Robust and transparent due diligence processes, so-called “health checks”, conducted by technical advisers or independent engineers are essential to maintaining the integrity, financial viability, sustainability and long-term reliability of hybrid systems.
For the first time, SolarPower Europe’s new Technical Due Diligence Guidelines provide stakeholders with a comprehensive framework for assessing the feasibility, bankability and performance of hybrid solar PV and battery storage projects throughout their lifecycle.
EPC guidance for co-located plants
The latest revision of SolarPower Europe’s Engineering, Procurement & Construction report sets out industry-aligned best practices, expanded chapters on risk management and health and safety, and additional guidance for delivering professional EPC services for hybrid solar PV and battery storage projects, from engineering and delivery to commissioning.
BayWa r.e.: “Co-located storage is a more complex challenge”
The third EPC edition further strengthens guidance on electrical safety, skills requirements, responsible procurement, audits and traceability, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, construction readiness and quality checkpoints.
The TDD Best Practice Guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to identify and quantify risks in hybrid solar PV and battery storage projects. This complements the revised EPC Best Practice Guidelines, which include updated chapters on risk management and health and safety. For instance, the report highlights innovations such as robotic solar module installation systems that can reduce heavy, repetitive lifting for workers.
Recommendations on biodiversity and cybersecurity
On biodiversity protection, the guidelines recommend that hybrid projects minimise soil sealing, preserve existing vegetation wherever possible and integrate ecological features such as hedges or wildlife passages to safeguard habitats. In terms of cybersecurity, the paper advocates simple but robust digital protection measures, including secure logins and segregated networks, to prevent interference with control systems. The new reports were presented at the annual Solar Quality Summit in Madrid, co-organised by SolarPower Europe and Intersolar Europe. (hcn)
