rig?

The client selected our small rotary drilling rig because it offered the best balance of mobility and power for this specific application.

Advantages Highlighted During Operation:

  • Superior Mobility: Built on a modified excavator chassis (SANY SY60C), the rig offered exceptional maneuverability on steep slopes. Its compact transport dimensions (Length 4.36m, Height 2.9m) made it easy to relocate between different zones of the solar farm.
  • Cost-Effective Operations: The fuel-efficient Isuzu 4JG3 engine (36 kW) kept operational costs low, which is vital for large-scale infrastructure projects with thin margins.
  • Quick Setup: The rig’s fast mast deployment and Kelly bar system (325×6×2.4m) meant the crew could drill a pile, move to the next spot, and start drilling again in minutes.
  • Strong Lifting Capacity: The main winch’s 45kN capacity and auxiliary winch (10kN) allowed for efficient handling of drilling tools and casing, streamlining the micropiling process.
Operational Success

The mini rotary drilling rig proved to be the ideal workhorse for the renewable energy sector. Its ability to operate on soft ground without sinking—thanks to its optimized weight distribution—was a game-changer.

Key Metrics Achieved:

  • Production Rate: Averaged 40-50 piles per day per machine.
  • Fuel Consumption: Maintained low fuel usage, reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
  • Versatility: Easily switched between augering and casing methods depending on the soil density encountered across the hills.
Conclusion

The use of APIE’s mini piling equipment allowed the solar farm contractor to accelerate their timeline significantly. The rig’s durability and low maintenance requirements ensured that the project stayed on budget despite the challenging terrain.

Upgrade Your Fleet with APIE Mini Rotary Drilling Rigs:
Are you looking for a reliable, compact, and powerful foundation drilling solution? Contact us today.