Commission & hand over
Commission & Hand Over: Grid-Code Compliance, Performance Verification and Documentation Closeout
The final EPC step converts a constructed asset into a bankable, revenue-ready plant. We run structured commissioning tests against CEA/CERC grid-code requirements, verify performance ratio and availability against contracted guarantees, and compile the complete as-built and O&M documentation package needed for COD certification, insurance and long-term asset management.
Typical duration · 6-10 weeks (site tests) + 2-3 weeks documentation closeout
Samples generated 05 Sept 2026, 11:26 pm ISTWhat happens in this step
- 01Pre-commissioning checklist review: protection relay settings, earthing continuity, cable megger/HiPot results signed off before energisation
- 02Sequential energisation of feeders/strings/PCS skids with cold and hot commissioning logs maintained per equipment
- 03Grid-code compliance testing: LVRT/HVRT, frequency response, reactive power (Q-V) capability, harmonics (THD) as per CEA/CERC and state DISCOM protocols
- 04Performance ratio (solar) or round-trip efficiency and availability (BESS) verification against EPC contract guarantee thresholds using calibrated meters
- 05Joint inspection with DISCOM/STU and third-party test agency for provisional and final grid connectivity approval
- 06As-built drawing reconciliation, punch-list closure, and O&M manual compilation with spares/warranty registers
- 07Formal handover pack issued to asset owner and O&M team with training walkthrough
What we need from you
- Approved for construction (AFC) drawings and any field change orders
- OEM factory test certificates and equipment datasheets
- Grid-code test protocol format prescribed by the relevant DISCOM/STU/CEA
- Metering and SCADA data access for performance ratio/availability calculation window
- EPC contract performance guarantee clauses (PR, availability, RTE thresholds)
- Insurance and warranty documentation requirements from asset owner/lenders
- O&M contractor mobilisation status and training schedule
Worked example (anonymised, illustrative)
Standalone BESS Commissioning Programme · 100 MW / 200 MWh, 33 kV collector, LFP chemistry · Western India
Grid-connected standalone BESS under a state DISCOM tender, requiring CEA grid-code compliance testing and round-trip efficiency verification before COD certification.
Sample deliverables from this step
Every sample below is analyst-written and anonymised for illustration — structure and depth mirror our real deliverables; figures and names are not from any client engagement.
Illustrative · Growthifye-preparedCommissioning Test Report
Consolidated results of LVRT/HVRT, frequency response, THD and reactive capability tests with pass/fail status against CEA grid-code limits.
Sample excerpt · Grid-Code Test Summary (Illustrative) — illustrative figures
| Test | Standard/Clause | Target | Measured | Result |
| LVRT ride-through | CEA Reg. 2019, Cl. 6.5 | 150 ms at 0% V | 160 ms | Pass |
| HVRT ride-through | CEA Reg. 2019, Cl. 6.6 | 500 ms at 120% V | 480 ms | Pass |
| Frequency response | IEGC Cl. 5.2 | ±3% droop band | 2.8% | Pass |
| THD (voltage) | IEEE 519 / CEA | < 3% | 1.9% | Pass |
| Reactive power capability | CEA Reg. Cl. 6.3 | 0.95 lag-lead at rated MW | 0.96 lag-lead | Pass |
- Tests witnessed jointly by DISCOM/STU representative and independent test agency
- Any failed test triggers root-cause memo and retest schedule before provisional COD
Illustrative · Growthifye-preparedPerformance Ratio / Round-Trip Efficiency Verification Memo
Independent calculation of PR (solar) or RTE and availability (BESS) over a defined test window, benchmarked against EPC contract guarantees.
Sample excerpt · RTE & Availability Verification (Illustrative) — illustrative figures
| Metric | Contract Guarantee | Test Window | Measured | Status |
| Round-trip efficiency (AC-AC) | ≥ 86% | 72-hour cycle test | 87.4% | Meets guarantee |
| System availability | ≥ 97% | 30-day monitoring | 98.1% | Meets guarantee |
| Auxiliary consumption | ≤ 2.5% of throughput | 30-day monitoring | 2.2% | Meets guarantee |
| State-of-charge drift | < 1%/day at idle | 7-day idle test | 0.6%/day | Meets guarantee |
- Calculations use calibrated revenue-grade meters, not OEM telemetry alone
- Shortfalls against guarantee trigger liquidated damages clause review with EPC contractor
As-Built Documentation & O&M Handover Pack
Complete document set for asset transfer including as-built drawings, spares register, warranty schedule and O&M training log.
Sample excerpt · Handover Documentation Index (Illustrative) — illustrative figures
| Document | Format | Status | Owner |
| As-built SLD & layout drawings | PDF/DWG | Issued | EPC contractor |
| OEM warranty certificates (PCS, cells, transformer) | Issued | OEM | |
| Spares & consumables register | Excel | Issued | O&M contractor |
| Protection relay settings register | Excel | Issued | EPC contractor |
| O&M training attendance log | Issued | Asset owner | |
| Insurance completion certificate | Pending | Asset owner |
- Index tracked to closure before final payment milestone release
- Digital copies stored in shared data room accessible to lenders and insurers
Outcomes
- Grid-code compliance certification enabling provisional/final DISCOM connectivity approval
- Independently verified performance metrics protecting owner against underperformance risk
- Complete, audit-ready documentation reducing insurance, lender and O&M handover friction
- Clean punch-list closure minimising post-COD warranty disputes with EPC contractor
Questions clients ask
Who conducts the grid-code compliance tests?
Tests are performed by the EPC contractor's commissioning team and independently witnessed by our engineers alongside the DISCOM/STU representative and, where required, an accredited third-party test agency.
What happens if performance ratio or RTE falls short of the contract guarantee?
We document the shortfall against the EPC contract's performance guarantee clause, support root-cause investigation, and advise on liquidated damages or rectification timelines before final acceptance.
Is documentation handover linked to payment milestones?
Yes, we recommend structuring the final EPC payment tranche against completion of the documentation index, not just physical commissioning, to ensure the O&M team receives a complete asset record.
