solar
Utility Scale Solar Plant Performance Testing
Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar (CS) Power
As the world shifts to renewable energy, McHale & Associates has been providing customized solution driven engineering, consulting, modeling and plant performance testing services for the solar energy market for well over ten (10) years. Our extensive experience across multiple energy sectors has positioned us be the leader in this transition.
McHale continues our proud involvement in Codes and Standards developments for the solar energy sector, US Department of Energy initiatives, Solar Industry groups, conferences and we maintain up to date awareness and participation in technology innovations applicable to the solar market sector.
Project Management & Commercial Services
Working closely with Owners and Construction Contractors at various phases of solar projects, McHale is able to provide project engineering and procurement services. We are also able to review, assess and optimize the technical inputs to the financial pro-forma, develop contract guarantee language, testing protocols, and facility acceptance criteria.
Additionally, McHale provides dispute resolution support across a broad range of technical and execution issues, providing consultations as well as expert witness assessments and reports.
Engineering & Consulting Services
McHale has strong experience in the modeling of energy facilities for clients. Utilizing solar industry software packages such as PVsyst, SAM, Epsilon and others, McHale will design the PV system and model the anticipated and actual solar facility performance.
McHale differentiates our methodology by incorporating advanced regression analysis and uncertainty reduction processes and thereby providing a more accurate prediction of facility performance.
Our consulting services are available to clients during the execution of projects as well, providing for construction, commissioning augmentation support, or troubleshooting of developing challenges. Our personnel are readily deployed to assist our Clients with the targeted expertise to drive solutions.
Plant Measurements, Data Acquisitions & Interpretations
McHale has the expertise to ascertain, and if necessary provide, the necessary equipment to accurately measure solar power components and facilities. We are experienced in solar resource assessments, energy yield studies, panel soiling studies and mitigation analysis.
The McHale data collection equipment provides an enhanced ability to ensure that the necessary data and information is obtained, properly organized, and stored for analysis and other uses.
A key differentiator and driver for utilizing McHale & Associates is our experience and ability to effectively and efficiently interpret the relevant data and information into actionable results, helping lead our clients to achieve the technical and commercial goals for the project.
Test Procedure Development & Performance Testing
Developing facility and component test procedures has been a mainstay of McHale within multiple energy market sectors, including the solar market. Our specialists develop the requested test procedures per the client’s specific needs and/or contractual obligations.
These tests include Capacity Testing, as well as Functionality and Operational Tests of installed equipment, including the associated inverters, trackers, solar panels, MET stations, SCADA/DAS, AC/DC cabling and combiner boxes. Additionally, McHale also offers environmental testing services such as noise testing (for inverters).
The backbone of McHale’s expertise lies with our specialists ensuring that all of the critical aspects for testing are encompassed within the process: development of modeling / test requirements, minimum data requirements, appropriate test periods and durations, measurement and instrumentation requirements, soiling evaluations, regression and uncertainty analysis, all performed in-house utilizing McHale’s qualified personnel.
Our qualified test personnel deploy around the globe to conduct accurate testing in accordance with the approved test procedures and provide impartial testing results analysis and reports. McHale is proficient in implementing the industry standard testing requirements for PV solar based facilities, including but not limited to ASTM E2848 and IEC 61724 for performance evaluation and testing, as well as ASTM E905 for concentrated solar based solar facilities.
Calibrated, Code Compliant Measurements & Test Equipment
Our accredited in-house Calibration Laboratory, located in Knoxville, TN, provides the mainstay for McHale’s provision of calibrated and code compliant measurement & test equipment. We are able to supply permanent or temporary instrumentation and equipment to projects. McHale is are able to provide on-site calibration efforts as well, utilizing our mobile calibration labs, and if needed, the utilization of trained personnel mobilized to the facility.
