Two questions we come across regularly, revolve around the time it takes to move solar projects forward. The solar industry is sometimes thought to be very slow-moving. This article dives briefly into two common questions: a) why the solar industry moves so slow, and b) how to speed solar projects up. The answer to both of these questions is highly subjective and every project is different so this article takes a general approach to coming to conclusions.
In support of answering a), for starters, the industry is relatively new and involves a large supply chain which spans the globe. From a homeowner to a multi-property landowner to a local farmer, there are many parties involved in a project. With this many groups involved, there is bound to be some slow periods of time in a project. There is almost never one group involved.
Secondly, unless you are connecting a solar project to an off-grid facility, then you will be tying in to the existing electricity infrastructure in your jurisdiction. Generating or storing electricity are highly regulated activities. The electricity industry as a whole operates with safety, reliability, and affordability as key principles. These principles can’t be rushed and therefore each solar project needs to be studied thoroughly about its impact to the electricity system. A solar project that connects to the grid will have a corresponding impact on the way the system operates regardless of its size. Few times in the history of the electricity industry have this many potential ‘power generators’ been involved as the industry was primarily operated by a smaller number of companies/governments. Solar is such a scalable and easy way to deploy new energy generation and is really paving the path for individuals, investors, and communities to install their own projects. To summarize, the more regulated an industry is the slower things tend to be.
Thirdly, the solar industry in Canada is growing and there have been periods of boom and bust just like many other industries. The industry in Canada is coming out of a slower period and entering somewhat of a boom which means many solar companies are likely understaffed and facing growing project backlogs. Over-worked staff often can cause project timelines to extend.
Fourth, utilities across North America are learning how to deal with the large influx of “applications” and it will likely be a little while before the average utility can quickly integrate a large number of solar projects quickly. Utilities often have dozens of ongoing applications to connect projects and therefore things may seem to move slowly as projects are properly assessed.
Finally, depending on who you talk to some will say that the solar industry is fast. A wind project or hydro project owner may look at a solar project as a much quicker energy infrastructure investment! Wind and hydro projects are not typically done at small scales like solar projects can be.
There are many other reasons not listed here why the solar industry is considered slow. Feel free to share your thoughts. There are also just as many reasons why the solar industry is actually an efficient and quick moving industry.
In support of answering question b), here are some tips on how to speed up the pre-construction phase of a solar project:
1) Make sure you work with the electric utility you are connecting your project to early on. The earlier this is done the better, and it may save you months off of the project timeline.
2) Spend a little bit extra time planning your project and make sure you have a realistic schedule.
3) Visually inspect your project site in person (whether it is a building rooftop or a plot of land or other). A desktop or virtual quote may be quicker at the outset and appear cheaper, but delays and cost increases can happen quickly if a project site is not studied in person from near the beginning.
4) Consider forming a team of staff (internal and external) from an early stage if you have not been involved in a project before. Different opinions might be able to help identify efficiencies in your project. If you have been involved in a project, a team approach is still recommended due to the complexity of a solar project.
5) Engage the municipal authority about the project early on to understand possible permit requirements. Knowing what you need and by when will help create an efficient schedule.
6) Carefully plan your procurement process by setting clear bidding criteria, instructions, and expectations. We often see incredibly complicated and costly bidding processes that leave out many very capable companies.
7) Remember that each project is unique!
The final point is important if your organization is working on multiple projects at once. A one size fits all approach to project implementation often leads to problems and delays that could be avoided.
Curious how we can help you advance your solar project(s) more efficiently? Contact dcarscadden@blueharpconsulting.ca today to discuss your organization’s needs.
Founded in Calgary, Alberta in 2020, Blue Harp Consulting works with governments, financial institutions, First Nations, and utilities on planning and implementing sustainability related projects across Canada. With experience on hundreds of solar energy projects in Canada and North America we can quickly and efficiently advance projects through to implementation.
