The solar industry is rapidly booming as a leading choice to transition into renewable energy. However, the talent for managing solar maintenance, installation, and operations still requires niche talent. One has to train them to adhere to safety protocols, compliance, and field service management best practices. Failure to meet safety standards not only jeopardizes the well-being of technicians but also undermines your credibility in the solar industry.
To streamline compliance management, it is better to opt for field service management software. Read more to learn how to use FSM tools to improve safety and compliance in solar operations.
3 key challenges of safety and compliance management in solar operations
Here are three key solar business management challenges specific to safety and compliance management:
-
Dynamic regulatory landscape:
The world is still adapting to changes caused due to renewable energy adoption. This means changes in traditional climate and energy regulations that adhere to the latest technologies. These regulations are often set at the federal, state, and local levels, leading to a patchwork of rules that solar companies must navigate. Keeping abreast of regulatory changes and ensuring compliance across different jurisdictions poses a significant challenge for solar operators.
-
Highly risky solar maintenance operations:
Solar installation and maintenance operations require field service technicians to work at heights, do electrical work, and handle heavy equipment. These can easily lead to falls, electrocutions, and arc flash incidents. Ensuring the safety of workers engaged in these activities requires rigorous training, proper equipment, and adherence to safety protocols.
-
Supply chain complexity and resource constraints
Solar projects involve complex supply chains for equipment procurement, transportation, and installation – which also face constant changes due to technological advancement. This involves manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors, which further require supplier vetting, quality control, and subcontractor management. With so many touchpoints, failure to verify the compliance status of suppliers and contractors can lead to regulatory violations and reputational damage for solar companies.
5 FSM software automation to streamline safety and compliance for solar business management
To overcome compliance challenges, you can adopt solar business software or FSM tools to automate safety and compliance workflows. Here are five FSM automation to get started:
1. Manage safety inspections and incident reporting
One way to reduce mishaps is to regularly conduct preventive maintenance activities. FSM software automates the process of scheduling and conducting safety inspections at solar sites.
It also hosts digital checklists accessible via FSM mobile apps for technicians to report any faults. They can document safety hazards, equipment conditions, and corrective actions required on apps and report to supervisors. Such real-time reporting facilitates timely intervention and mitigates risks.
2. Track safety assets and equipment health
With FSM software, organizations can track the usage and maintenance of safety equipment such as personal protective gear, fall protection systems, and fire extinguishers. They can also track operational equipment’s health and predict its maintenance schedules or downtime. Such measures prevent lapses in safety protocols where managers get automated alerts when equipment inspections or replacements are due.
3. Manage documents, audits, and reports
FSM software removes paperwork by digitizing document management processes. It securely stores permits, inspection reports, and compliance documents, allowing for easy retrieval during audits or inspections. FSM software like Zuper includes analytics – which helps generate reports on safety, compliance, operational, or financial metrics. Thus, you are always ready to adapt your solar business operations as per reports and keep the numbers under compliance requirements.
4. Manage suppliers and contractors remotely
Solar companies often engage suppliers and contractors for equipment procurement and installation services. The technicians may be required to coordinate with them to ensure the materials arrive on time or troubleshoot. To ensure smooth solar business management, FSM software helps verify the compliance status of suppliers and contractors. This includes certifications, insurance coverage, and adherence to safety protocols, thus mitigating supply chain risks.
5. Planning, monitoring, and executing emergency response
FSM software assists in developing and maintaining emergency response plans for solar installations. It will track equipment’s metrics and in case of emergency, alert via notifications immediately to supervisor. It identifies emergency contacts, evacuation procedures, and critical shut-off points. Such automation features are critical for swift and coordinated responses in crises.
Get started with improving safety and compliance for your solar business
Zuper enables your solar business with comprehensive tools across contracts, inventory, equipment, and workforce management. These together help ensure your operations are compliant as required — book a demo to learn more.
