Technical due diligence is crucial for the success of solar projects across commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications. Large photovoltaic (PV) power systems represent significant capital investments with a service life extending beyond 30 years. If these systems fail to operate reliably or perform as expected, project financiers, owners, and developers risk reduced returns on their investment.
Mitigating risks over the long-term operation of a PV system goes far beyond meeting minimum requirements. As a consulting engineer working with project owners and lenders, Pure Power has reviewed numerous underperforming or problematic solar assets that met code standards. These experiences have shown us that code compliance—while essential—is only the starting point, not the ultimate goal of due diligence.
**Understanding Code Compliance**
Like any electrical or structural system, PV installations are subject to specific codes such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) or the International Building Code (IBC). Meeting these requirements is necessary for permits, inspections, and limiting liability. However, simply complying with legal minimums does not guarantee quality, reliability, performance, or longevity.
At its core, codes reflect past failures in the field, particularly those involving safety hazards like fires or property damage. The code-making process involves experts who identify common failure points and develop standards to prevent them. But it's important to note that codes focus primarily on safety rather than performance, efficiency, or long-term durability.
The NEC clearly states in section 90.1(A):
> “The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.â€
And in 90.1(B), it acknowledges the limitations of code compliance:
> “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…â€
This distinction is key. To ensure a strong return on investment, a PV plant must be efficient, easy to maintain, and built to last.
**Variations Between Code Editions**
It’s also important to recognize that code development often lags behind technological advancements. While new editions of the NEC and IBC are released every three years, adoption at the state or local level varies widely. Some states adopt the latest edition immediately, while others may still enforce outdated versions. This inconsistency can create gaps in safety and performance standards.
In some cases, the delay between code updates and equipment innovation may even restrict the use of newer, more efficient technologies. Therefore, relying solely on code compliance in such jurisdictions may not fully protect against potential risks.
**Understanding Best Practices**
Best practices go beyond legal requirements, combining proven methods, materials, and experience to achieve superior results. They allow stakeholders to make informed decisions based on metrics like efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance. While best practices can vary depending on organizational goals, many are universally applicable.
**Performance Matters**
If a PV system isn’t operating efficiently or is frequently unavailable, it won’t deliver the expected financial returns. Code compliance alone doesn’t prevent equipment failures, installation errors, or design flaws. For example, improper inverter selection and placement in high-temperature environments can lead to derating, reduced performance, or even nuisance tripping. Best practices help mitigate these risks.
**Climate and Location Matter**
PV system designs must account for environmental factors like seismic activity, coastal winds, snow, frost, and UV exposure. Simply meeting code minimums may not be enough to protect against extreme weather conditions. An engineering report from the Structural Engineers Association of California highlights that:
> “Structural failure of utility-scale PV plants are rare events, but some failures have been observed in code-compliant structures.â€
While no system can be completely immune to extreme weather, best practices improve reliability and resilience compared to code-minimum designs.
**Installation and O&M Matter**
A poorly designed system that’s difficult to install or maintain can cost more in the long run. For instance, spreading inverters across large areas increases service time and complexity. Best practices suggest grouping inverters into clusters to streamline maintenance and reduce downtime.
Simple design adjustments—like flexible conduit provisions for easier inverter replacement—can save time and money during operations. These are just a few examples of how experienced engineers at Pure Power apply best practices to ensure your PV and energy storage systems are safe, reliable, efficient, and profitable for years to come.
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