What Goes Into Planning A PV Solar Project?
Planning a Photovoltaic (PV) solar project is the process of organization of all technical, financial, regulatory, and operational steps, which are required to design, build, and operate a photovoltaic system successfully.
This step-by-step guide is for engineers starting with PV solar projects.
Some actionable steps and examples of this articles are illustrated based on the local context of Zürich, as if a solar energy company was planning a PV project in the Canton of Zürich, Switzerland!
Define PV Solar Project Objectives + Scope
The first step in any PV solar project is to clearly define what you want to achieve and the limits within which you will work.
This sets the foundation for all other planning decisions. Think of this as creating a roadmap for the project! It is critical to reduce the risk of miscommunication, unexpected costs, and unwanted delays. This step is to make sure the project has a clear purpose and measurable targets, before any design work or site visits.
To define the project objectives and scope, you must determine the:
- Target energy output. Determine how much electricity the PV solar system needs to generate daily, monthly, and annually.
This can be based on the client’s energy consumption, expected growth, or grid export requirements. - Type of installation:
- Roof-mounted vs ground-mounted?
- Residential, commercial, industrial, or utility-scale?
- Project constraints early to avoid surprises later. You must document these constraints clearly. Consider the:
- Project budget
- Construction timelines & technical limitations (such as module types or inverter capacities)
- Available land & installation layout
- Local regulations
- Stakeholders and clarify decision-making authority. Who approves budgets, design changes, or equipment selection? Knowing this up front prevents delays later.
- Project scope:
- Everything that will be covered in the project scope, and what is outside its scope?
For example, will the project include operation and maintenance, monitoring setup, or only construction and handover? - Create a project brief summarizing objectives, type, constraints, stakeholders, and scope. This becomes your reference document throughout the project.
- Create a list of success criteria, like expected annual energy production, return on investment, or timeline milestones.
- Use spreadsheets or project management tools to quantify energy targets, budget, and timeline.
- Schedule kick-off meetings with the client and internal team to review, confirm, and align on the objectives and scope.
- Everything that will be covered in the project scope, and what is outside its scope?
Example: Let’s imagine fictional a solar energy company, based in Zürich, Switzerland!
This fictional company is called PV Sonne AG.
- PV Sonne AG landed a PV solar project for a building from the Zürich Data Centre Campus!
This fictional project could be for the ZUR3 building, a good candidate for solar panels:- The building has a large flat roof
- The ZUR3 data centre uses a lot of electricity all the time. The installation of solar panels can reduce electricity costs, and the carbon footprint.
Note! This is a fictional example of a project. In reality, the ZUR3 building might already have PV solar modules installed!
- sonnendach.ch is a tool the employee from PV Sonne AG used, to pre-qualify the rooftop.
The employee inserted the address ”Bäulerwiesenstrasse 6, 8152 Opfikon, Switzerland”.
The result of the tool was ”Suitability: Very good”. - Then, the employee needs to define the project objectives and scope. In Zürich, project scope is often influenced by building ownership, heritage rules, and grid operator requirements. This employee needs to confirm if:
- Building privately owned, or municipal?
- Building listed or located in a protected zone?
- PV solar system is for self-consumption, partial consumption/peak shaving, or full feed-in? (partial consumption in this project)
- System size estimation with grid limits compatible? This is defined by the local distribution network operator: Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich (ewz), the municipal utility
- Finally, this employee will:
- Research and request basic building data from the owner, which includes structural drawings or load reports.
This will show how much weight the roof can safely carry, including PV modules and mounting systems. - Contact ewz to check the maximum allowed PV size and connection rules
- Determine the PV solar system is for peak shaving
- Consider the maximum area available on the rooftop is approx. 500 m²
- Consider timeline constraints, such as building operations. Work must avoid periods of high data centre activity
- Research and request basic building data from the owner, which includes structural drawings or load reports.
Note! Peak shaving means the system will reduce grid load during high-demand hours, for example, between 8:00 and 18:00 on weekdays.
Example for 500 m² rooftop area:
- PV system size:
- Standard PV panels are ~400 W each, and about 2 m² in size.
- 500 m² ÷ 2 m² per panel = ~250 panels.
