QA/QC Services
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) are critical to the success and longevity of any energy project. Arbutus offers specialized QA/QC Services to ensure that both the components and the constructed assets meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and reliability. Our QA/QC services span the entire project timeline – from manufacturing of equipment to on-site commissioning and operations.
Plant Performance Audits
Comprehensive on-site testing and performance audits for operational solar and wind projects.
We conduct thorough inspections using high-tech equipment – including drone-based thermal imaging, hand-held infrared thermography, electroluminescence (EL) imaging of PV modules, IV curve tracing, and mobile test labs. These audits assess every aspect of a plant’s health, from pinpointing defective modules or underperforming strings to identifying balance-of-plant issues. The outcome is a detailed report on plant performance, compliance, and any corrective actions needed to optimize energy output and ensure life-cycle efficiency.
Commissioning & Start-up Support
Expert support for commissioning and start-up of new projects, as well as recommissioning of existing assets.
Our engineers develop and execute commissioning plans, supervise on-site testing of equipment (inverters, transformers, protection systems, etc.), and verify performance against design specifications. We perform generation output verification, protection system testing, and grid compliance checks to certify that each project is ready for reliable commercial operation. With Arbutus overseeing the commissioning process, clients gain confidence that their plant will achieve expected performance from day one and meet all safety and regulatory standards.
Operational Diagnostics & O&M Support
Ongoing technical support to troubleshoot and enhance plant performance during the operations & maintenance phase.
We offer periodic health checks and diagnostic testing for plants experiencing issues such as unexplained underperformance, frequent faults, or degradation. Our team analyzes operational data, performs site measurements (e.g. insulation testing, power quality analysis), and identifies root causes – whether it be equipment defects, installation quality issues, or external factors. We then recommend practical remediation and retrofit solutions to restore and boost performance. This service helps asset owners minimize downtime, improve capacity utilization, and maximize the return from their operating assets.
Factory Audits & Supplier Evaluation
Before production begins, we conduct comprehensive factory audits of your prospective suppliers.
This involves evaluating the manufacturer’s facilities, equipment, process controls, certifications, and track record. We verify that the supplier can produce components to the required quality standards and volume. Our audits often include worker training assessments and QA system reviews (aligned with ISO 9001 principles) to ensure that only qualified, reputable manufacturers are selected for your project.
In-Process Quality Control
Our experienced quality control engineers are deployed on-site at factories to perform in-process inspections and testing during manufacturing.
We inspect raw materials, review manufacturing procedures, and monitor critical production steps to catch any issues early. Key checkpoints might include soldering quality in PV module tabbing, lamination and curing processes, inverter assembly, wind blade fabrication, etc. By witnessing production first-hand, we help enforce adherence to specifications and prevent defects rather than just identifying them later. This real-time QA oversight boosts the overall quality and reliability of the final product.
Pre-Dispatch Inspection & Testing
Before equipment is shipped out from the factory, we carry out pre-dispatch inspections (PDI) and acceptance testing.
We verify packaging, perform sampling tests on finished products (e.g. flash testing of solar panels, IV curve tests, battery capacity tests), and confirm that the products meet contractual requirements and industry standards. Our team uses calibrated instruments to measure critical performance parameters and ensure compliance with IEC/UL standards. Only when the components pass our stringent checks do we give the green light for dispatch. This step gives peace of mind that what arrives on site will perform as expected, significantly reducing the risk of on-site delays or failures.
On-Site Quality Assurance & Supervision
Quality control doesn’t stop at the factory gate – we extend our QA/QC services to the project site during construction and installation.
Arbutus provides on-site quality engineers to oversee the handling and installation of equipment (solar module mounting, wind turbine erection, electrical installations, etc.), ensuring proper procedures are followed. We conduct field quality audits and verify that construction works (foundations, cable laying, commissioning tests, etc.) meet design specifications and safety standards. Our presence helps maintain workmanship quality and resolves any non-conformances immediately. By the project’s completion, you can be confident it has been built “right the first time”.
By entrusting Arbutus with QA/QC services, clients gain an objective evaluation of their projects’ performance and the means to enhance it. We act as your quality guardian and performance optimizer in the field – providing assurance that your solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and associated systems are delivering as promised. By partnering with us for quality assurance, you effectively add a specialized layer of protection to your project – ensuring compliance, reliability and performance from the factory floor to the project site.
From technical advisory and detailed design engineering to on-site testing, commissioning and quality assurance, we provide end-to-end support throughout the project lifecycle. Arbutus is your one-stop partner for advisory and engineering in clean energy and sustainability, delivering bankable outcomes and climate-resilient infrastructure that powers a sustainable future.
Why Arbutus?
By engaging Arbutus for QA/QC, you are effectively future-proofing your project’s performance and safety. We have overseen quality control for 2+ GW of projects in manufacturing stage and conducted operational testing/audits for 1.5+ GW of installed capacity – a reflection of the trust that leading developers and investors place in our quality services. With Arbutus as your quality partner, you can be confident that your project will meet its guarantees and stand the test of time.