Distributed Generation
Introduction
SunSmart Engineering provides comprehensive renewable energy consulting services to assist organizations in seamlessly integrating renewable energy into their energy portfolios. Our goal is to help you meet the evolving demands of the global energy landscape by leveraging Distributed Energy Resources (DER) efficiently. Our team of expert consultants offers guidance in the planning, design, operation, and optimization of DER systems, ensuring you extract maximum benefit from your renewable energy investments. The rapid growth of renewable energy, fueled by decreasing costs and government incentives, presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges. SunSmart Engineering is dedicated to supporting your sustainability goals and carbon footprint reduction strategies with tailored, expert consulting services. We specialize in integrating green energy technologies, including solar PV, wind, and battery backup systems, to create robust and sustainable energy solutions.
Services
Electrical design and system specification
- Develop tailored renewable energy strategies that align with your organization’s goals and operational requirements.
- Concept System Design and Layouts.
- Electrical system specification and main equipment selection.
- Preparation and review of detailed electrical system design and drawings.
- SCADA and communication system specification.
- Inverter station layouts and specifications.
- Tender analysis of the balance of the system.
Operational Support
- Develop and implement maintenance plans to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of your renewable energy assets.
- Conduct detailed performance analyses to identify areas for improvement and optimize system operation.
Power Quality Monitoring
The measurement and analysis of current and voltage performance over periods is important as this can provide evidence of compliance to grid connection conditions or assessment of potential issues such as harmonic distortion, voltage instability, etc. Additional electrical capabilities include:
- SCADA and communication design and specification.
- Electrical loss assessment and analysis.
- System studies for renewable energy penetration into the electrical networks.
- System studies for off-grid electrical systems.
Implementation and Optimization
- Oversee the implementation of renewable energy projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
- Continuously monitor and optimize the performance of your renewable energy systems to maximize efficiency and return on investment.
Sustainability and Carbon Reduction
- Integrate solar PV, wind, and battery backup systems to enhance energy security and sustainability.
- Implement strategies to significantly reduce your organization’s carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Electrical Equipment
We undertake assessments of the quality and performance of all types of electrical equipment against project bespoke requirements, including:
- Combiner Boxes.
- Inverters.
- Transformers.
- Switchgear.
- Cables.
- Substation equipment.
- Transmission lines.
Grid connection support
Achieving grid connection and grid code compliance is key in delivering most projects and we have experience in developing and optimizing the design of electrical systems to meet technical and quality requirements, enhancing project revenue, and reducing risks. Some of our services include:
- Feasibility studies.
- Grid connection application process management.
- Assessment of grid connection conditions including location, capacity, and any potential reinforcements that may be required.
- Review of grid connection agreements and designs including any associated transmission/distribution system reinforcements proposed by connection utilities.
- Assessment of benefits and risks of contestable and non-contestable connections.
Why use us for your renewable energy projects
Goal Setting
Establish clear goals for your renewable strategy, including cost hedging, compliance with Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), carbon footprint reduction, sustainability objectives, and brand enhancement.
Purchasing Options
Evaluate on-site versus off-site renewable energy purchases and explore various financing structures such as cash purchases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), virtual PPAs, rooftop leases, third-party financing, and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing.
Analytical Tools
Utilize advanced analytical tools for long-term power price forecasting, scenario-based analysis of future grid states, and risk assessments including congestion, curtailment, and production guarantees.
Financial Modelling
Conduct comprehensive financial modelling to assess avoided grid power costs, sales of excess production, the value of offsets and credits, financing costs, operation and maintenance costs, and ISO settlement charges.
Energy Storage Integration
Evaluate the feasibility of integrating energy storage into your renewable energy purchase.
RFP Process Management
Coordinate the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to align with your renewable energy strategy.
Project Evaluation
Assess the development process, asset location for off-site purchases, and finance ability of proposed projects.
Production Profile Comparison
Compare expected production profiles to ensure they meet the goals of your renewable energy purchase.
Additional Services Arrangement
Arrange necessary additional services such as scheduling, settlement, metering and telemetry, and regulatory obligation management.
PPA Negotiation
Negotiate power purchase agreements focusing on appropriate risk allocation, energy production guarantees, remedies for production shortfalls, force majeure, buyer and utility curtailments, regulatory and compliance costs, and security requirements.