- 250 panels × 400 W = 100 kWp system.
- Weight check:
- If structural roof limit is 20 kg/m²: 500 m² × 20 kg/m² = 10,000 kg maximum total load.
- PV modules typically weigh 20 kg each → 250 panels × 20 kg = 5,000 kg.
- Mounting systems add weight, usually 5–8 kg/m² → 500 m² × 8 kg/m² = 4,000 kg.
- Total = 5,000 + 4,000 = 9,000 kg, which is below 10,000 kg limit.
- This is an estimated analysis, and a licensed structural engineer must do a deeper accurate structural analysis.
- Energy production estimation:
- To estimate energy production, we can use the specific yield.
The specific yield is how much electricity 1 kWp of solar capacity produces in one year, under local conditions. - Specific yield in Zürich ≈ 1,000 kWh/kWp/year
- 100 kWp × 1,000 kWh/kWp/year (approx. Zurich irradiance) = 100,000 kWh/year.
- To estimate energy production, we can use the specific yield.
Feasibility Study Of The Site
Of PV Solar Project
It is necessary to assess if the PV solar project is viable in the real world, through the identification of technical, financial, and logistical issues, (before design or construction occurs), in the physical site. It is necessary to document all findings of the feasibility study in a feasibility report, which will support the decisions of the PV solar project.
You must do a feasibility study, which includes:
- Solar resource assessment:
- Measure solar irradiance, which is how much sunlight the site receives annually
- Use online tools like PVGIS or NREL maps for estimates, or measure on-site with a pyranometer for higher accuracy.
- Consider seasonal variations and any shading obstacles such as trees, buildings, or poles throughout the year.
- Record sun path observations or use software to simulate shading throughout the year.
- Inspection of the site:
Walk the area of the site where the PV solar system is meant to be created, and notice characteristics of the site. Document your findings with photos, sketches, and GPS coordinates. To do the inspection:- Take measurements of slope, distance between obstacles, drainage, and available land area for layout planning.
- Check if the terrain and soil can support mounting structures or track systems.
- Evaluate accessibility & safety of the site, for workers, construction equipment, maintenance vehicles, etc.
- Do an environmental check, to confirm there are no protected species or flood risks.
- Grid connection availability:
- Contact the local utility if necessary, to determine if the site can connect to the grid, what voltage and capacity are available, and any technical standards or fees.
- For grid feasibility, you can request interconnection studies or preliminary approval from the utility.
- Preliminary cost and performance analysis.
You must estimate:- Size of the PV solar system
- Expected energy yield
- Costs & complexity of construction & equipment
- Comparison of different system layouts or technologies to see which is most cost-effective.
- Spot potential issues early:
- This can include insufficient irradiance, environmental restrictions, land encumbrances, access problems, or other issues. These are deal-breakers that must be addressed before proceeding.
- Use a site survey checklist to make sure no aspect is overlooked, from shading, soil and access, to environmental issues.
Example: How will the employee (of fictional company) PV Sonne AG do a feasibility study for rooftop of ZUR3 building?This employee will:
- Do a rooftop inspection
- Walk the rooftop with tape measures, laser rangefinders, or drones, and t ake high-resolution rooftop photos to mark obstacles clearly.
- Mark usable area. ZUR3 rooftop has mechanical zones with HVAC units, cooling towers, and antenna arrays. Assume roughly 150–200 m² of the 500 m² rooftop is obstructed.
- Map maintenance paths, with at least 1.2 m wide corridors for safe movement and crane access points.
- Confirm access routes for installation equipment. The rooftop elevator shaft or crane lift must be coordinated with building operations.
- Do a shading analysis
- Use a 3D model of the rooftop, including HVAC units, cooling towers, chimneys, and antennas.
- Check for shadows at different times of day and throughout the year.
- In ZUR3’s location, shading from neighboring buildings is minimal because the building is isolated within the data centre campus.
