Applus+ enhances the quality and reliability of solar projects through Owner's Engineer services

The scope of the service included the independent verification of solar engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities, ensuring that the EPC contractor complied with technical specifications, international quality standards, and industry best practices throughout all phases of the project.

To achieve this, Applus+ assembled a multidisciplinary team composed of specialists in civil, electrical, mechanical, and environmental engineering, as well as occupational safety and health, who continuously monitored construction activities, strengthening technical oversight, risk management, and infrastructure quality from the start of construction through commissioning.

Optimizing photovoltaic plant layout through photogrammetry and solar radiation analysis

One of the main challenges was to optimize the layout of photovoltaic modules without affecting areas subject to environmental restrictions. By using drone photogrammetry and analyzing solar radiation patterns, it was possible to redesign the plant’s layout to maximize energy efficiency and avoid disturbing native trees, thereby preserving the project’s environmental conditions without compromising its performance.

Mitigating hydrogeological risks and improving drainage for underground electrical infrastructure

During construction, a high groundwater level was also identified, causing water ingress into the inspection chambers of the medium- and low-voltage electrical networks. To mitigate this risk, Applus+ designed and implemented a parallel drainage system based on specialized engineering criteria, protecting the underground infrastructure and ensuring that construction activities could continue without affecting the project schedule.

Verifying technical compliance and quality control during EPC execution

In renewable energy generation projects, one of the main risks for the owner is that construction deviations may compromise the future reliability, availability, and performance of the assets. Independent technical supervision made it possible to identify non-conformities promptly, validate engineering solutions, and verify that the infrastructure met technical requirements before entering operation.

Through the implementation of the Owner's Engineer model, Applus+ helped ensure compliance with the project's technical specifications, optimized the layout of photovoltaic systems, protected underground electrical infrastructure against adverse geotechnical conditions and significantly reduced the risk of rework and construction deviations.

Technical validation and commissioning of photovoltaic installations

As a result, the projects progressed in line with high-quality standards, strengthening infrastructure reliability, and supporting safe and efficient commissioning. The combination of specialized technical supervision, risk management, and quality control delivered value to the owner throughout all construction phases.

Through these services, Applus+ reinforced its expertise in Owner's Engineering, technical supervision of renewable energy projects, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), risk management, commissioning and energy infrastructure supervision, supporting asset owners in developing projects that drive the energy transition and generate long-term value.