Success Story: Maximizing Solar Performance & Ensuring Contract Compliance
Challenge
A leading renewable energy developer required independent verification of a newly commissioned utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plant to confirm compliance with contractual performance guarantees. During the early stages of operation, energy yield discrepancies raised concerns about power conversion efficiency, system losses, and grid integration challenges. The initial party contracted to conduct the performance evaluation was unable to identify the root cause of the under-performance. As a result, McHale & Associates, Inc. was engaged to perform a third-party solar performance assessment, representing the EPC contractor in a rigorous technical analysis and verification process.
Key areas of investigation included inverter performance evaluation, focusing on clipping losses, AC/DC conversion efficiency, and operational set points. Environmental and site-specific variables, such as module temperature coefficients, spectral response adjustments, and wind-induced cooling effects, were analyzed to determine their impact on real-world PV system performance. Additionally, the balance-of-system (BOS) infrastructure was assessed, identifying potential electrical wiring inefficiencies, transformer functionality issues, and reactive power constraints that could contribute to energy losses and power delivery limitations.
Solution
McHale & Associates executed an in-depth solar plant performance evaluation, leveraging industry-leading methodologies to diagnose and quantify energy production discrepancies. Precision performance testing, conducted in accordance with ASTM E2848 standards, delivered an accurate PV capacity analysis under dynamic environmental conditions. On-site field data collection, including IV curve tracing, irradiance correction factors, and module mismatch analysis, improved the accuracy of system modeling and energy predictions. Using advanced PVSyst simulations, McHale compared actual plant output with modeled energy generation, accounting for shading effects, albedo variations, and long-term module degradation trends.
To further refine performance calculations, high-resolution meteorological stations were installed to capture real-time solar irradiance levels, ambient and module temperatures, and wind cooling effects. A detailed technical due diligence review encompassed inverter operational log assessments, system loss quantification, and degradation rate analysis, ensuring an exhaustive investigation of all contributing factors. Leveraging over a decade of expertise in PV performance evaluation, McHale aligned findings with the Independent Engineer’s technical review standards, facilitating an efficient approval process for the final performance assessment.
Outcome
Through a comprehensive PV system diagnostic assessment, McHale identified inverter clipping events, module degradation effects, and grid-imposed power factor constraints as key contributors to the plant’s under-performance. Recommended corrective actions included adjusting inverter set points to maximize power conversion efficiency, implementing a proactive module cleaning and maintenance program to mitigate soiling losses, and coordinating with the utility provider to resolve reactive power constraints and grid integration inefficiencies.
By working closely with the Independent Engineer, McHale facilitated a seamless solar performance verification process, minimizing project delays and unnecessary revisions. The independent validation provided the EPC contractor with the necessary documentation to confirm contractual compliance, effectively mitigating risks of financial penalties and performance disputes. Ultimately, the project met its energy yield benchmarks, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring long-term revenue optimization for stakeholders.