- Analyse wind and snow loads
- Glattbrugg is exposed, so roof-level wind speeds are higher than ground level. Use Swiss wind load tables or engineer guidance to determine maximum uplift forces. Mounting systems must be rated for these forces
- Snow accumulation can block panels and increase structural load. Design tilt or drainage to minimize buildup
- Simulate energy output in software like PVsyst or HelioScope
- Use roof orientation and tilt (~flat rooftop, assume 5° tilt for drainage).
- Local solar irradiance in Glattbrugg is ~1,000 kWh/kWp/year.
- Consider shading losses (~5–10%).
- For a 500 m² rooftop with 250 panels × 400 W = 100 kWp, estimated generation is ~90,000–95,000 kWh/year after losses.
Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
For PV Solar Systems
Permitting is the process of acquisition of official approval to build and connect a PV solar system. If not handled early and systematically, this step often causes delays.
As an engineer, your role is to understand the requirements, prepare the correct documents, and coordinate with authorities and utilities:
- Identify all required permits. Contact the local municipality, planning authority, or energy regulator to confirm what is required for your project type and size. Permits vary by country and region, but typically include:
- Construction permits
- Electrical permits
- Environmental approvals
- Grid interconnection approvals.
- Identify all responsible authorities for each permit type. For example:
- Construction permits are usually issued by local building departments.
- Electrical permits are often handled by electrical safety authorities.
- Environmental approvals may involve environmental agencies.
- Grid permits are issued by the local utility or transmission system operator.
- Prepare all required documentation. Most permitting authorities might ask for technical project documents such as:
- Site plans
- Layout drawings
- Single line diagrams
- Structural calculations
- Equipment datasheets
- Proof of land ownership or lease agreements.
- Environmental authorities may require impact assessments or screening reports depending on project size.
- Follow official procedures to submit the permit applications.
Many authorities use online portals, while others require physical submissions.
Make sure all drawings are signed and stamped by qualified engineers where required. Missing or incorrect documents are a common cause of application rejection! - Apply for grid interconnection approval early, and make sure to:
- Contact the utility to request interconnection guidelines and application forms.
- Submit preliminary system details such as system capacity, inverter type, protection schemes, and expected export power. Utilities may perform technical studies to confirm grid compatibility.
- Actively monitor the approval process! Do not assume approvals will happen automatically.
Follow up regularly with authorities, respond quickly to clarification requests, and update documentation if required. Keep records of all submissions and communications. - Practical tips for smooth permitting process:
- Create a permitting checklist listing each permit, authority, required documents, submission date, and approval status.
- Use standard templates for drawings and reports to reduce review time.
- Schedule pre-application meetings with authorities when possible to clarify expectations.
- Allocate extra time in the project schedule for permit reviews and revisions.
- Keep digital and physical copies of all permits for inspections and commissioning.
Example: Because the rooftop is visible from surrounding areas and it is a commercial data centre, PV Sonne AG will likely need a full building permit rather than a simplified notification.
Pre-application meetings with Opfikon’s Bauamt will clarify fire clearance and other documentation requirements.
- The employee will get the permits that follow:
- Building permit (Baubewilligung) from the Municipality of Opfikon (Bauamt Opfikon)
- Structural load confirmation from a licensed structural engineer, submitted to the Municipality of Opfikon
- Fire safety compliance approval from the Cantonal or Municipal Fire Authority, such as Gebäudeversicherung Kanton Zürich (GVZ)
- Grid connection & metering configuation approval from the local distribution network operator, the Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (EKZ)
- Electrical installation notification from a licensed Swiss electrical installer to EKZ
Financial Planning & Budgeting
Economic Viability Of PV Solar Projects
The purpose of financial planning is to make sure that the PV solar project makes economic sense, and can be completed without running out of funds. Even if the technical design is solid, poor financial planning can cause delays or project failure. As an engineer, you do not need to be a financial expert, but you must understand how technical decisions affect cost and returns:
- Estimate capital expenditure. Use supplier quotations, past project data, or industry benchmarks to estimate costs accurately. This can include all one-time costs needed to build the system, such as:
- Equipment, such as PV modules, inverters, cabling & wiring
- Mounting structures
- Protection equipment
- Civil works, engineering & commissioning services
- Permit fees & grid connection fees
- Estimate the operational expenditure. These are recurring costs over the system lifetime, they affect long-term profitability and must not be ignored! Examples can include:
- Maintenance & module cleaning
- Monitoring services
- Spare parts & inverter replacement (if applicable)
- Insurance
- Evaluate energy production and revenue:
- Use energy simulation tools to estimate annual energy generation. Multiply this by the electricity tariff, feed-in tariff, or power purchase agreement rate to estimate revenue or cost savings. Be conservative in assumptions to avoid overestimating income.
