Role of solar PV consultants: From project implementation to O&M strategy

Precise technology selection will eliminate the risk of component failure, and ensure the maximum performance of the plant throughout its lifetime

By Eng. Channa Silva

Choosing a competent and expert solar PV consultant can guarantee the overall success of your PV project. In addition to project experience and knowledge, they must also be able to effectively contribute to every stage of the project – which includes; assessment of the project financial feasibility, pre-bid engineering and contractor finalising strategy, technology selection, procurement planning, project management, and operation and maintenance strategy. 

nSolar Consultants offer guidance to project owners and investors to navigate through all these stages and make informed decisions. Our expertise and experience in international project execution help to bridge the gap between technological aspects and the financial aspects – finding the optimal balance between cost, performance, and quality. Therefore, we carry out the role of ‘Owner’s Engineer’, assuring that all aspects of the projects are being executed in line with the owner’s interest.

Given the importance of financials and securing the investment, nSolar Consultants work hand in hand with project owners to find the optimal cost-effective solutions. We make sure the best contractors and engineering solutions are selected, and quality assurance and risk mitigation are given precedence throughout the project. Ensuring a minimum-risk operation is crucial as the investments are most likely carried out in foreign currency, whereas the returns of the project are accumulated in local currency (LKR), exposing the investment to the high risk of currency variation. Therefore, the investment returns can be weakened if the project encounters unexpected failures or sub-par performance. 

Technology selection is another crucial stage that directly contributes to the project success. Given the vast range of modules and inverters available in the market, nSolar Consultants stay updated on all new technological developments. Combining our product knowledge and international project experience, we evaluate all technologies available to select the most suitable components for your project. Precise technology selection will eliminate the risk of component failure, and ensure the maximum performance of the plant throughout its lifetime.

Project implementation and construction can be a burden on the project owner given the multiple time-dependent critical tasks. Therefore, coordinating between the suppliers, contractors, regulatory authorities, and all stakeholders will be effectively managed by nSolar Consultants. Our experience in project management will lead to successful time and cost management, resulting in an uninterrupted project workflow. Our specialised teams also conduct prior and post-commissioning inspections and audits, making sure the project is implemented as expected.

Finally, an effective Operational and Maintenance strategy is required to ensure the plant performs as expected throughout its lifetime. nSolar Consultants will help you to derive a strong, cost-effective O&M strategy that will focus on quality assurance of the plant and risk mitigation. Such a strategy will reduce the risk of unexpected operational hindrance, resulting in a smooth operation and generating the forecasted project cash flows.

Our team of chartered engineers, project management professionals, accredited solar consultants, and highly skilled technicians will help you through all the project stages as your ‘Owner’s Engineer’. Also, our project experience in Sri Lanka, Middle East and Pacific Region will help to ensure the project is up to the expected standards of quality, and with an effective risk management plan. We always strive for an outstanding project delivery, as your project success will be a testament to our exceptional service.

(The writer is CTO, NSolar Consultants Ltd.)