For many, ASTM solar performance testing is a black box left for engineers. We’re told that it’s required by independent engineers and asset owners. We’re told that it confirms that solar plants are performing as they should. But it’s common to feel that ASTM testing is complicated and intimidating. In this post, we break down the basics of ASTM and provide a bit of history so that you can better understand what ASTM can tell you about your plant’s performance and how it became the gold standard for solar capacity testing. Whether you’re a project manager or an asset manager, you’ll better understand the results of ASTM testing if you have a bit of context.

In this article, we give you an overview of how to succeed as a project manager when managing a site with a requirement for ASTM testing. Understanding the basics can make the difference between a 6 month delay and liquidated damages or not. Effective management of the ASTM process begins before the contract is even signed. The article provides a step by step guide for avoiding common errors and speeding up the process of ASTM capacity testing.