Ensuring the successful execution and delivery of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects requires the adoption of highly effective project management approaches. The implementation of project management methodologies, tools and techniques can optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of these large energy projects.
Engineering
Rather than solely relying on subcontracting an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm for design drawings based on the owner’s scope of work and industry codes and standards, project teams now employ a comprehensive “basis of design” document. This document serves as a meticulous tracking mechanism, enabling the monitoring of design progress from 30% to 60%, 90%, and the final issued for construction (IFC) drawings. This approach ensures accurate documentation of design parameters and facilitates seamless communication between stakeholders.
The implementation of the basis of design document has resulted in enhanced coordination, improved transparency and a significant reduction in design errors. By capturing the design evolution and facilitating efficient communication, this approach minimizes the potential for rework and ensures strict adherence to project requirements and industry standards.
Contracting
Instead of entering a contract at preliminary design or 30% drawings and negotiating change orders as changes arise, project teams now maintain a comprehensive trend log and risk register.
The trend log acts as a tool for identifying potential risks and effectively tracking changes throughout the project lifecycle. Complementing the trend log, the risk register enables project teams to assess and mitigate risks associated with changes, ensuring timely resolution and minimizing the impact on project schedules and budgets. This approach has proven highly effective in managing change orders, reducing disputes and maintaining seamless project momentum.
Subcontracting
Instead of individually sourcing and selecting subcontractors for each project, project teams establish strategic partnerships with subcontractors across multiple projects.
By signing master service agreements (MSAs) with these subcontractors, project teams ensure consistent terms and conditions across all projects, streamlining the subcontracting process and significantly reducing administrative burdens. Each subcontractor is responsible for specific scopes of work across projects, allowing for quick task orders instead of issuing separate subcontracts for each project. This approach has led to substantially reduced subcontracting time, increased productivity and enhanced collaboration between project teams and subcontractors.
The implementation of these innovative approaches in the engineering, contracting and subcontracting phases has already yielded substantial benefits in utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. These successful strategies have resulted in improved design coordination, proactive risk management, efficient change order handling, streamlined subcontracting processes and strengthened relationships with subcontractors. The utilization of these methodologies, tools and techniques has consistently demonstrated improved results in enhancing project management practices within the renewable energy sector. By embracing these methodologies, solar contractors and developers can achieve improved project outcomes, enhanced efficiency and heightened stakeholder satisfaction.
Sashaank Padmanaban is an EPC Project Manager with over 5 years of experience in utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. With a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Sashaank has managed over 500 MW of Utility scale PV, BESS projects and has been involved in 2,000 MW of Utility scale PV and BESS projects at different levels. His expertise is in establishing safety programs, managing client relationships, quality control and overseeing the financial aspects of projects. Sashaank’s skills include process optimization, quality and financial control, and strategic planning. He holds certifications in OSHA 30, Lean Six Sigma and NDT.
