Technical Specifications for Solar Power Plants: Realities Encountered in the Field

In a solar power plant (SPP) investment, one of the most underestimated yet problematic documents is the technical specification . In most projects, the technical specification is seen as merely a tender document. However, the technical specification is the most critical roadmap that determines how a SPP will be installed, tested, and accepted on site.

An incomplete or superficially prepared technical specification will create serious technical and financial problems the moment the project goes into operation.

Why are the technical specifications so critical?

Technical specifications;

• What the EPC firm will do and to what standard

• Minimum technical requirements for the equipment to be used

• Admission criteria and testing procedures

• The employer's quality expectations

It provides clear definitions that are unambiguous and leave no room for interpretation.

The weaker the specifications, the more uncertain the implementation on the ground. And uncertainty always works against the investor .

How will the points omitted from the technical specifications manifest themselves in the field?

1. Failure to Define "Minimum" Equipment Requirements

If the specifications do not specify clear technical limits for the panel, inverter, or construction, the EPC will opt for the lowest-cost solution. This results in:

• Low-efficiency panels

• Inverters with limited MPPT capacity

• Constructions susceptible to deformation in the long term.

It appears as follows.

2. Uncertainty Regarding Electrical Design Details

When the DC/AC ratio, cable cross-sections, voltage drop limits, grounding, and lightning protection criteria are not clearly defined in the specifications:

• Higher-than-expected line losses.

• Inverter clipping problems

• Grounding and insulation problems

• Revision requirements during the acceptance phase

It emerges.

3. Lack of Defined Testing and Acceptance Criteria

Many project specifications include the phrase "will be tested," but do not specify how or according to what criteria the tests will be conducted.

In conclusion:

• PR tests cannot be performed.

• Performance guarantees are immeasurable.

• A difference in interpretation arises between the EPC and the employer.

And this leads to serious business disputes.

4. Ignoring Overhaul & Maintenance and Long-Term Performance

When the technical specifications are prepared solely with an installation focus, after the power plant is commissioned:

• Monitoring infrastructure is inadequate.

• Data quality decreases.

• Fault detection is delayed.

• Performance losses are noticed late.

This results in hidden losses over the life of the investment.

Employer Engineering Perspective: Whose Benefit Does the Technical Specification Serve?

Technical specifications in the employer engineering approach:

• It protects the investor , not the EPC.

• It makes every application in the field measurable.

• It secures the acceptance and warranty processes.

A well-prepared technical specification leaves no room for "mind reading" on the field. Everything is written, measured, and verifiable.

What should a proper solar power plant technical specification include?

• Net equipment technical limits

• International standard references (IEC, IEEE, etc.)

• Detailed electrical and mechanical design criteria

• Testing, commissioning and acceptance procedures

• Performance and warranty definitions

• As-built and documentation requirements

Specifications prepared without this scope will inevitably create problems in the field.

Conclusion: Most problems on the ground begin at the specification table.

Many technical problems encountered in a solar power plant actually begin not during installation, but during the technical specifications phase . Every omitted clause will result in additional costs, time loss, and performance risks on site.

Therefore, in solar energy projects:

• Technical consultancy

• Employer engineering

• Strong and detailed technical specifications

They are not "options," but rather insurance for your investment .