- Identify which factors (module price, labor cost, solar yield) could impact profitability most!
- Evaluate economic indicators to judge project viability! Common indicators include payback period, internal rate of return, and net present value. These metrics help stakeholders compare this project to other investment options.
You must run sensitivity analyses to see how changes in energy yield, tariffs, or equipment costs affect profitability. - Include contingency and risk allowances, a contingency of 10-15% of capital costs is typically recommended.
Unexpected costs are common in PV solar projects due to permitting delays, soil conditions, or logistics. - Review funding and financing options. Power purchase agreements. Each option affects cash flow, ownership, and risk allocation. Coordinate with financial teams or investors early to confirm funding availability, and to to avoid late-stage redesigns due to budget overruns. Projects may be funded through:
- Direct capital investment
- Bank loans
- Leasing models
Example: For financial planning, the employee can base cost estimates on quotes from Swiss suppliers, such as:
- 3S Swiss Solar Solutions
- Meyer Burger Technology AG
- Swiss Solar Group partners (network of Swiss companies supplying PV systems and components)
- Swiss Energy Solar
In addition, they can base cost estimates on Swiss engineering service providers, such as:
- Younergy Solar AG
- SOLARTEC Group
- Swiss Solar Group companies, such as Omniwatt
- PG Solar Switzerland
Lastly, this employee can apply for incentives and funding for the PV solar project, such as:
- Federal incentives
- One Time Remuneration (Einmalvergütung, EIV)
A federal subsidy paid after commissioning. It provides a fixed contribution per installed kWp - High One Time Remuneration (HEIV)
Applies mainly to larger systems or systems without self consumption. Often allocated through tenders or auctions.
Both programs are managed by Pronovo, the national renewable energy authority
- One Time Remuneration (Einmalvergütung, EIV)
- Cantonal and local incentives
- In the Canton of Zurich, additional incentives may apply on top of federal support
- ewz offers local PV support programs within the City of Zurich
- Some municipalities & other entitites provide additional energy efficiency or sustainability contributions
- Feed in and tax benefits
- Excess electricity can be fed into the grid at regulated tariffs, depending on grid operator rules
- PV investment and operating costs are generally tax deductible under Swiss tax law, subject to cantonal rules
- Additional resources for PV solar systems in Switzerland:
Engineering & Design Planning
Of PV Solar Systems
The purpose of the engineering and design phase is to create a design that meets energy targets, complies with regulations, fits the site, and stays within budget.
To plan for engineering & design, you must:
- Select PV modules and inverters that are compatible with each other and suitable for the project size and site conditions.
- Check electrical ratings, certifications, warranties, and availability. Avoid designs that rely on uncommon or hard-to-source equipment.
- Plan the system layout based on site constraints. Use layout or CAD tools to position equipment accurately. You must define:
- Module orientation
- Tilt angle
- Spacing between PV solar panels
- Access paths
- Minimization of shading
- Carry out electrical design tasks, such as:
- String, inverter. & cable sizing
- Grounding & protection
- Confirm compliance with local electrical codes, and that voltage/current limits are respected
- Complete the structural design:
- Select mounting systems and confirm that rooftops or foundations can handle all loads. This step often requires coordination with structural engineers or civil teams.
- Validate the design using performance simulations:
- Estimate energy production and losses to ensure the system meets project targets.
- Adjust the design if performance or cost assumptions are not met. Also keep design solutions simple and standardized where possible.
- Review designs with construction teams before final approval.
- Prepare design documentation for procurement, and construction. You must store all design files in a controlled and well-organized project folder. This can include:
- 2D/3D technical drawings
- Site & layout drawings
- Single line diagrams
- Equipment & spare part lists
Example: The employee of (fictional company) PV Sonne AG must design/engineer the PV solar system according to Swiss Standards, such as:
- NIN:
Swiss Low Voltage Installation Standard, Niederspannungs-Installationsnorm.
