In any scenario, the construction phase of a solar energy project brings with it a slew of logistical challenges and decision points for the delivery team. During the COVID-19 crisis, that list has understandably grown. COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of construction, both administrative and in the field. Where solar construction activities have been allowed to continue, thinking about and planning for procurement, permits and interconnection, host considerations, construction on site, and commissioning are all key to minimizing project delays.
Below are a few considerations to keep in mind during COVID-19 to help maintain schedules while implementing protocols that minimize safety risks for those involved. Note that this list of considerations is non-exhaustive, but it provides some of the most pertinent concerns the Sol Systems team looks to address.
Procuring
Equipment
Procurement
can be a challenge because once a purchase order is issued, there is not much a
buyer can control. Despite needs and changes that arise on the developers’ end,
manufacturers almost always run on their own schedules. However, the buyer (in
most cases the contractor building the PV system) can ask several questions to
better understand timing for material delivery. There are two important
questions to ask of manufacturers.
- Where is the
material coming from? - At what capacity
are plants running?
Responses
to these key questions will provide the buyer with a sense of expectations for
delivery. Material coming from overseas raises a red flag, as it may not be
allowed to enter the Unites States. If plants are only operational at a certain
percentage, the plant may be backlogged and material delays may be expected.
The manufacturer should provide expected timelines for deliveries and provide
feedback when delays are expected, but it is the responsibility of the buyer to
check in on these constantly to adjust plans and have alternatives if delays
are expected.
Utilities
and AHJs
COVID-19
has caused a great deal of uncertainty around Authorities Having Jurisdiction
(AHJs), the
county or local offices that review and approve designs/applications for
project permits, and utilities.
States
and localities have approached COVID-19 in varying forms: reduced hours,
reduced personnel, or closures. It is the contractor’s responsibility to know
if the local AHJ is operational. If so, at what capacity is the AHJ operating?
The AHJ’s availability will determine if permit applications will be reviewed
and approved in a timely manner, therefore maintaining the project schedule. As
projects near completion, AHJ inspections are required. Are inspectors willing
to go on site and if so, are there special considerations for in-person visits
like safety masks and gloves, requirement for reduced personnel on site,
restricted times and dates for visits? A project cannot close until the project
receives the final sign-off from the AHJ inspector. Contractors must
accommodate these needs.
Utility
considerations are similar. Utilities remain operational because they are
essential businesses, but COVID-19 may be affecting their solar operations. Are
they allowing teams to go on site for system interconnections, witness testing,
and installation of net metering (where applicable), or are restrictions in
place? An interconnection, especially at a facility that operates full time,
requires coordination between multiple parties. Understanding where the utility
stands on this topic will minimize delays. Lastly, how does an interconnection
or meter swap scope differ for activities inside buildings versus outside? It
is the contractor’s responsibility to ask these questions in advance and
prepare.
Hosts
Another
important consideration is the system host. Whether the PV system is a ground
mount, a canopy, or a rooftop, the contractor must understand the host’s
requirements. Is the host allowing construction at its site? If the host is
allowing construction, has that party issued special considerations or
protocols to take while on site? For example, they may require temperature
checks and sanitizing stations, limiting the number of construction employees
allowed on site, and limiting or restricting deliveries to the site. These
protocols impact construction activities and contractors must find ways to accommodate
these into the schedule. A limitation on the number of deliveries allowed on
site may require an adjustment in the sequence of activities. Close
communication with the host to coordinate these activities is essential to
project success.
Construction
Understanding
the external variables around construction is only a part of the planning
phase. Once the construction team is ready to go on site or resume its activities,
there are several considerations to take into account. Are there activities
that require close contact with others, for example module installation and
racking torqueing? If so, how should these activities be treated to ensure
everyone’s safety? The contractor should consider taking additional safety
precautions such as morning and evening safety check-ins, staggering lunches,
requiring the use of masks and gloves, requiring each employee to have and use
its own tools, and requiring each employee to clean machinery like lulls and
cranes after each use. Nothing should come before the safety of workers.
Commissioning
and Testing
The
last phase of construction is commissioning and testing. While some contractors
perform this in-house, others require third parties to perform testing. If so,
is the preferred testing company willing to have their employees travel to the
site? These same questions are applicable for manufacturer commissioning. Are
there company travel restrictions preventing or delaying personnel from
performing these activities? The contractor must consider how this impacts the
schedule and plan for alternatives, like hiring a certified third-party
commissioner who is available and willing to travel to the site.
In these uncertain times, solar energy contractors are responsible for ensuring the safety of their teams and all those who visit their project sites, while maintaining the agreed upon construction schedule and adhering to host, utility, and AHJ requirements. Clear communication, attention to detail, proper precautions, and keeping up with evolving health recommendations can ensure clean energy is put into the ground today safely and successfully.
ABOUT SOL SYSTEMS
Sol Systems is a leading national solar energy firm with an established reputation for integrity and reliability across its development, infrastructure and environmental commodity businesses.To date, Sol has developed and/or financed over 850 MW of solar projects valued at more than $1 billion for Fortune 100 companies, municipalities, counties, utilities, universities and schools. The company also actively shapes and trades in environmental commodity and electricity markets throughout the United States. The company was founded in 2008, is based in Washington D.C, and is led by its founder. Sol Systems works with its team, partners, and clients to create a more sustainable future we can all believe in. For more information: www.solsystems.com