As community geothermal projects continue gaining momentum across the United States, one of the first—and most important—steps happens long before the full bore field is drilled.
It starts with a thermal conductivity test (TCT). At Installed Energy, we help developers, engineers, municipalities, schools, commercial building owners, and geothermal contractors take that first step with vertical geothermal drilling services and complete thermal conductivity test coordination. Whether you're planning a campus, a neighborhood-scale geothermal system, or a large commercial installation, we can manage the entire process from drilling the test bore to coordinating the thermal conductivity testing and providing the information your design team needs.
What Is a Thermal Conductivity Test?
A thermal conductivity test measures how efficiently the ground transfers heat. This information allows engineers to accurately size a geothermal bore field instead of relying on generalized assumptions.
Ground conditions vary significantly—even within the same region of Illinois. Soil composition, rock formations, groundwater movement, and moisture levels all influence how much heat the earth can absorb and release. A thermal conductivity test provides project-specific data that helps optimize the geothermal system design and determine the appropriate number and depth of boreholes.
The result is a geothermal system that's designed around actual site conditions, helping avoid unnecessary drilling while ensuring long-term performance.
Our Role in the Thermal Conductivity Testing Process
A common misconception is that multiple contractors are needed just to complete the testing phase.
At Installed Energy, we simplify the process.
Our team handles the vertical geothermal drilling required for the test bore and coordinates every step needed to complete the thermal conductivity test. From scheduling and drilling to working alongside specialized testing professionals, we serve as your single point of contact throughout the process.
That means you don't have to coordinate multiple companies or worry about managing different phases of the project—we take care of it.
A Recent 300-Foot Test Bore in Illinois
Recently, our crew completed a 300-foot vertical geothermal test bore for an upcoming community geothermal project in Illinois. After drilling the borehole, we installed the geothermal loop and completed the grouting process to prepare the bore for thermal conductivity testing. Once the borehole was ready, the thermal conductivity test was performed to collect the data engineers need for final loop field design.
This type of test bore is often the foundation for much larger geothermal systems that may ultimately include dozens—or even hundreds—of vertical boreholes.
Why Thermal Conductivity Testing Matters for Community Geothermal
Community geothermal systems are designed differently than a typical residential installation.
Instead of serving one home, these shared underground loop fields can provide heating and cooling for multiple buildings, schools, neighborhoods, healthcare facilities, or commercial developments. Because these projects represent a significant investment, accurate ground data is critical before construction begins.
Thermal conductivity testing helps engineers:
- Design the bore field using real site conditions
- Estimate the total drilling required
- Improve long-term system efficiency
- Reduce unnecessary construction costs
- Increase confidence before moving into full-scale drilling
The better the data, the better the geothermal design.
Vertical Geothermal Drilling Across Illinois
Installed Energy specializes in vertical geothermal drilling throughout Illinois. From residential loop fields to large commercial and community geothermal projects, our team has the equipment and experience to complete geothermal drilling safely and efficiently.
Our services include:
- Vertical geothermal drilling
- Geothermal test bore drilling
- Thermal conductivity test coordination
- Drill, drop, and grout services
- Vertical ground loop installation
- Commercial geothermal drilling
- Community geothermal project support
- Geothermal feasibility drilling
Whether your project requires a single test bore or hundreds of geothermal wells, we can help move it from planning to construction.
Planning a Community Geothermal Project?
Every successful geothermal installation begins with understanding the ground beneath it.
If you're planning a community geothermal system, commercial development, school campus, or municipal project, Installed Energy can provide the vertical geothermal drilling and complete thermal conductivity test coordination needed to keep your project moving.
Contact Installed Energy today to discuss your geothermal drilling project and learn how we can help you get from initial testing to a fully designed bore field.
