Small wind / Buyer questions
Purchasing and delivery
What should a wind project do if an ordered component becomes obsolete before delivery?
The short answer
Treat pre-delivery component obsolescence as a configuration change requiring an impact assessment. Confirm whether the original item remains obtainable and supported, then compare proposed replacements against the agreed interfaces and evidence. Do not accept a substitute solely because its nominal rating or external dimensions appear similar to the discontinued component.
Establish the affected baseline
Record the original manufacturer, part reference, revision and role in the purchased system. Obtain the supplier's notice or other verifiable explanation of availability and support status. Identify orders, drawings, tests, spare lists and service instructions that depend on that component. Distinguish a temporary supply delay from a discontinued item, because the available responses may differ. The integrating supplier should explain the actual consequence for your configuration rather than describe a general market shortage.
Evaluate the proposed alternative
Request a comparison of relevant interfaces, operating limits, installation requirements and support arrangements. Identify any new validation, test or approval needed for the assembled system. Ask how replacement stock and future service will be handled if the delivered batch contains mixed revisions. Where specialist review is needed, use the responsible engineers and affected suppliers. The FAQ does not establish compatibility for a particular generator, controller, converter or battery; that must come from the applicable technical evidence.
Authorize and document the outcome
Record the accepted solution, commercial consequences and revised delivery forecast through the change process. Update the as-supplied bill of materials, manuals and procurement references. Preserve the obsolete identity so future technicians can understand earlier records. If no acceptable replacement is demonstrated, keep the issue open and decide the affected purchasing action with the appropriate authorities. A controlled transition gives the buyer a maintainable configuration rather than an undocumented substitution discovered after installation.
Sources
Examples are illustrative. Confirm product-specific performance, compatibility and supply scope in the applicable documents.