Quick pre-check
A quick baseline of what you already know — no grade, no pressure. Totally optional, and you can skip it.
💾 Sign in first so your results save to the dashboard.
Module 3: Solar Build Construction Management
Managing a solar build from first site visit to final handover.
From site evaluation to design, procurement, construction, and commissioning - this module walks the whole build.
Why do a site evaluation?
A site assessment finds the best place for the solar array.
What is the purpose of conducting a site evaluation?
Site evaluation: Tools
Bring the right tools so you capture everything in one visit.
Tools used in conducting a site evaluation are:
Site evaluation: Take pictures
Photos are free and very valuable - take them of everything.
Some useful pictures to take on a site evaluation are:
Compass readings
Point the array as close to true south (180 degrees) as you can.
Solar array should be pointed at what degrees to south?
What is azimuth?
Azimuth is the compass direction the solar modules face.
Magnetic declination
Declination is the angle between magnetic north and true north.
Magnetic declination is where a magnetic field interferes with a solar array?
GPS readings
GPS gives the site's exact latitude and longitude.
GPS coordinates…
Roof data: Measurements
Measure the roof carefully once a building is selected.
Roof data: Structure and shading
Confirm the roof can hold the modules, and check for shade.
An Engineer…
Ground data collection
On a ground site, record the land, soil, and what surrounds the building.
Solar modelling software
Modelling software designs the system and predicts year-round production.
RETScreen is a modelling software that helps you design a solar system
Moving to construction
Data is collected, the design is matched to consumption, and engineers have signed off - you are ready to build.
Building Approval Form
Before building, get the Building Approval Form signed off.
The Building approval form is necessary for an electrical permit
Design reviews
Community stakeholders review the design before construction begins.
Design Reviews are conducted with
Contractor site meetings
Meet with the contractor at key points across the whole build.
Contractor site meetings are essential in meeting with project stakeholders
Procurement: who buys what
Split the buying between you and the contractor.
Procurement is…
Procurement: solar equipment
Buy all the equipment before construction starts.
Choosing a supplier
Get at least three quotes and compare like for like.
An RFI is…
Construction of systems
Contractors review the drawings and build the system to spec.
Project Managers are responsible for…
Community updates
Keep the community informed with regular progress updates and a clear schedule.
Final completion
At completion, DC and AC contractors hand over slightly different paperwork.
The Dc contractor is responsible for Solar Panel installation
As-built drawings
An as-built drawing shows the system exactly as it was really installed.
Warranties
Two warranties protect the system: one on the product, one on the install.
Manufacturers Warranty covers workmanship of the installation
Document control
Store every project document where the whole team can find it.
Keep all drawings, designs, approvals, warranties, and notices on the server or in physical files that any team member can access. Good document control means easy retrieval, security, and compliance, even years later when a repair is needed.
Commissioning and maintenance
Check the system thoroughly before it is switched on.
Module recap
You now know how to manage a solar build from site evaluation through design, procurement, construction, and final commissioning.
Post-test
Answer these to see what landed. We’ll point you back to anything worth a second look.