The importance of project planning: Solar is not an off-the-shelf solution

The importance of project planning:

Solar is not an off-the-shelf solution

For many businesses, it has become a necessity to adopt solar PV solutions to augment or replace grid-power. The drive towards solar is three-fold: lower electricity bills, more reliable supply, and a decreased carbon footprint.

By Svilen Voychev, Managing Director of Valsa Trading

However, businesses looking to install solar PV solutions need to consider more than just the choice to ‘go green’. There is a wealth of considerations when looking to implement solar. The most important one right now, arguably, is the solar PV supply chain which has been disrupted in recent months and is hampering the global and local industry. Valsa has wide-ranging operations and I have seen in recent months that the supply chain today is very different from that of 2019, when the last round of Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) bidding ended. Project managers today must look holistically at the industry when making decisions over raw materials, labour, sub-contractors and more. With projects going ahead after the announcement of 25 preferred bidders in the fifth bidding round of the REIPPPP, we can expect these projects to take up much of our local capacity and put further strain on the supply chain in the coming years.

It all comes down to planning

At the most basic level, it is all going to come down to planning. Those looking to install solar need to ensure they have a proper system design, which takes into account: the suitability of products for the application; the availability of these products; and their cost. Add to the mix the necessity of finding trusted service providers who can ensure your installation is done to the highest quality, standards and specifications. A comprehensive and holistic approach to planning will save you some nasty surprises down the line.

We have seen a growing urgency to set up solar power solutions as the South African power sector finds its way in their energy transition. This transition will take several years. In the meantime, people want reliable power, now. However, keep in mind that you cannot simply pick a solution off the shelf. There is more to consider. 

Svilen Voychev, Managing Director of Valsa Trading