Once an entrepreneur has decided to set up a solar captive power plant, he has to tread carefully planning each step forward. The first step would be local assessment to calculate the system capacity.

This would be succeeded by prefeasibility studies to analyze system capacity and structuring, climatic parameters, stability to tolerate the module load and shading. Pre-feasibility studies are well researched yet generic due diligence reports that facilitate a first level understanding of technical and economic feasibility for a solar PV captive power system. While detailed project reports (DPR) are required for external stakeholders (lenders such as banks, for instance), prefeasibility reports are used for to assist internal stakeholders (e.g., board of directors) to take corporate decisions.

Preparation of detailed project report is further step in firming up the proposal of setting of solar PV power plant. A Solar PV detailed project report (DPR) will examine the proposed installation site and take into account various factors including shading due to surrounding buildings and landscape features, electricity usage profile and many other factors.

A detailed project report (DPR) is hence a complete document for investment decision-making, approval and planning whereas prefeasibility study report is a base document for investment decision-making. A DPR is the base document for planning the project and implementation of the Solar PV project. A DPR can also be used for procuring external investments such as bank loan.

Typically, the system integrator who undertakes the turnkey implementation of the captive SPV power plant will be able to provide the Detailed Project Report.