Solar Plant Testing
Utility Scale Solar Plant Performance Testing
Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar (CS) Power Solutions
As renewable energy continues to grow, McHale & Associates has consistently delivered customized engineering, consulting, modeling, pro forma creation, and performance testing for the solar market for over a decade. Moreover, our expertise across energy sectors makes us a leader in this transition.
In addition, we actively contribute to solar Codes and Standards, DOE initiatives, industry groups, conferences, and emerging technology advancements.
Solar Project Management & Commercial Services
McHale collaborates with Owners and Contractors at all project phases, providing solar plant testing, engineering, procurement, and technical assessments to optimize financial pro-forma, contract guarantees, testing, and facility acceptance.
Furthermore, we support dispute resolution by offering consultations, expert witness assessments, and reports on technical and execution issues.
Solar Engineering & Consulting Services
McHale has extensive experience modeling energy facilities. Specifically, using industry software like PVsyst, SAM, and Epsilon, we design PV systems and model solar facility performance.
Moreover, we stand out by applying advanced regression analysis and uncertainty reduction, which ensures more accurate performance predictions.
Additionally, our consulting services support clients throughout project execution, including construction, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Furthermore, our experts are readily available to provide targeted solutions.
Solar 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.
Solar Test Procedure Development & Performance Testing
Test procedure development and performance testing are critical processes for evaluating the functionality, reliability, and efficiency of of your systems and components. They ensure compliance with design specifications, safety standards, and performance expectations.
This systematic approach ensures that components and systems perform as expected, meet safety and regulatory standards, and satisfy customer needs.
Calibrated, Code Compliant Measurements & Solar 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.
Solar Pro Forma
A well-crafted solar pro forma from McHale & Associates is essential for aligning project goals with financial expectations, ensuring that solar energy initiatives are both environmentally and economically viable.
This financial model is used to evaluate the feasibility, profitability, and performance of a solar energy project over its lifespan. It provides a detailed projection of the project’s expected revenues, costs, and returns, serving as a key tool for decision-making by investors, developers, and stakeholders.
Principal Components of a Solar Pro Forma:
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- Capital Costs – Includes equipment (solar panels, inverters, racking), installation, permitting, and other upfront expenses.
- Revenue Projections – Estimated energy savings, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or solar renewable energy credits (SRECs).
- Operating Expenses – Ongoing maintenance, insurance, inverter replacements, and utility fees.
- Financing Structure – Details on loans, leases, tax incentives (ITC), depreciation, and other funding sources.
- Energy Production Estimates – Predicted solar generation based on location, system size, and efficiency.
- Cash Flow Analysis – Yearly projections of revenue, expenses, and net income over 20–30 years.
- Return Metrics – Payback period, internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and breakeven analysis.
Success Story: Maximizing Solar Performance
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.
Full StorySolar Asset Evaluation
McHale & Associates can assist you in assessing the financial, technical, and operational aspects of your solar energy projects. Specifically, the goal is to determine the value, performance, and risks associated with a solar asset, whether it’s for acquisition, financing, or ongoing management.
The key components McHale focuses on:
- Technical Evaluation
- Performance Analysis
- Financial Evaluation
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Environmental and Social Factors
- Market Trends and Future Viability
By synthesizing these factors, McHale ensures that your stakeholders can make informed decisions about the viability, risks, and long-term potential of solar energy assets.