As utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) developments continue to increase, many developers are finding they lack the experienced staff needed to bring projects to the finish line.
In fact, the International Energy Agency reports that more than half of the 700 energy companies it surveyed are struggling to find seasoned project and construction managers. This shortage is severe enough to delay projects and raise costs. For developers, this is noticeable during pre-construction and construction where oversight is essential for maintaining budget and schedule. Without these professionals, even a well-planned project can experience delays and coordination challenges.
Rethinking Project Staffing Strategies
Given this shortage, many developers are re-evaluating how they staff projects. Rather than competing for scarce talent, they’re turning to third-party owner’s representative services: a model that scales up or down with project needs, without the cost or lead time of a full-time hire.
An owner’s representative acts as an extension of the developer’s team, supporting functions like construction management, QA/QC, stakeholder coordination and risk management. This model gives developers the skill set their projects require, without permanently increasing headcount.
Why It’s Better With Bowman
Bowman differentiates itself by combining owner’s representative services with integrated engineering and consulting capabilities. This allows for a more comprehensive approach that connects project oversight with the technical knowledge needed to keep development moving forward.
With direct experience in utility-scale solar and BESS developments across the country, we understand the nuances of these projects.
Bowman has served as a trusted owner’s representative for a national utility-scale solar and BESS developer across more than 20 projects in 10 states. Acting as an extension of the developer’s team, we supported every phase of the project lifecycle, including pre-acquisition due diligence, civil engineering, permitting and construction support. Our multidisciplinary team independently evaluated third-party reports, identified technical risks before project acquisition and provided the engineering skills needed to keep projects moving. By scaling resources as project demands changed, Bowman helped the developer move projects forward without the challenge of recruiting and maintaining a large in-house engineering team.