Defines safety and technical requirements for all low-voltage electrical installations in Switzerland. - VKF:
Swiss Fire Protection Standard, Vereinigung Kantonaler Feuerversicherungen.
Covers fire safety rules for buildings and rooftop PV installations, including access, spacing, and emergency procedures. - SIA 382/1:
Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Installations, Solartechnische Anlagen und Photovoltaik.
Provides planning, structural integration, and installation guidelines for solar systems on buildings. - SIA 380:
Snow and Wind Loads, Lasten auf Tragwerken.
Defines snow, wind, and environmental loads to be considered in structural design. - SIA 261:
Structural Design Norms, Grundlagen der Tragwerksplanung.
General structural engineering standards for roofs, including load calculations for PV systems. - SN EN 61215 / 61730:
PV Module Quality and Safety Standards, Qualitäts- und Sicherheitsnormen für PV-Module.
IEC-based standards adopted in Switzerland for durability, performance, and safety of PV modules. - Swiss Grid Codes / VDE-AR-N 4105:
Grid Connection and Inverter Requirements, Netzanschluss- und Wechselrichteranforderungen.
Specifies technical requirements for grid-connected PV systems and inverter behavior. - EnG:
Swiss Energy Ordinances / Energiegesetz / Energieverordnung.
Rules for energy efficiency, renewable energy incentives, and compliance with federal energy legislation. - Certified Electrical Installer Requirement
Swiss law requires that all grid-connected electrical installations are performed by licensed electricians.
PV Solar Project Structuring + Scheduling
To turn the engineered design into an executable plan, it is necessary to break down the work of the project into groups of tasks, and to schedule these groups of tasks.
This step defines what work needs to be done, in what order, and by whom.
Without a clear structure and schedule, even a well-designed PV solar project can face delays and cost overruns.
It is necessary to have structure, to anticipate problems early, coordinate teams effectively, and keep the project on track from construction start to commissioning.
- Create a work breakdown structure. This means dividing the project into manageable tasks and sub-tasks. Typical top-level categories include:
- Design finalization
- Permitting & procurement
- Civil & electrical works
- Mounting structure & module installation
- Testing and commissioning
- Break each category of tasks into detailed activities.
- The goal is to make tasks small enough to estimate duration, cost, and responsibility accurately.
For example, electrical works can include DC cabling, inverter installation, AC cabling, grounding, and protection system installation.
- The goal is to make tasks small enough to estimate duration, cost, and responsibility accurately.
- Define task dependencies: Identify which activities must be completed before others can start.
For example, foundations must be completed before mounting structures are installed, and electrical works cannot start before equipment delivery. This prevents unrealistic schedules! - Estimate task durations and resources. You must define how many people, tools, and equipment are needed for each task!
For realistic estimation, use:- Past project experience
- Supplier input
- Contractor estimates.
- Create the project schedule:
- Use a Gantt chart or scheduling software to map tasks, dependencies, and milestones.
- Include buffers for weather, inspections, and permit approvals.
- Clearly mark critical milestones such as equipment delivery and grid inspection.
- Assign roles and responsibilities. Clear ownership improves accountability and communication.
Identify who is responsible for each task, which can include:- Contractors & suppliers
- Engineers & technicians
- Inspectors & auditors
- Practical scheduling tips!
- Use simple tools such as spreadsheets or basic project management software for early projects.
- Schedule high-risk or long-lead items early, such as grid approvals and inverter delivery.
- Review the schedule weekly and update it based on actual progress.
- Communicate schedule changes clearly to all stakeholders.
- Keep the schedule aligned with procurement and permitting timelines.
Risk Identification and Mitigation
In PV Solar Projects
Risk management is the identification of potential problems before they occur and preparation to reduce their impact. In PV solar projects, risks can affect schedule, cost, safety, and system performance. Early management of risks is important to avoid reactive decisions during construction.
- Identify project risks.
