How to Choose the Right Solar EPC Provider for Your Project

The solar power sector in India is growing rapidly, with large-scale solar projects across the country. As an owner looking to develop a solar photovoltaic project, choosing the right engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor is critical to ensuring your project is set up successfully and generates optimal power output over its lifetime. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a solar EPC provider for your project in India.

Technical Capabilities and Experience

Look for an experienced EPC contractor that has executed similar large-scale solar projects. They should have expertise across the entire project lifecycle, from design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the plant. Specifically, ensure they have capabilities in solar plant layout design and the selection of appropriate technology and components like modules, inverters, etc. Check if they have qualified design and engineering teams that can handle complete EPC work without needing to outsource critical aspects. The number of solar projects executed in India with a capacity and technology similar to yours would indicate their technical competence.

Financial Strength

As an EPC contractor undertakes the entire turnkey execution of your project, it is crucial that they are financially stable, have positive cash flows, and have access to the required credit lines. Review their balance sheet strength, credit rating, and ability to bankroll procurement and construction activities until milestones are achieved. A strong financial position ensures the smooth progress of your project without funding or cash flow interruptions. Signed contracts with major module suppliers also provide comfort in their ability to reliably procure equipment.

Quality Control and Performance Guarantees

The EPC provider must follow rigorous quality control checks during plant installation and commissioning activities. They should adhere to relevant BIS standards and specifications when procuring modules, inverters, and other equipment. Also, insist on performance and generation guarantees for the first 1-2 years of plant operation. This ensures any defects or underperformance are corrected promptly by the EPC contractor, thereby safeguarding your returns.

Local Execution Capabilities

For smooth progress of construction activities, understanding of local regulations and coordination ability with approval agencies are needed. Therefore, look for EPC contractors experienced in executing projects in your target state or region with teams based out of local project offices. Checking previous state-wise project references would validate their local expertise. Also, see if they have developed strong relationships with state electricity board and pollution control board officials, which can accelerate regulatory clearances and grid connectivity approvals.

After-Sales Service and O&M Support 

The working lifespan of a solar power plant is typically 25 years or more. So it is essential that your chosen EPC provider also has the capability to offer long-term O&M support through a field-services team. They should have prior experience undertaking preventive and corrective maintenance activities at solar power plants. Some EPC players also have dedicated asset management divisions that provide plant monitoring, performance analysis, and solutions to optimize electricity generation over years of operations.

Client References and Vendor Tie-ups

Getting client references and feedback helps ascertain the execution capabilities and working style of the EPC contractor. Check what previous clients have to say about their experience cooperating with onsite teams, adherence to timelines, issue resolution, etc. Also look at their list of regular vendor partnerships with module suppliers, transformer manufacturers, civil contractors, etc. Established tie-ups ensure reliable, cost-effective, and timely procurement and construction.

Costing and Contract Terms 

While cost is a major determinant, it should not be the only factor driving your EPC contractor selection. As mentioned above, technical and financial capabilities, prior large-scale solar experience, etc. play a vital role. Evaluate all aspects before deciding on an optimal cost-quality-experience tradeoff based on your priorities. Also, carefully review the payment terms, risk sharing mechanisms, guarantee clauses, defect liability period, etc. mentioned in the contract before signing off.

Conclusion

With large-scale solar projects eligible for incentives under government schemes, it makes sense to hire an established EPC player who can seamlessly execute within budget and timelines. Use the parameters around technical and financial strength, execution expertise, quality control, guarantees, and post-commissioning support to make the right contractor choice. This ensures your plant generates optimal output throughout its operating life, thereby giving you returns commensurate with your investments.

Partnering with an established Indian EPC expert like Waaree Energies, which has handled 500+ MW of solar project installation, ensures your plant is in reliable hands. With access to the latest technology, equipment, and over 300 qualified engineers, Waaree delivers high-quality turnkey execution while meeting stringent timelines. Their decade-long experience across multiple states and strong relationships with utilities further ease regulatory clearances.

To realize your solar aspirations, get in touch with Waaree Energies today for:

• Site assessment and customized techno-commercial proposal
• Guidance on optimal plant sizing, land procurement, and technology selection
• Complete engineering, procurement, and commissioning
• Long-term maintenance support for maximizing project performance with extensive expertise across the solar value chain and financial stability, Waaree Energies has the credentials to be your solar EPC partner of choice for reliable, end-to-end execution.