In any solar power project (whether rooftop, factory roof, or ground-mounted), uncontrolled discrepancies between the design drawings and the actual construction can lead to performance losses, affect the system’s durability, or result in high repair costs. Minor deviations—such as tilt angle, spacing between panels, panel orientation, drainage locations, or cable routing—can reduce the energy captured, cause hotspots, or create unwanted shading.
For a business investing in solar power, these discrepancies not only have technical implications but also affect the payback period, operating costs, and brand reputation when the system fails to meet its expected performance.
Common Discrepancies in Rooftop Solar System Construction
- Some of the most frequent discrepancies between design and construction in solar energy projects include:
- Deviation in Panel Position & Orientation: This can occur when the actual roof structure differs from the model parameters, or due to on-site waterproofing requirements and technical clearances.
- Incorrect Spacing Between Panel Rows / Rails: When rails or mounting frames are not placed at the designed intervals, it can easily cause shading or impede airflow for cooling.
- Deviation in Tilt Angle: Unevenness in the actual flat or sloped roof can result in panels not being tilted at the optimal angle for sunlight reception.
- Incorrect Wiring Connections & Equipment Placement: Cabling that is too long or routed improperly can lead to higher-than-calculated voltage losses.
Unreported Changes to Roof Structure or Additions: For example, additional structural reinforcements or new components can alter the original layout.

Measures to Control Discrepancies in Solar Energy Projects
To minimize deviations between design and construction, project implementation teams should apply the following measures:
- Detailed On-site Roof Survey & As-Built Drawings
Before starting construction, it is essential to conduct precise measurements of the actual roof (flatness, load capacity, structural supports, column/beam locations) and update an “As-Built” drawing. This allows the design to be adjusted to closely match real-world conditions. - Accounting for Tolerances in the Design
The design should allow for minor installation tolerances (± a few centimeters), with buffer zones for rails and technical clearances. A flexible design is easier to adjust during construction.

- Control of Construction Drawings & Pre-Construction Technical Approval
Every change or adjustment should be carefully reviewed by the design and supervision teams to ensure it does not compromise the original performance targets. All changes must be formally approved and signed off. - Rigorous On-site Supervision
The supervising engineer must check progress against the drawings, compare the actual site with the design, detect deviations early, and demand timely corrections. A checklist should be used for each item, including rails, panels, spacing, wiring, and waterproofing. - Post-Commissioning Adjustments
Before official operation, the system should undergo a trial run, including I-V curve testing for the panels and performance checks for each section. If low-output or imbalanced areas are detected, panels can be moved, reoriented, or faulty units can be replaced. - Use of Remote Monitoring & Real-Time Data Analysis
A monitoring system (such as SCADA or a PV monitoring platform) helps to quickly identify areas where performance deviates from the design. This aids in assessing performance losses caused by discrepancies and allows for early intervention.

Benefits of Effective Discrepancy Control
When discrepancies are tightly controlled, a business receives several key benefits:
- The system achieves performance close to the original design, maximizing energy generation and shortening the payback period.
- Reduced costs for repairs and warranties resulting from minor technical errors.
- Higher system reliability and durability, reducing the risk of losses.
- An enhanced brand reputation, as the system operates according to commitments with transparent data.

As a company specializing in the design, construction, and supervision of solar power systems, INS Energy prioritizes the control of discrepancies between design and construction as a top quality criterion. Every project undergoes a strict internal inspection process and rigorous on-site supervision to detect and correct deviations as soon as they appear.
If you are preparing to implement a solar power project and want to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency, contact INS Energy for a detailed consultation on discrepancy control, the acceptance process, and performance optimization for your system.