Want favorable results in Solar Projects? Don’t avoid Site Survey.

It can be called feasibility study/ site survey/ site assessment but the purpose is to collect basic pertinent information to make a decision on whether the project should move further or not. We suggest that this should never be avoided.

Some of our experiences as captured below corroborate this fact further. We as SolarPost, recommends site survey for any kind of solar projects that you want to undertake.

✪ It helps to determine the different directions and the optimum location for the site

We had to cancel a Solar Project site at the execution stage when we found that the south is fully covered with bamboo bush which cannot be cleaned and there was no alternate location available.

✪ It helps to know the Last-Mile Delivery (LMD) Route

Not all solar projects are developed in the rooftop of buildings in cities. Off-grid solar PV plants in their essence are meant to provide access to energy to even the remotest locations. It is very important to know the LMD route in any Solar Energy Project to avoid any surprises. It may be required to undertake a number of break journeys on the way.

✪ It helps to assess the actual conditions of the site

During a repair & restoration project in Tonk, Rajasthan, we found that the solar panels were already in good condition but cables in between Modules to DCDB and DCDB to Inverter were missing. At another similar project in Bundi, Rajasthan, we found the panels were completely missing. This highlights the fact that site survey is needed not just for new projects but for existing projects which need repair jobs

So, If you want to be efficient in the project design, Last Mile Delivery, and implementation, a proper solar site survey and inspection is a must. It saves time, money, and resources and lead to the success of the project. Some of the steps that we follow to carry site survey for our clients are as below:-

1. Information beforehand – it is better to have information about what system design to install and what is the target location
2. Checklist for Survey- It is crucial to have a check list about the information collection and activities
3. Measuring tools and Smart Phone with Internet – this is a must requirement
4. The site person – the concerned person should be informed about the visit and he / she should be present during the survey
5. Site Pictures – a lot of pictures are needed to know the areas where solar modules will be installed, potential routes for AC and DC cables, electrical room, location of the potential source of shadows like parapet walls, AC units, trees, plants, etc.
6. Site Videos- record your voice while taking video to capture in minutes of the sites for reference
7. Existing load details – collection of this is needed for the system design

For every solar project, doing a site survey is central to its success. This avoids surprises, errors, and mistakes. Thus, it is always good not to avoid site surveys in order to have favorable results on the Solar PV projects.