PROCUREMENT

What solar procurement includes

1. Equipment selection

Choosing approved, bankable equipment that meets design and code requirements:

• Solar modules (panels)

• Inverters (string, micro, central)

• Racking and mounting hardware

• Electrical BOS (balance of system): wire, conduit, combiners, breakers

• Monitoring and communications equipment

• Energy storage (if included)
  
  

2. Vendor & supplier management

• Qualifying manufacturers and distributors

• Pricing negotiations and volume discounts

• Verifying product availability and lead times

• Managing warranties and certifications (UL, IEC, etc.)
  
  

3. Purchasing & contracts

• Issuing purchase orders (POs)

• Confirming specs match the engineered design

• Locking pricing to avoid market volatility

• Coordinating payment terms and incoterms (for larger projects)
  
  

4. Logistics & delivery coordination

• Scheduling deliveries to the warehouse or job site

• Managing freight, storage, and handling

• Avoiding damage, loss, or site congestion

• Tracking shipments and resolving delays
  
  

5. Quality control & risk management

• Verifying correct quantities and models upon arrival

• Inspecting for damage or defects

• Managing substitutions and change approvals

• Mitigating risks from supply chain disruptions
  
  

Why solar procurement matters

• Keeps projects on schedule and within budget

• Prevents installation delays due to missing or incorrect materials

• Ensures long-term performance and warranty protection

• Reduces rework, returns, and change orders
  
  

When it happens in a project

1. Design & engineering finalized

2. Procurement initiated

3. Permits approved / installation scheduled

4. Materials delivered just-in-time for install
   
   

In simple terms

Solar procurement is about getting the right solar equipment, in the right quantities, to the right place, at the right time.