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construction phase
Construction Phase
One of the key players on a renewable energy project team is the construction manager. This person is responsible for getting the tangible parts of the project installed and operating within budget and schedule constraints. The difficulty of this task is dependent on site-specific factors such as proximity to roads, approved work corridors and grid access, delivery coordination, and weather conditions. Access to the heavy equipment required to install major components, such as large cranes, is another key factor. In the ideal case there will be a local general contractor with previous experience managing renewable energy installations. If limited local expertise exists, an out-of-area contractor’s greater experience with renewable projects must be weighed against the benefits of local knowledge and relationships. It is important that the general contractor be bonded, because the penalties for failure to perform may be many times the value of the construction job.
construction management
The type of installation required will be clarified in the contract with the construction manager. Large general contractors may be able to offer turn-key installation. In such an installation the construction manager will take charge of all construction, interconnection, and installation tasks. These installations are either design-build jobs or are built to a given design. Any professionals required for the task will be subcontracted by the construction manager, who is responsible for delivery of the completed operational project on schedule and within budget.
Equipment vendors and suppliers may also be willing to provide a turn-key installation, in which case they will assume responsibility for all construction. The vendor’s turn-key option may be more expensive than hiring a construction manager, but may be a good option when qualified firms are not available in the area. Project teams with greater renewable energy installation experience may be able to save money on installation costs by not choosing to contract for a turn-key installation. Acting as the General Construction Contractor (GCC) can save money, but a much larger organizational burden, and increased risk, will fall on the project team.
Common Construction tasks
The list below illustrates the common construction components of a renewable energy project installation. This list might help to clarify the qualifications necessary in selecting a project construction manager. It also sets up some questions that the project team must address in the project plan.
- Completion of site preparation tasks
- Grading and road improvements/construction
- Trenching, cable-laying, and transformer installation
- Foundation and crane pad construction
- Fencing and erosion-control projects
- Substation construction/improvements and testing
- Equipment transportation
- Equipment installation
- Interconnection
- Commissioning
- Site restoration
- Inspections completion
