QUALITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
At ZON, we understand the time and cost commitment required to successfully design, construct and operate a solar photovoltaic array. Our quality assurance process ensures that the system owner’s intent, established at the outset of the project, is addressed in the services we provide throughout each project. In addition, our work is supported by intensive field reviews and on-site verification that is carried out by qualified individuals with a wealth of onsite experience.
DC CONSTRUCTION QUALITY MANAGEMENT REVIEW
Our field technicians schedule site reviews of projects that are being constructed during the start of the installation to review the DC paneling, installation procedure, wire management, racking termination details (including bonding, fasteners etc.). This review would be scheduled to take place while the first 10 kW of modules are being installed. Following the site review, our team performs walkthrough with the mechanical and electrical contractor leads to ensure that issues identified can be resolved, and the approach can be applied to the balance of the system.
Specific focus of this review will be handling of modules, wire management within the array (specifically challenging for flush-mounted systems) and verification of string continuity and connector integrity by the contractor as they proceed through the system installation.
Following the review onsite we would provide a detailed report indicating findings, recommended approach, and alternative installation practices to be applied to the balance of the system. This will inform the trajectory of the reinstallation with the goal of avoiding major rework when we return to site for final testing.
DC SITE REVIEW AND TESTING
Once construction of the project is complete, it is critical that all solar projects conduct an on-site review to identify any issues observed and provide a summary of recommendations to ensure proper operation of the system upon start-up, including any further investigation of what may be required. During this final visit, our team's focus will be to review the workmanship of the installation with respect to performance, durability, reliability and safety for the DC portion of the system.
As part of our review, our field technicians complete the following inspection tasks:
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Visual review of connections and terminations of conductors, assembly of fasteners, fittings and joints (spot checks);
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Review of the wire management to ensure that conductors are properly supported and protected;
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Visual inspection of the racking system, including "spot checks" of racking-to-roof connections and module-to-racking connections;
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A comprehensive review of the grounding/bonding strategy to verify continuity from the modules through to the inverter as per OESC requirements;
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A review of installed modules, all DC equipment (including fuses), and DC conductors to verify that they conform to the initially provided As-Built SLD, and new Issued for Re-Construction Racking Drawings (including stringing);
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A review of labeling for compliance with the OESC and Purchaser's requirements. This includes string, combiner box and re-combiner box labeling.
In addition to the inspection tasks noted above, our field teams also carry out the tests listed below:
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Insulation resistance testing of DC strings
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Measurement of open-circuit voltage and short circuit current
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I-V curve tracing for all strings in the system
Areas of concern or deficiencies noted during our review of the documentation and visual inspections and/or testing will be documented, along with suggested corrective action (as applicable), in a testing and review site review report.