THE DCE DESIGN APPROACH

Designing Through Complexity with Real-World Execution in Mind

CHALLENGE: Real-World Project Complexities

Solar projects rarely begin with perfect conditions. Across multiple projects, DCE Design consistently encounters challenges that extend beyond standard engineering scope. These are not isolated to one geography. They are representative of the realities developers and EPCs face across the market.

Common challenges include:

• Limited or outdated site documentation

• Uncertainty in existing electrical infrastructure

• Multiple interconnection pathways with competing constraints

• Utility delays and inconsistent communication

• Gaps between design assumptions and field conditions
  

These issues introduce risk to schedule, cost, and constructability. Without a design approach that adapts in real time, projects can stall before they ever reach construction.

SOLUTION: The DCE Design Approach

DCE Design approaches these challenges differently. Rather than relying on static inputs, the team operates with a dynamic, field-informed design process that evolves alongside the project.

What sets the approach apart:

• Design with Varying Information - Projects do not wait for perfect data. DCE Design develops informed assumptions early to keep momentum, while structuring designs to be refined as real-world conditions are verified.

• Field-Integrated Engineering - Design decisions are not made in isolation. Continuous coordination with field teams ensures that what is designed can be built efficiently and safely.

• Flexible Interconnection Strategy - Rather than locking into a single solution too early, multiple pathways are evaluated in parallel, balancing technical optimization with constructability.

• Proactive Utility Management - Utility timelines are unpredictable. DCE Design actively tracks progress, identifies inconsistencies, and advances design in parallel to avoid unnecessary delays.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: Field-Driven Design in Practice

• Challenge 1: Limited Existing Documentation

A legacy site dating back to the 1970s presented minimal reliable documentation, with only a hand-drawn single-line diagram available. This created uncertainty around existing infrastructure, tie-in locations, and system capacity.

• DCE Design Approach:

The team developed initial design assumptions to maintain progress while planning targeted site walks and exploratory validation. This allowed the project to move forward without waiting on perfect information, while preserving flexibility to adapt as conditions were confirmed.

• Challenge 2: Multiple Transformers On-Site

The presence of three transformers introduced complexity in determining the optimal interconnection point, requiring careful evaluation of load distribution, protection coordination, and utility requirements.

• DCE Design Approach:

Multiple interconnection scenarios were evaluated, including both low-voltage and medium-voltage tie-ins. Design optimization was balanced with constructibility by working closely with installation teams to ensure the selected solution could be executed efficiently in the field.

• Challenge 3: Utility Delays and Gaps in Interconnection Study

Delays and incomplete feedback from the utility created uncertainty in the interconnection process, putting pressure on both schedule and design clarity.

• DCE Design Approach:

DCE Design maintained momentum by advancing design using informed assumptions while actively managing utility communication. Milestones were tracked, inconsistencies flagged, and the design remained adaptable to quickly incorporate the final utility direction once received.

OUTCOME

• Maintained project momentum despite incomplete inputs

• Reduced risk of major redesign through early assumption modeling

• Improved alignment between design and field execution

• Enabled faster adaptation to utility feedback

• Positioned the project for a smoother transition into construction

CONCLUSION

Project complexity is not going away. If anything, it is increasing as infrastructure ages, utility requirements evolve, and project timelines tighten.

Success requires a partner who can navigate uncertainty, maintain momentum, and align design with real-world execution.

DCE Design delivers that advantage by combining experience, adaptability, and field-driven insight to move projects forward with confidence.

OVERALL APPROACH

Across projects, DCE Design consistently applies a framework built on three principles:

• Progress over perfection through informed assumptions

• Validation through field engagement

• Flexibility in design to adapt to real conditions

By integrating engineering, field expertise, and utility coordination in real time, DCE Design delivers solutions that are not only technically sound but also executable in the field.

Learn more about DCE Design and their capabilities at www.dce-design.com