Bruce Podwal Seminar Series
Civil Engineering Aspects of the Design of
Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Scott E. Thompson, PE, ENV SP
WSP USA Inc.
National Business Lead for
Onshore Renewable Energy
12:30 – 1:30 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022
Civil Engineering Department, Room 105, Steinman Hall
(Light lunch will be served)
Abstract WSP is one of the world's leading professional services consulting firms and the largest engineering firm in NYC. With over 12,000 talented people across the United States and 55,000 globally, WSP engineers projects that will help societies grow for generations to come.WSP designs and delivers lasting solutions in the Power, Buildings, Transportation, Infrastructure, Environment, Geomatics, Mining, and Industrial sectors.
WSP’s Renewable Energy team designs utility scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems for clients throughout the US and around the world. Effective civil engineering design is critical meeting local regulation and developing cost-effective renewable energy. Many civil engineering disciplines are involved in the design of a solar photovoltaic generating facility, including, site civil engineers, hydraulic engineers, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and environmental engineers. Mr. Thompson will provide an overview of the utility scale renewable energy industry and then dive into more detail about specific approaches to civil design on solar projects and the roles that civil engineering specialists contribute to these important projects.
Biography: Scott E. Thompson is a New York State Registered Professional Civil Engineer, a Certified Envision Sustainability Professional, and an experienced project manager with more than 25 years of experience developing solutions to address environmental problems. He has led the development and design of over 3000 MW of commercial solar, wind energy, and BESS projects, including development phase, owner’s representative, and detailed design phase services. As an environmental engineering specialist, he has led the sustainable cleanup and restoration of contaminated sites, waterbodies, and watersheds throughout the US and managed over $100M of engineering services in his career. He assists municipalities and businesses to develop and achieve sustainability goals, including deployment of clean energy solutions, public outreach and awareness, and leveraging incentives and innovation to realize economic benefits. Mr. Thompsonholds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science Civil Engineering from Stanford University.
Last Updated: 09/06/2022 16:45