Quality management is crucial at all stages of a project. Europe currently has one of the largest and oldest fleet of solar powerplants in the world. According to SolarPower Europe’s estimates, based on the 100% Renewable Europe study, the EU’s ambition for a 55% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, requires a 45% renewable energy share in the final energy demand. In other words, Europe needs an additional 870 GW of solar capacity by 2030 to meet the continent’s climate commitments. Quality installation and long-term care will be key to guaranteeing the continued technical and economic performance of solar systems and powerplants. This is the first version of the Lifecycle Quality guidelines, and it aims to act as an umbrella document for the EPC, O&M and Asset Management Best Practice guidelines. This is a living document, powered by an active community of experts.

This document focuses on quality assurance throughout an asset’s lifecycle, and the importance of due diligence and risk management at all stages of a project. It also seeks to standardise definitions of common key terms and stakeholders that appear across SolarPower Europe’s suite of Best Practice Guidelines.

Key topics: 

• Stakeholders
• Fundamentals of Lifecycle Project Management
• Stage-gates and Due Diligence
• Personnel and Training