List all potential risks related to the project. Risks should be identified across technical, regulatory, financial, and construction areas: - Technical risks:
- Shading not identified during site assessment
- Equipment incompatibility between modules and inverters
- Incorrect string sizing or electrical calculations
- Poor soil conditions affecting foundations
- Regulatory and permitting risks:
- Delays in permit approvals & inspections failing due to non-compliance
- Changes in grid interconnection requirements
- Additional documentation requests from authorities
- Financial risks:
- Underestimated installation or logistics costs & equipment price increases
- Delays in funding or milestone payments
- Construction and operational risks:
- Weather-related delays
- Labor shortages or insufficient skill levels
- Equipment delivery delays or damage during transport
- Safety incidents during installation
- Assess risk impact and probability. You must assess how likely each risk is to occur and how severe its impact would be on schedule, cost, safety, and system performance. Prioritize risks that have both high probability and high impact, especially those affecting critical path activities.
- Define mitigation measures. For each high-priority risk, define actions that reduce the likelihood or limit the impact. Examples of mitigation measures include:
- Do shading analyses early
- Pre-qualify multiple equipment suppliers, to reduce procurement risk
- Submit permit applications early and track approvals closely
- Add schedule buffers for weather-sensitive activities
- Include contingency funds in the project budget
- Assign risk ownership. Risk owners could be project engineers, procurement managers, construction supervisors, and compliance specialists. The assigned risk owner monitors the risk and initiates mitigation actions when necessary.
Example: The employee of (fictional company) PV Sonne AG must consider
- Special risks related to weather. Rain, wind, or snow can delay installation or damage modules.
- In addition, they can consider Swiss-specific insurance policies for coverage of risks.
- For example: Insurance for construction, general liability (Betriebshaftpflicht), professional liability (Berufshaftpflicht), vehicles, equipment, business interruption, workers’ compensation, and many more types of insurances.
Procurement and Supply Chain Planning
Of PV Solar Projects
The goal of procurement and supply chain management is to make sure that the right equipment and materials arrive on time, at the right quality, and within budget.
Delays or mistakes in procurement can affect the schedule, costs, and project quality.
It is necessary to coordinate accurately with the procurement team:
- Prepare technical specifications for all major components. This includes PV modules, inverters, mounting systems, cables, and protection devices. It is necessary to confirm that specifications match the design requirements and regulatory standards
- Identify reliable suppliers, and:
- Request quotations
- Compare multiple options for cost, delivery time, warranty, and support
- Schedule procurement to align with construction needs:
- Order long-lead items, such as inverters or trackers, early.
- Track delivery dates and confirm shipping arrangements to prevent on-site delays.
- Plan for storage and handling.
- Make sure the materials are protected from damage, moisture, or theft, and stored correctly.
- Maintain a procurement tracking sheet.
Include items, supplier, order date, expected delivery, and status. Update it regularly and share with the project team. - Practical tips for procurement!
- Focus on critical or long-lead items first
- Maintain backup suppliers for high-risk components
- Verify items upon delivery against specifications and quantity
Construction Planning & Site Preparation
For PV Solar Projects
Construction planning and site preparation is important so the project can be executed safely, efficiently, and according to design.
It is necessary to:
- Clear and grade the site according to design requirements.
Remove obstacles, level the ground for mounting structures, and make sure there is proper drainage - Prepare foundations and mounting structures:
- Verify they are installed correctly and match the structural design
- Check alignment, tilt, and spacing before proceeding
- Plan temporary storage and site layout:
- Allocate safe areas for equipment, materials, and tools
- Set up zones for deliveries, assembly, and waste management
- Make sure that safety signage, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and first-aid resources are in place
- Coordinate site access and logistics:
- Make sure roads, gates, and cranes can accommodate deliveries.
- Confirm availability of lifting equipment, scaffolding, and other machinery that is compatible with the ground/soil and site!
Quality, Safety, and Documentation Planning For PV Solar Projects
Quality control and safety implementation is to build the project correctly and to protect the personnel protected. Strong quality and safety practices reduce rework, accidents, and long-term maintenance issues.
- Define inspection points for civil, mechanical, and electrical works.
Check: foundations, mounting structures, module installation, cabling, and protection systems. - Implement safety protocols.
