Path-Q Solar
How should a small business evaluate a proposal that requires it to supply temporary power during solar installation?
Answer
Treat temporary power as a project cost and operational dependency that must be specified, priced, and risk-managed. Determine the loads, duration, connection method, fuel or electricity cost, safety controls, maintenance, noise, emissions, and responsibility for failure, then compare the arrangement with installer-provided power or phased work.
Key points
- Require a load list, demand estimate, one-line or connection description, and duration.
- Clarify whether temporary power serves construction tools, critical business loads, controls, or the whole facility.
- Price equipment rental or purchase, fuel, testing, operator time, maintenance, permitting, and restoration.
- Set requirements for grounding, protection, inspection, refueling, emergency response, and backup.
What it depends on
- Required loads and continuity needs
- Installation phases and outage schedule
- Site electrical system and available capacity
- Business safety, environmental, and operating requirements
Risks and trade-offs
- Undersized or poorly connected temporary power can damage equipment or interrupt operations.
- Generator-based solutions may create noise, emissions, fuel, and fire risks.
- Owner-supplied power can shift technical and outage responsibility from the installer to the business.
Information you may need
- Installer temporary-power specification
- Critical-load list and operating schedule
- Connection and protection plan
- All direct and indirect costs
- Responsibility for inspection, fuel, failures, and restoration
Your next step
What to do next
Ask the installer for a complete temporary-power plan and at least one priced alternative, then have the business's electrical professional review compatibility and safety.
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