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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 issues or perform value engineering. However, it is still crucial to engage an Owner’s Engineer (OE) or Independent Engineer (IE) as early as possible in the process to ensure safety, quality, and long-term operational performance.
In the first part of this two-part article, I discussed how IPPs can maximize the value of third-party engineering services during project development and pre-construction. In this second part, I will focus on the specific engineering services that Pure Power provides to IPPs during and after construction, highlighting the added value these services bring to the table.
**IE or OE Engaged During Construction**
The key milestone that separates pre-construction from construction is when the engineer of record releases the "issued for construction" (IFC) drawing set. Once a project moves into the construction phase, the primary role of the IE or OE is to ensure that the delivered project aligns with the promised 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 to begin quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks right from the start of construction. Addressing issues early, such as those found in the "golden row," is far easier and less costly than fixing them after months of production.
**Quality Assurance and Quality Control**
Verifying as-built conditions against the IFC drawings and project specifications is a core part of QA/QC activities. This includes visual inspections, insulation resistance tests, very-low-frequency (VLF) testing, polarity checks, open-circuit voltage measurements, and ground continuity tests. These checks are essential before system energization and commissioning.
All power equipment—including inverters, protection devices, transformers, and reclosers—is tested and verified according to manufacturer-approved standards like NETA and IEC, including IEC 62446-1: Photovoltaic (PV) System – Requirements for Testing, Documentation and Maintenance.
**Milestone Verification**
Major project milestones, such as mechanical and substantial completion, often trigger significant progress payments. Lenders frequently rely on Pure Power to provide independently verified reports on milestone completion. As an OE, we also conduct site visits to support owners. Once funds are released, the owner or lender loses leverage to address any deficiencies.
**Performance Validation**
As I outlined in a previous post, capacity and performance ratio tests are conducted based on detailed industry standards. When done correctly, these tests confirm that a solar asset is performing as expected. Performance verification is a critical step in de-risking a solar asset acquisition, whether the project is newly built or already in operation.
**IE or OE Engaged During Post-Construction**
For IPPs that specialize in acquiring operational assets, a thorough technical due diligence process is essential to understand the as-built conditions. This applies to both new systems and those that have been operating 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 operating system should be free of defects and safety hazards. To achieve this, Pure Power offers a range of post-construction services.
**As-Built Drawing Review**
As I've discussed before, discrepancies between record drawings and actual field conditions can lead to unnecessary costs. A thorough review of as-built drawings is essential during asset acquisition to ensure alignment between the documented and actual systems.
**Performance Analysis**
Since revenue for a solar asset is tied to the PVsyst model, verifying its accuracy is crucial. For older systems, adjustments may be needed to account for factors like soiling, degradation, and changes in the landscape, such as tree growth. Our team uses advanced modeling tools to improve performance predictions and ensure financial accuracy.
**Safety Evaluation**
After construction, one of the main goals of technical due diligence is to ensure the solar asset is free from safety risks. This includes plan reviews, QA/QC checks, and field inspections. Ensuring proper maintenance and upkeep is vital to avoid failures caused by aging equipment. Early identification of potential hazards helps protect both the asset and its operators.