Local businesses and public recreational areas are slowly beginning to reopen in accordance with phases presented by state governments. Now that reopening phases have begun, solar development companies are beginning to discuss and strategize projects that have been delayed since the beginning of the Pandemic.
Rosendin Electric is an employee-owned electrical organization headquartered in San Jose, California, responsible for a number of solar development and other renewable energy projects. Rosendin Electric developed a new business operations plan at the beginning of the year to best prepare for adaptations that would be necessary in the climate of the pandemic. According to PV Magazine, Rosendin Electric has successfully kept their essential projects going with very few financial or timeline setbacks.
Understanding the importance of planning ahead, the executive leadership team at Rosendin Electric shared several takeaways from their updated operations plan with PV Magazine, in hopes that other organizations in renewable energy will benefit and continue operating in the near future. The main points that Rosendin Electric shared are as follows:
Changing Logistics When Necessary
Throughout this pandemic, individuals have adapted to new daily routines in regards to keeping communication open and effective. It is important to adjust to a means of interpersonal communication that best suits the entire team. That way developing and reviewing ongoing projects can continue smoothly. Rosendlin recommends weekly briefings take place within each team of solar development to discuss expectations and deadlines. These standard teams in solar development include: engineering, estimating, procurement, project management, and field.
The Engineering Team
The implication of sharing electronic page-turn reviews with the entire team has significantly improved quality in design and constructability across all projects. Rosendin recommends that members of the engineering team check in regularly with the project managers and field general foreman's of solar development to ensure clarity in objectives.
The Estimating Team
This team at Rosendin has consistently reviewed and communicated estimates with other teams every week. Additionally, the estimate team is recommended to keep record of all projected costs for equipment before consulting further steps with the procurement team.
The Procurement Team
The pandemic has shown Rosendin the importance of maintaining a mutually beneficial network with suppliers and vendors to promise available pieces of equipment for future projects. For the time being, they claim that buying materials in bulk has been the best way to avoid material shortages.
The Construction and Safety Team
This team is responsible for delivering and staging project materials, and initiation inspections and installations during construction and development. Construction and safety teams are now forced to operate under the previously instated social distancing guidelines by the government. Rosendin Electric has created new tools and technology to accommodate their employees as they assemble solar development materials under social distancing guidelines. That way the entire team can continue to operate in a safe and secure environment.
Overall, COVID-19 has forced businesses to readjust their operations to accommodate new guidelines, ensure the safety of employees, and continue progress in projects despite the current climate. Rosendin Electric has become a prime example of how businesses in Solar Development are capable of continuing their work, even if it means incorporating some adaptation.
Al Maiorino started Public Strategy Group, Inc. in 1995. His firm has developed and managed multiple corporate public affairs campaigns in a variety of industries such as gaming, cable television, retail development, auto racing, energy and residential projects. Additionally, his firm has worked on projects in twenty-six states and three countries.
