Solar PV projects need Owner’s Engineer, says EnerGulf

Solar project at JK Garments by Energulf

 EnerGulf CEO Channa Silva

As the solar energy sector experiences rapid expansion, the demand for precision, expertise, and quality assurance has become increasingly critical. EnerGulf, a pioneering renewable energy and energy management consulting firm, emphasises the importance of involving an Owner’s Engineer (OE) in large-scale solar PV projects, highlighting that having a solar consultant is not just beneficial but essential to achieving the highest standards of success in solar energy investments.

“In today’s fast-paced solar industry, technology and regulations are constantly evolving,” said EnerGulf CEO Eng. Channa Silva. “An Owner’s Engineer serves as the project owner’s technical advisor, providing independent oversight throughout the entire project lifecycle. This role ensures that projects not only meet but exceed industry standards in quality, efficiency, and safety.”

Their services are designed to offer a comprehensive range of support, acting as an advocate for the project owner and ensuring that every aspect of the project is handled with the utmost care and expertise. From selecting the most suitable technology and components to overseeing the entire project from design to final commissioning, an OE ensures that all decisions are made with the project owner’s best interests in mind.

The services of such solar architects extend beyond just technical oversight. Their experts utilise cutting-edge software to model a solar plant’s energy performance forecast accurately. By simulating various cases, they identify opportunities for improvement and provide guidance toward achieving optimal financial scenarios through high level engineering designs.  “The choices made at the technology selection stage have far-reaching consequences,” noted EnerGulf Director Tharanga Wijayasinghe. “By working closely with clients can ensure that the technologies and components chosen not only meet today’s needs but also offer reliability and efficiency for years to come.”

The involvement of expertise in this area extends beyond the construction phase, providing ongoing support through the final commissioning. This end-to-end oversight by an expert solar consultant will guarantee that all systems are tested, verified, and operating as intended, ensuring that the project is ready to deliver optimal performance from day one.

Solar PV projects are capital-intensive, and any misstep can lead to significant financial losses. Having a person look at it in a holistic manner is vital in mitigating these risks by providing independent assessments and implementing strategies to avoid costly delays. This proactive approach ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget with the client’s best interest in mind.

“In the competitive landscape of solar energy, the role of an Owner’s Engineer is indispensable,” emphasised Channa Silva. “Businesses can be confident that their solar investments are in the hands of industry experts dedicated to delivering excellence at every stage of the project when opted for a project advocate.”

Unplanned tasks, complex technicalities, and financial pressures pushes the need for robust project management in solar PV projects. While harnessing sunlight might seem simple, successful execution demands a strategic approach, extensive expertise, and meticulous risk assessment. By identifying potential pitfalls through failure mode and effect analysis and implementing stringent safety measures, project managers can mitigate delays, financial losses, and risks to human life, ensuring the project’s timely and safe completion.

The often-overlooked operation and maintenance (O&M) phase is the longest stage of a solar PV project, spanning up to 20 years. Effective O&M, encompassing predictive, preventive, and corrective measures beyond panel cleaning, is crucial for maximising system performance and financial returns. To achieve this, experienced personnel must diligently oversee the project from development to operation. Ultimately, the project’s financial success hinges on its operational performance, emphasising the criticality of well-executed O&M strategies.

By overseeing the entire project, from initial design to final commissioning, can help identify potential risks early and implement strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach minimises costly delays and ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. The goal is to safeguard our clients’ investments by providing a comprehensive risk management strategy that helps clients navigate the complexities of solar PV projects with confidence.