In the management and coordination of solar power plant supplies, whether in projects rooftop or mainly in ground-based plants using trackers and where the focus is on optimizing energy production and generation, we always come across critical and fundamental points of the solar project that go “unnoticed” or even that can be neglected, thus making management actions and meeting the specific scope of supply difficult and culminating in situations of delays in deliveries, contractual fines, management problems and delivery of the commitments assumed.
At this point, pre-project actions stand out, points that in the rush of day-to-day life and the pressure to deliver the project, are often not treated in the necessary manner and that compromise not only the start of the project, but also the executive actions of implementation and supply of the PV scope (UFV/Connection Line/Substations/Measurement Cabins).
The collection of initial inputs on land, environmental, geotechnical and connection process aspects can bring several positive points and advance in the identification of points of attention that are fundamental for decision-making regarding the sequence and implementation of the project.
Furthermore, when supplying solar projects, mainly in ground-based plants where the scope and interface points are larger, we identify fundamental premises and points of attention/management/action.
If not carried out in advance, these can have significant impacts on the execution of the project planning. Some of these main points are listed below. Check them out.
Preliminary study: the importance of early data collection
In the management of solar supplies, proactive and strategic action is always required in collecting the necessary inputs that are fundamental to collaborating with proper planning and management of the scope supply.
To this end, we carry out preliminary work – which is often fundamental for the actual collection of values to form the sales price/quantify the project – to items relating to land, environmental, geotechnical/civil aspects of the area and connection feasibility.
Optical land analysis
In rooftop projects, this step is already equalized. However, in ground-based power plant supplies, this is a fundamental point to be addressed. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct interfaces with the registry office of the city/location where the UFV (photovoltaic power plant) is being implemented to that all documentary situations and proof of ownership of the area of the site are correct.
Furthermore, all payment of fees and interfaces with the city hall must be properly balanced. These points are fundamental for the process of acquiring an area or even leasing/renting the site for the implementation of the solar park.
Connection feasibility
The energy concessionaire is one of the main stakeholders of your project. All interface and s/approval of documents and authorizations goes through the relationship with the distributor.
In the Concessionaire/PDA authorizations, the connection costs are clear, whether for the accessing party or the accessed party. This needs to be taken into consideration when preparing the project's capex (investment costs).
It is important to consider here, if any, the costs of access. In other words, the construction of connection and/or transmission lines, if any, also need to be considered.
Environmental licensing for photovoltaic projects
This stage has often not been considered with the scope and impact of the project, which can compromise the planning done. Land projects require environmental authorizations, either by means of a document 'release' from involvement in the environmental process, or by initiating the issuance of environmental licenses that will allow the installation of the solar plant.
In this process, the involvement of areas of the company and/or agencies and specialized professionals is necessary to ensure the flow of the process. Where information is collected by the city hall/environmental agency and, after analysis, the licenses are issued with their due conditions.
Land survey – civil works
This is a very important point to consider when determining the project's capex. To assess this, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
Was there a pre-project where information was collected from the area? Is the civil cost estimate correct? Is the quantity of resources, whether material or labor, due? Was a pre-project prepared to collect inputs in this area?
For projects of drainage, what is the scope of this? Were the values considered in the price formation of the proposal? What is the amount of resources and labor needed to fulfill the project?
Have topography, georeferencing, SPT and Pull Out surveys already been carried out? These points are fundamental for the UFV sizing.
Consultation with public bodies – construction permits
Often, the handling of this matter can impact the planned stages of implementation of UFV.
Conducting this with the local/area city hall may involve bureaucratic steps, difficulties in understanding the city hall (lack of knowledge of the solar niche) and the bureaucracy in the process may be a point of attention.
Acquisition of the main equipment for photovoltaic projects
Defining the acquisition process for the main UFV equipment (modules, inverters, trackers, physical structure, measurement booths, skids, electrical centers) is fundamental to the project strategy.
[EYE: Effective, real financial planning tailored to the reality of the project is necessary]
Depending on the structure, this can be conducted via a trader, with management and monitoring of deliveries, which are essential to meet schedule demands. This can have a positive impact on costs and the financial viability of the supply.
On the other hand, depending on the size of the supply and scope, acquisitions from specialized distributors may be considered, with delivery team facilities but with costs to be considered.
Exchange rate fluctuations
Important point to be considered given the market instabilities due to current day-to-day situations and also international events that influence and impact exchange planning and control.
Depending on the size of the project and its delivery lead time, actions such as having a hired heading can ensure a more effective and accurate cost forecast.
Bank financing
If the project requires bank financing, an entire strategy and coordinated actions need to be planned to take place.
The impact of a “lack of money” during the initial/intermediate/final activities of the project is glaring. It changes all planning, cost control and contractual deadlines.
Effective, realistic financial planning tailored to the reality of the project is necessary.
Solar plant deployment model
Are we able to proceed with the implementation of our solar plant by hiring a full EPC (engineering, procurement and construction management)? Will we be involved in the main purchases and hire a “semi-EPC” to complete the project deliveries? Or will we continue with an EPCM (Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management) contract?
The definition of the UFV implementation process is strategic and depends greatly on the project delivery time, maturity and knowledge of the company managing the scope and mainly on the financial conditions/budget of the project.
Local service and equipment suppliers
Much of the success of managing and properly controlling solar project deliveries comes from carrying out services and delivering equipment/components in the field.
Depending on how acquisitions are conducted, this management may be essential for acquiring services that our technical team/company does not have. In addition, we need suppliers with the structure and commitment to honor their deliveries and supplies.
Having local service providers – if this is the case – can be a very positive point in the project structure and acquisitions required to meet the scope of supply.
O&M Team: interface with end of work
Very important for the continuity of effective project management is the final interface between the assembly/commissioning team and the team that will conduct the project's O&M, whether it is an internal company structure or outsourced companies.
The conditions of the location, exposure to bad weather and more aggressive environments are very important.
Taking into proper planning for conducting this matter and its proper interface with the final stages of the work is a very important point in the future operations of the project.
Article published in 24nd edition of the Magazine Canal Solar.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
