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Solar Energy Consulting and Employer Engineering: The Key to Control in Solar Power Plant Investments


As solar energy investments grow, the technical complexity of projects increases proportionally. Now, success in a solar power plant project depends not only on selecting the right equipment, but also on managing the entire process correctly . At this point, solar energy consulting , and especially owner's engineering, which goes beyond classical project approaches, comes to the forefront.


What is Solar Energy Consulting and Why Has It Changed?


In the past, solar energy consulting was mostly limited to feasibility reports and production simulations. However, nowadays;

  • EPC contracts have become more complex.

  • The variety of equipment has increased.

  • Network constraints have increased.

  • Regulations are updated frequently.

  • Storage and hybrid systems have been implemented.

These developments have made it necessary for an independent and technically competent representative to manage the process on behalf of the investor. This role is called: Employer Engineering .


What is Owner's Engineering?


Employer engineering is an independent consulting service that represents the investor in a solar energy project in technical, commercial, and engineering terms.

Employer's engineer:

  • They are on the investor's side , not the EPC's.

  • They base their decisions on technical data.

  • It identifies risks in advance.

  • It considers long-term performance.

In short, the employer engineer ensures the answer to the question , "Will this project work correctly in the field, not just on paper, and for the next 25 years?"


The Role of Employer Engineering in Solar Power Plant Projects


1. Project Launch: Technical Roadmap from the Investor's Perspective

The client's engineering team gets involved in the project before the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) phase.

At this stage:

  • Investment objectives are clarified.

  • Technical requirements are defined.

  • Performance expectations are determined.

  • A risk matrix is created.

This approach ensures the project is not limited to the standard solutions offered by EPC (Electronic Project Management).


2. Technical Specifications and EPC Control


Technical specifications prepared by the employer's engineer:

  • It guarantees the quality of the panels and inverter.

  • It clarifies performance criteria.

  • It defines admissions tests.

  • It avoids hidden costs.

EPC bids are not solely price-based;

  • Technical competence

  • Equipment lifespan

  • O&M compatibility

  • It is also evaluated in terms of warranty coverage.


3. Independent Review of Designs and Simulations


Designs prepared by EPC;

  • PVsyst production simulations

  • Layout plans

  • DC/AC ratios

  • Missing assumptions

Verified independently by the employer's engineer.

This allows investors to proceed with realistic scenarios , rather than inflated production estimates.


4. Technical Supervision During Construction and Installation Process


Employer engineering plays an active role in the field:

  • Construction assembly checks

  • Panel placement and angle verifications

  • Electrical tests

  • Grounding and LPS checks

  • Progress reports

This way, errors are caught during installation and don't carry over into the operational phase.


5. Commissioning, Acceptance Testing, and Performance Verification


Employer's engineer;

  • It manages the provisional and final acceptance processes.

  • It performs PR and production verifications.

  • Checks the warranty initiation conditions.

  • It structures O&M processes on behalf of the investor.

This stage is not about the solar power plant "officially starting work," but rather proof that it is working correctly .


What happens without employer engineering?


Common problems in projects without employer engineering:

  • Unrealistic production estimates

  • Inadequate equipment selection.

  • Hidden performance losses

  • Weak contractual protection

  • Surprise costs during the operating period

All of these problems prolong the return on investment period.


The Importance of Solar Energy Consulting and Employer Engineering is Increasing in Türkiye.


In Türkiye:

  • Storage-based solar power projects

  • Large-scale industrial solar power plants

  • Funded (EPC+F) projects

  • Hybrid wind and solar power investments

As it becomes more widespread, employer engineering is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury .

Investors now want projects that are not just "established," but optimized and secured .


Conclusion: Solar Energy Consulting Finds Its True Value Through Employer Engineering.


The biggest risk in solar energy investments is uncontrolled processes. Employer engineering provides the investor with technical control, transparency, and long-term security.

With the right consulting approach:

  • EPC is managed

  • Risks are reduced.

  • Performance is guaranteed.

  • The investment reaches its true potential.

When solar energy consulting is combined with client engineering, the investment is not only established, but also protected through engineering .


 
 
 

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