Client Background

A leading renewable energy developer sought to expand beyond traditional solar installations by launching an innovative pilot project combining utility-scale photovoltaic generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS). This hybrid approach represented a strategic shift toward dispatchable renewable energy solutions, addressing grid stability concerns and enabling power delivery during peak demand periods when solar generation alone would be insufficient.

The Challenge

The hybrid solar + storage pilot project presented unique workforce and technical challenges:

  • Dual Technology Expertise: Finding technicians proficient in both traditional PV installation and emerging battery storage technologies, including DC-coupled systems and inverter integration
  • Safety Complexity: Managing personnel trained in high-voltage DC systems, lithium-ion battery hazards, thermal management, and arc flash protection specific to energy storage
  • Commissioning Requirements: Sourcing specialists capable of testing and commissioning both solar arrays and BESS components, including battery management systems and energy management software
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring workers understood interconnection requirements, NEC Article 706 for energy storage, and utility-specific protocols for hybrid systems
  • Timeline Pressure: Meeting aggressive pilot project deadlines to secure additional funding and demonstrate viability for future hybrid developments

The Solution

Advastar delivered a specialized workforce solution tailored to hybrid renewable project requirements:

  • Dual-Skilled Technicians: Sourced solar technicians with documented BESS experience, including certifications in both PV installation (NABCEP) and energy storage systems
  • Specialized Electricians: Provided electricians experienced in DC-coupled storage integration, inverter configurations, and complex grounding systems for hybrid installations
  • Commissioning Experts: Deployed specialists skilled in SCADA integration, battery cycling protocols, and performance testing for both generation and storage components
  • Safety-Qualified Personnel: Ensured all workers possessed NFPA 70E certification, understood lithium-ion safety protocols, and had experience with high-voltage DC switching procedures
  • Flexible Staffing Model: Scaled workforce from initial installation through commissioning, providing both short-term specialists and long-term O&M candidates

The Outcome

Advastar’s specialized staffing solution delivered exceptional results for the renewable developer:

  • Successful System Integration: Completed hybrid installation on schedule with seamless integration between PV arrays and battery storage systems
  • Expanded Market Position: Enabled client to demonstrate hybrid project capabilities, securing three additional solar + storage contracts worth $150M+
  • Strategic Partnership Established: Positioned Advastar as the preferred staffing partner for client’s entire pipeline of 500MW+ storage projects
  • Knowledge Transfer: Dual-skilled technicians helped train client’s permanent staff, building internal expertise for future hybrid projects
  • Zero Safety Incidents: Maintained perfect safety record despite complex high-voltage work and emerging technology challenges
  • Competitive Advantage: Client leveraged successful pilot to differentiate from competitors still focused on solar-only projects