CPP Wind Engineering, a global wind engineering consulting firm, is launching a wind certification program for utility-scale solar projects, which it considers the first of its kind in the industry. This new initiative aims to enhance the performance and durability of utility-scale solar systems under various wind conditions.

The project offers two types of services. Site certification verifies that each project has been properly assessed for climatic and site conditions, implemented effective parking strategies, appropriately deployed wind speed meters, and utilized qualified trackers or fixed tilt systems. System certification involves a one-time review of the wind engineering design data and methodologies for the tracker or fixed tilt product line.

The new CPP project is built upon the organization's 45 years of experience in wind energy engineering, encompassing wind tunnel testing for solar projects, wind energy layout and site selection studies, as well as forensic investigations into wind damage to solar projects. Tornado risk is not within the scope of the certification program but is assessed separately using probabilistic risk methods.

"Wind determines the construction method of solar power plants, but there has been no consistent approach to verify that the wind loads behind the design are correctly derived and applied," said David Banks, President of CPP Wind Engineering. "Most of the wind damage we investigated occurs at wind speeds seen annually, and much of it can be mitigated through engineering. This project provides owners, manufacturers, and their consultants with an independent basis to confirm the reliability of wind engineering. On the other hand, tornadoes cannot be eliminated through engineering means. We must predict the loss probability of such events."

For project owners and developers, CPP's site certification provides a comparison of installation design solutions and documentation for wind engineering due diligence used in financing, insurance, and project sales. For manufacturers, CPP's system certification evaluates the wind engineering foundation of tracker or fixed tilt product lines, offering a basis for determining their suitability for specific site wind conditions. For independent engineers, CPP serves as a partner, providing wind engineering expertise for the due diligence they lead.