Advancements in solar generation and energy storage technologies, as well as the improvements in the methods to design and construct utility PV power plants, have the price of solar in steady decline. This is spurring solar installation activity, even in markets with marginal solar resources, and solar power plant owners and developers across the country are seeking reliable partners to design and construct increasingly larger and more complex solar power plants. One firm deeply involved in solar’s transition from cottage industry to mainstream energy source is Solvida Design+Engineering, Inc. (SD+E). SD+E has emerged as a thought leader in a rapidly changing field, and has designed more than 3GW of operational solar projects across 30 states in the past 5 years.

Stephen Smith, co-founder of SD+E, has worked in the solar industry since 1997 and is intimately involved in the ongoing optimizations that have contributed to solar’s prominence. He founded Solvida Energy Group (SEG) as a small consultancy in 2009. In response to a lack of experienced solar engineering sources, Smith and co-founder Erika Kemp spun a new firm, Solvida Design+ Engineering, Inc., out of SEG in 2014. Says Kemp, “We saw a gap in the engineering services being offered to our clients by larger, non-renewable energy focused firms.” An industry as dynamic as solar energy requires service offerings that are responsive, flexible and innovative. SD+E’s understanding of the challenges this industry faces as it aims to commercialize an emerging technology is a primary asset we leverage on behalf of our clients.”

SD+E provides a portfolio of customized services that span from concept through construction. Early-stage project development services include performance modeling, technology reviews, and proprietary software modeling for deep dives into ideal technology combinations, performance and risk analysis. SD+E’s proprietary levelized cost of energy (LCOE) forecast modeling allows developers to analyze technology and project cost options before selecting a particular technology or solar project configuration. Combining these services with the company’s project design optimization and site services provides clients with actionable insights, accurate energy production numbers, and a streamlined due diligence process.

During the pre-construction period, SD+E offers a one-stop shop for all the engineering needed to construct a large solar power plant. The company provides low-and medium-voltage electrical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, and construction design drawing packages for seamless construction and operation of projects.