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Solar Asset Acquisition: Optimizing the Value of Third-Party Engineering Services During and After Construction
For Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that acquire solar assets after the project has been developed and designed—rather than during the development or design phases—there are fewer opportunities to address design flaws or perform value engineering. However, it remains crucial to involve an Owner’s Engineer (OE) or an Independent Engineer (IE) as early as possible to ensure safety, quality, and optimal operational performance.
In the first part of this two-part article, I outlined how to maximize the value of third-party engineering services throughout project development and pre-construction. In this second part, I’ll focus on the specific engineering services Pure Power offers to IPPs during and after construction, emphasizing the importance of early engagement and continuous oversight.
The key milestone that marks the transition from pre-construction to construction is when the Engineer of Record issues the "Issued for Construction" (IFC) drawing set. Once construction begins, the primary role of independent and owner's engineering services is to confirm that the delivered project aligns with the original design and specifications.
The earlier Pure Power is involved as an OE or IE, the more value we can add. It’s in everyone’s best interest for QA/QC checks to start from the very beginning of construction. Addressing issues during the early stages—often referred to as the “golden rowâ€â€”is far easier and less costly than fixing them after months of work have already been completed.
**Quality Assurance and Quality Control**
Verifying as-built conditions against the IFC drawings and project specifications is a core part of QA/QC. This includes visual inspections, insulation resistance testing, VLF testing, polarity checks, open-circuit voltage tests, and ground continuity checks. These assessments are essential before system energization and commissioning.
During commissioning, all power equipment—including inverters, protection devices, transformers, and reclosers—is tested against the latest planset, energized, and operated. These tests follow industry standards like NETA and IEC, including IEC 62446-1, which outlines requirements for testing, documentation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems.
**Milestone Verification**
Major project milestones such as mechanical and substantial completion often trigger significant progress payments. Lenders frequently engage Pure Power during construction to provide an independent verification of milestone completion. As an OE, we also offer site visits to help owners assess progress and ensure compliance with design and contract documents.
Once milestone-related funds are released, the lender or owner loses leverage to correct any deficiencies. That’s why early and thorough verification is so important.
**Performance Validation**
As discussed in a previous post, capacity and performance ratio tests are conducted based on rigorous published standards. When done correctly, these tests confirm that a solar asset is performing as expected. They play a critical role in de-risking solar asset acquisitions, whether the project is newly built or already operational.
**IE or OE Engaged During Post-Construction**
For IPPs focused on acquiring operational assets, a specialized form of technical due diligence is required to understand the as-built conditions. This applies to both new systems and those that have been in operation for years.
After construction is complete and commercial operations begin, it’s just as important to validate the PVsyst model as it is to evaluate the fielded design and construction. Ideally, the system should be free from defects and safety hazards.
**As-Built Drawing Review**
As I’ve mentioned before, if record drawings don’t match the actual installed system, project owners face unnecessary costs and risks. This review is a fundamental step in asset acquisition, ensuring that the fielded system matches the documented one.
**Performance Analysis**
Since all revenue from a solar asset is based on the PVsyst model, verifying its accuracy is essential. Adjustments may be needed to align the model with real-world performance, especially when acquiring assets that have been operating for years. Older systems may require different derate factors for soiling, degradation, and availability. Additionally, improvements in modeling software and landscape changes, like tree growth, can enhance the accuracy of the performance model.
**Safety Evaluation**
After construction, a key goal of technical due diligence—such as plan reviews, QA/QC checks, and field inspections—is to ensure the solar asset is free from safety hazards. Once the asset is acquired, making changes or repairs becomes costly. For older systems, it’s vital to verify that maintenance has been properly scheduled and executed to prevent failures caused by gradual equipment degradation.