- Require personal protective equipment, fall protection, and safe handling of electrical components.
- Train all staff on emergency procedures.
- Conduct progress inspections regularly.
- Verify work against design specifications and standards.
- Document any deviations and take corrective actions immediately.
Maintain a quality assurance log. Record inspections, tests, approvals, and any issues resolved. This ensures traceability and accountability.
Example: The employee of PV Sonne AG will do:
- Quality planning. To make sure all materials, design, and installation meet Swiss standards and project requirements.
- Module and inverter selection: Only use certified components. Examples: PV modules from 3S Swiss Solar or Flisom, inverters from Meyer Burger. Must comply with SN EN 61215 / 61730 standards for durability and safety.
- Supplier quality control: Inspect deliveries for damage. Verify compliance documents, datasheets, and Swiss certifications before installation.
- Workmanship inspections: Regular checks during mounting, module installation, and electrical works to catch defects early.
- Safety planning. To protect workers, building occupants, and emergency responders during construction and operation.
- Rooftop work safety: Follow SUVA occupational safety regulations. Workers use harnesses, fall protection, and anchor points. Stop rooftop work in high wind or rain.
- Fire safety: Maintain VKF-mandated access paths. Install emergency DC disconnects.
- Crane and material handling: Coordinate with Zurich traffic authorities for street closures and lifting zones.
- Electrical safety: Only licensed electricians perform grid connections.
- Documentation control and management. This includes records for permitting, inspections, and operation:
- Design and engineering files: Include PV layout, structural calculations, single line electrical diagrams, and inverter datasheets. Comply with SIA 382/1 for solar installations.
- Permitting documentation: Copies of building permit from Bauamt Opfikon, fire safety approval from GVZ, and grid connection approval from EKZ.
- Installation logs: Daily reports of work progress, inspections, and material delivery. Photographs for quality verification.
- Inspection reports: Signed by structural engineer, licensed electricians, and fire safety inspector.
- Operation manuals: Include maintenance procedures, inverter settings, and emergency shutdown instructions. Required for EKZ approval and facility manager handover.
- Warranty and supplier certificates: Keep copies of module and inverter warranties for the full 20-25 year system life.
Commissioning and Operational Readiness Of PV Solar Systems
Planning doesn’t end once construction is complete!
It is necessary to validate the performance through commissioning practices, to make sure that the PV solar system operates as designed, and is ready for safe use.
Commissioning can include:
- Test individual components.
Check PV modules, inverters, combiner boxes, disconnects, and protection systems for proper installation and operation. - Perform system-wide functional testing.
- Verify energy production, voltage levels, and protective devices.
- Confirm that output matches design expectations.
- Setup monitoring systems.
- Install software and sensors to track system performance remotely.
- Configure alerts for faults or unusual conditions.
- Provide training for operators.
- Explain monitoring tools, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures.
- Make sure that the client or responsible operational team know how to respond to alarms.
- Document all commissioning activities.
- Include test results, inspection reports, and as-built diagrams.
- Store documents for regulatory compliance, warranties, and future reference.
Example: Finally, the employee of PV Sonne AG will implement the commissioning protocol:
- Electrical and functional testing:
- For example, test emergency shutdown switches from roof and control room.
- Performance testing:
- Monitor output for 2–3 sunny days and compare with expected yield.
- Adjust strings or modules if faults or shading issues appear.
- Documentation approval:
- Prepare commissioning report with measurements, drawings, and fire safety confirmations.
- Provide manuals, warranties, and operation guides to facility manager.
- Final check:
- Project manager confirms system functionality, compliance, and documentation.
- System officially handed over for operation.
Conclusion
- A disciplined planning approach allows us to manage project constraints instead of reacting to them during construction!
- Well-planned projects reduce uncertainty. Less nstallation time, less rework, and make commissioning is more predictable rather than stressful.
The ultimate goal is good system performance over the full lifecycle of the asset, which is critical for financial returns and sustainability targets. - The role of engineers is no longer just pure engineering, now it involves more project coordination and management. How to plan and manage PV solar projects are skills necessary to deliver reliable PV solar systems.
