Technical due diligence plays a critical role in ensuring the success of solar projects in commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications. Large photovoltaic (PV) power systems represent substantial investments with operational lifespans exceeding 30 years. If these assets fail to operate reliably or meet performance expectations, project financiers, owners, and developers face the risk of diminished returns on their investments.
Mitigating risks throughout the operational life of a PV system involves more than just meeting basic requirements. As consultants for project owners and lenders, our team at Pure Power has assessed numerous underperforming or problematic solar installations that technically complied with minimum codes. These experiences underscored the importance of viewing code compliance as merely the starting point—not the ultimate goal—for thorough solar project evaluations.
Understanding Code Compliance
Like any structure or electrical system, PV installations must adhere to specific codes such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) or the International Building Code (IBC). Compliance with these regulations is crucial for obtaining permits, passing inspections, and limiting legal liabilities. However, meeting the bare minimum standards doesn’t automatically ensure quality, reliability, performance, serviceability, or longevity.
Safeguarding Versus Adequacy
At its core, the code reflects real-world lessons learned from past failures—especially those leading to fatalities, fires, or costly insurance claims. Committees comprising subject matter experts develop these codes through a consensus-building process aimed at identifying how failures occur and how they might be avoided. While prioritizing safety and preventing property damage remains paramount, codes typically don't address issues impacting performance, usability, or lifespan since their scope is explicitly defined within the documents themselves.
For instance, Section 90.1(A) of the NEC states:
"The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity."
Subsection 90.1(B) further clarifies:
"Compliance with this Code and proper maintenance result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service..."
This distinction is vital. For a PV plant to yield satisfactory returns on investment, it must function efficiently, be easy to maintain, and possess durability over time.
Variations Between Code Editions
Another key consideration is recognizing that code updates often lag behind technological advancements due to bureaucratic processes. Although new editions of the NEC and IBC are released every three years, adoption rates at state or local levels vary significantly. Some jurisdictions promptly adopt newer versions while others delay implementation by several editions. In rare cases, certain areas might still enforce outdated codes dating back over a decade. Operating within jurisdictions where regulatory frameworks haven't kept pace with recent innovations challenges assumptions about inherent safety guarantees provided by compliant systems. Furthermore, delays between successive code cycles and technological progressions sometimes hinder the adoption of cutting-edge solutions.
Understanding Best Practices
Best practices go beyond mere compliance; they encompass strategies, methodologies, and materials supported by evidence or research indicating superior outcomes. Extending far beyond obligatory standards, best practices empower stakeholders to make informed choices regarding efficiency, efficacy, adequacy, and dependability. Priorities and organizational goals shape which best practices apply most effectively across different contexts. Some entities prioritize short-term gains and eventual asset disposal, whereas others maintain long-term ownership aspirations. Despite differing investment horizons, many best practices remain universally applicable.
Performance Matters
A PV system lacking operational availability or optimal efficiency won't deliver anticipated financial rewards. Adhering strictly to minimum legal stipulations doesn't shield against equipment malfunctions, installation mistakes, or design flaws. Take, for example, the relationship between ambient temperatures and inverter selection/placement. Elevated environmental temperatures could lead to reduced inverter output power or diminished maximum power point tracking effectiveness. Excessive heat might also trigger nuisance tripping in overcurrent protection mechanisms. Designing systems based solely on code-minimum conductor sizing risks excessive voltage drops, prompting unnecessary AC overvoltage trips. Implementing best practices addresses these kinds of performance risks proactively.
Climate and Location Matter
Designing PV installations without considering regional climatic factors or adapting to location-specific threats—like seismic activity, coastal winds, snowfall/frost, or intense UV radiation—can compromise long-term functionality and reliability. Simply conforming to lowest acceptable thresholds may leave systems vulnerable to foreseeable severe weather events. According to an engineering report submitted to the Structural Engineers Association of California:
"Structural failures in large-scale PV facilities are uncommon occurrences, yet instances of noncompliant structures experiencing issues have been documented."
While complete immunity against extreme conditions cannot be guaranteed, adhering to best practices enhances overall resilience compared to designs adhering strictly to minimal specifications. Grasping how frost heave affects foundations, coastal gusts impact structures, or high-altitude precipitation influences load calculations enables informed decisions contributing towards achieving extended project lifespans.
Installation and Maintenance Matter
If accessing or servicing a PV array proves cumbersome for maintenance personnel, it might exemplify the adage "penny wise, pound foolish." Strategically grouping inverters into service clusters minimizes technician travel times during repairs—a recommended approach promoting operational efficiency. Low-cost modifications like flexible conduits facilitating swift component replacements yield considerable savings during ongoing operations. Our seasoned team at Pure Power incorporates such pragmatic enhancements into every project we undertake, ensuring not only safety but also efficiency, reliability, and profitability throughout the system's lifecycle.
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