Solar & BESS Design Milestones
We advance each solar project through defined design stages, increasing the level of coordination and construction detail at every milestone.
30% – Concept Design
Establish the project basis and define the preliminary electrical approach.
- Confirm site data, utility requirements, geotechnical and reference reports, IEEE 442 data, and site meteorological information
- Perform a preliminary CYMCAP ampacity study to define initial cable sizing and routing constraints
- Perform an initial ETAP load-flow study for worst-case operating conditions and inverter response
- Develop the preliminary SLD, PV/BESS/inverter layout, and major-equipment routing
- Identify site constraints, required field data, and inputs for detailed engineering studies
60% – Design Development
Advance the selected concept into a coordinated engineering package.
- Update the SLD, equipment layouts, and cable routing using the received site data
- Perform the ETAP short-circuit study and review previous studies using actual geotechnical report values
- Incorporate supplier RFQ responses, technical specifications, pricing, and availability into equipment selection and sizing
- Refine conductor and conduit sizing, protection settings, and equipment ratings using study results and vendor data
- Finalize equipment specifications, cable schedules, and utility submittals, and update the cost estimate using confirmed vendor inputs
90% – Pre-Final Design
Complete technical coordination and prepare the package for final review.
- Finalize drawings, the SLD, layouts, details, and equipment schedules
- Perform the grounding study using WINIG and finalize the grounding design
- Finalize tracker communications, SCADA cabling, and the network architecture within the Field Network Enclosure (FNE)
- Review fire detection, alarm, and suppression requirements
- Finalize auxiliary-load designs for lighting, small power, HVAC, and coordination with the main power system
IFC – Issued for Construction
Deliver the final coordinated package for procurement and construction.
- Issue final drawings, the SLD, layouts, details, and equipment schedules
- Conduct a final site walk-down to verify conditions, access routes, and construction constraints
- Align procurement delivery schedules with construction milestones and material availability
- Coordinate final approvals, permits, and inspections with local authorities
- Complete a multidisciplinary review covering electrical, structural, civil, protection, grounding, communications, and auxiliary systems
