As utility-scale solar and energy storage continue to drive grid expansion, the engineering decisions made early in a project’s lifecycle grow in importance. This episode of Solar Spotlight focuses on the value of integrating engineering expertise from earliest stages of project development. Decisions vital to a solar project’s success, like product selection, logistics and finding the right engineering partner — can ultimately reduce risk and costly mistakes in the long run. Joining us for this episode of Solar Spotlight are Josh Dorfman, president of American Wire Group, and Scott Moore, VP of renewables at American Wire Group.
SPW: At what stage of solar project development should engineering help be brought in?
Scott Moore, American Wire Group
Moore: As early as possible. Early technical discussions allow our team to review cable types, components that are being considered and questions such as what choices are you making and what your project goals are? It certainly helps our engineering department come back with great recommendations. It’s also important for us to understand the different priorities of the developers and contractors. Developers may focus on long-term performance and risk, while contractors are often responsible for building the project within a predetermined budget. Our internal engineers will review primarily proposals and product requirements before the RFQ is issued. This helps us ensure the proposed components are compatible, appropriate for the application and aligned with the project’s technical and economic goals.
Dorfman: And to continue on that point, ultimately, we can be brought in at the early stage, but also when projects have immediate needs and need to pivot quickly, we are there to support those types of late stage project changes as well.
Moore: Every step of the way — correct.
How does that early engineering engagement affect affect the other teams involved in a solar project?
Josh Dorfman, American Wire Groupd
Moore: When special orders are requested, the key is working with our engineering department to build out realistic schedules based on the customer’s lead time. Early engineering engagement ensures specific details are identified, and then lead times are accurately built into the schedules to ensure maximum efficiency. Identifying technical requirements early allows operations and project management teams to accurately incorporate those lead times into overall construction schedules. Early alignment amongst these groups reduces the possibility of later design changes, product substitutions, cost overruns and scheduling delays.
Dorfman: I think what we are able to support as a result of this early engagement is, as Scott said, to de-risk project and provide the best visibility and control as the project moves forward through its more maturing phases.
So, how does AWG fit into this process?
Moore: AWG is a well-trusted supplier within the renewables market. We service developers, contractors and EPCs across the country. Our role is to help customers evaluate whether the proposed cables and related components are appropriate for the application, compatible for the overall system and aligned with the project’s performance and economic objectives. That is why our team prioritizes and emphasizes early engineering review and support. AWG is a single source solution provider in the renewables market, meaning we have positioned ourselves so customers can have a single point of contact for all their project needs, not just cable, but also hardware, equipment and accessories.
This podcast is sponsored by American Wire Group
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