Engineering, Procurement, and Construction of Solar PV Projects

Solar PV Projects.

1. Solar (PV) Projects

2. Quantifying Solar Energy's Potential: A Comparative Analysis Energy from dead plant and animal stored as chemical energy in fossil fuel Wind is caused by the temperature gradient of Earth’s surface due to uneven heating by the Sun. Ocean plant and animal life depend on the sun for energy. Other sources barely register on the scale

3. Setting the Stage: Solar Power as a Dominant Future Energy Source E3ME-FTT simulations project solar will make up the biggest portion of the global energy mix in the foreseeable future RE installed in 2022 is mostly solar! Continuously projected to grow annually China is leading vs other regions. E3ME-FTT is a simulation model used to assess global challenges, particularly those related to climate change and energy policy.

4. Understanding Solar Energy: How Solar Cells Work Sunlight absorbed by the solar cell generates electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor material. The electric field at the junction of the top (n-type) and bottom (p-type) layers drives electrons to the front contact and holes to the rear contact. This movement of electrons and holes creates a voltage between positive and negative terminal. Cells can either be monocrystal or poly crystal. Thin film solar panel are deposited directly on the panel. Utility solar can either have battery or non-battery system. The modules can either be fixed or tracking.

5. Laying the Foundation: Types of Utility-Scale Solar Power Plants Utility Scale Solar (PV) Power Plants are typically ground mount systems Ground Mount: Fixed Tracking Foundation Type: Piles Earth Screw Ballasted Foundations Comprehensive Site Assessment is very crucial Topographical Geotechnical Hydrology Soil Condition Land Use Regulations

6. Central Inverter Systems: Pros and Cons Classic Configuration: Central Inverter Extensive DC Wiring Central Inverter Requires Special Junction Box One point of failure Space consideration

7. Adopting String Inverter Systems: Benefits and Drawbacks String Inverter Modular Less Wiring Reduced DC Wiring Need to consider crew setup (parallel or staggered) Commissioning can be staggered Cons: DC-AC conversion loss higher vs central inverter

8. Implementing Micro-Inverter Systems: Challenges and Opportunities Micro-inverters Logistics consideration for storage of microinverters Increased module-level work Simpler cabling May not be cost-effective

9. Navigating Project Delays: Site Factors Impacting Solar Installation Schedules The following should be considered in the programme Delays in approval of planning application can impact schedule. Identified as top reason for project start delays Weather Vulnerability The season and weather condition when work is carried out is a significant factor in solar installation Site Clearing Delays Greenfield sites can present challenges – levelling of land, obstruction removals, temporary access road setup Work Sequence to depend on site layout and access Limited Access Challenging Terrain

10. Engineering Phase: From Concept to Detailed Plans EPC scope start at Preliminary Design The engineering phase can be considered straightforward but needs: Establishment and Ownership of clear communication channels Engineering Deliverables Tracker Ensure correct logic is establish to Procurement portion of the schedule Contingency in schedule particularly in permitting and approval process Conceptual Design Preliminary Design Detailed Design As-built Design Geotechnical survey General Layout Trenches LV-MV Layout SCADA Civil Design Preliminary BOM Shop Drawings IFC Drawings Commissioning Plan Execution BOM Final Permitting Site Selection PV Tech Selection Layout Permitting and Planning Indicative BOM As-built Drawings O&M Manual Spare Parts

11. Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges: Lessons from Real World Projects Solar Star, California: Delay in PV Modules Supply Topaz Solar Farm, California : Damaged Materials during transport Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, Nevada : Defective Materials Agua Caliente Solar Project, Arizona : Vendor reliability issues - financial problems Neuhardenberg Solar Park, Germany: Delay in Customs Clearance of China made materials Copper Mountain Project, Nevada : Inventory Management problems Ivanaph Solar, California: Contractual disputes with suppliers Supply Chain Disruptions Customs and Import/Export Issues Quality Problems Logistics and Transport Challenges Vendor Reliability Inventory and Storage Issues Contractual and Payment Disputes Regulatory Compliance Issues

12. Mitigating Risks: Effective Supply Chain Management Strategies Supply Chain Disruptions Customs Import/Export Issues Quality Problems Logistic and Transport Challenges Vendor Reliability Inventory and Storage Issues Contractual and Payment Disputes Regulatory Compliance Issues Supply Chain Risk Management Assessment and Plan Supplier Qualification PO and delivery should match schedule Engage specialists Broker Expediter Exposed to supplier landscape/culture Pre-shipment inspections for critical parts Logistics Planning – 4D if necessary Allocate time for transport issues

13. Construction Process: Step-by-Step Execution Foundation Table Structure Module to Array Array to Table Final Alignment Excavate Lay Cable Backfill Facilities construction Access Roads Laydown Area

14. Avoiding Common Pitfalls during Construction Undiscovered physical constraints Foundation and structural failures Electrical failures and safety hazards Regulatory non-compliance resulting in legal penalties Missing permits and authorizations causing delays Delayed or poorly coordinated mobilisation of contractors and resources Lack of coordination between civil and electro-mechanical activities Scope creep Poor communication among stakeholders Overlooked ancillary works (temporary roads, vegetation, etc.) delaying project handover and functionality

15. Adjusting for Design Flaws: Addressing Unforeseen Constraints Obstructions not considered in detailed design Structure damaged due to mismatching soil condition Frost heave damage. Soil condition variation not accounted during design

16. Contractual dates and penalty milestones A usual feature of solar projects Extension of Time clauses Force Majeure Solar projects are vulnerable to environmental events particularly during construction Grid Connection Agreement Requirements may change during the progress of the project Connection Queue – can be removed off the waiting list if schedule not met “The ESO will be uncompromising in our approach to driving out projects that cannot meet their connection date, paving the way for more viable projects that have a real chance of plugging into the grid, energising the UK economy.” Testing procedures are not detailed out in the EPC contract but finalised during construction Warranty Period typically 2 years Navigating Contractual Obligations: Key Considerations

17. Programme Best Practices WBS structure reflecting the EPC contract Must cover all project deliverables Lowest level of WBS to reflect Work Package All engineering deliverables must be included Must align with other plan documents: Project Execution Plan Quality Control Plan 3 rd Party Testing Procedures All contractual dates tracked as milestones Minimise interlap between Civil and Electro-mechanical works All Ancillary works must be included in the programme Critical Path Analysis Distinguish logic-driven and resource-driven critical paths User of Risk Register and QSRA Best Practices: Optimizing the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Process

18. Use of latest tech Real time Quantity Tracking (RFID) Drone flights for progress monitoring Logistics Simulation Software Test and Commissioning Plan must be approved before mechanical completion Site Issues Tracking must be in place All potential showstoppers must be reflected/impacted in the programme Best Practices: Optimizing the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Process