It is very important that the developer goes through the solar EPC contract in detail, even if takes a toll on your time. The following pointers should be taken note of before signing a contract with the EPC. Validate all…
What are the certifications you need to look for in an EPC?
This post is specific to Indian solar EPCs. As of 2016, there are no specific certifications for solar EPC as a group. In the absence of formal certification, an MNRE accredited channel partner is the primary certification to look for…
What are the critical characteristics of an EPC I should be most concerned about?
While evaluating EPCs, the top 5 characteristics you should be most focussed on are: Their corporate background and earlier work background; number of years they have been in this field Case studies of the projects they have implemented Team composition, and…
What are the critical value-adds to expect from high quality solar EPCs?
To ensure that you develop a superior quality solar power plant, the EPC chosen should be excellent. A premium EPC that puts up a superior quality solar plant can be differentiated by the following parameters. Maximum Power at Minimum Cost…
Solar Power Plant Evaluation – What have been the O&M practices followed?
The importance of O&M is often overlooked by many developers. Considering the fact that the plant has to generate returns over a period of 25 years, a good O&M contractor, a good monitoring system and above all, a very good…
Solar Power Plant Evaluation – What have been the degradation rates in the panels?
Solar panels form the core of a solar power plant. Hence, the performance degradation rates of the installed panels are good, probably the best indicators of its quality. Your financial returns pretty much depend on the output from the panels.…
Solar Power Plant Evaluation – Is the solar power plant located in areas prone to floods and water logging?
You are all set to invest in an already running solar power plant. Most things about the solar power plant look good – excellent sunshine in the area, good quality components, good generation data so far… Before you decide on your…
Solar Power Plant Evaluation – Presence of local service support from component manufacturers
Now, why is this a key aspect while evaluating panels or inverters of an existing solar power plant? Let’s look at inverters to illustrate the significance of local service support. Although designed with a life expectancy in excess of 20…
Solar Power Plant Evaluation – How good are the inverters?
What is the need for rigorous evaluation of the inverter in a power plant? An inverter is the most complicated component of the PV plant and is the heart of the system. It converts DC power output from the panels into…
Solar Power Plant Evaluation – Evaluation for Performance during High Winds
With zero moving parts, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are one of the most durable energy generation technologies known to man. With minimal upkeep, your installation can continue operating at peak performance for decades. In fact, many solar installations from the…