TECHNICAL GOVERNANCE AND LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FROM BRAZILIAN O&M CONTRACTS

Abstract

This study examines how public governance, accountability, and asset-management principles are incorporated into procurement and contractual instruments for the operation and maintenance of public photovoltaic systems. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive approach was adopted based on documentary analysis of contracts, tender notices, terms of reference, and complementary documents retrieved from the Brazilian National Public Procurement Portal. The analysis considered service scope, responsibilities, monitoring, performance indicators, risk management, documentation, and lifecycle management. The results revealed substantial heterogeneity among the contracts, with a predominance of task-oriented arrangements, fragmented maintenance activities, and limited use of measurable performance indicators. More comprehensive contracts integrated continuous monitoring, technical reporting, preventive and corrective maintenance, and component supply. The findings indicate that stronger technical governance depends on clearly assigned responsibilities, traceable information, verifiable performance, and lifecycle-oriented decision-making. These elements can support more effective design, supervision, and long-term management of photovoltaic O&M contracts in public organizations and strengthen the preservation of asset value over time.