Recently, as the global supply of solar modules has fallen short, there has been a growing number of cases where power plant construction sites have ground to a halt. At this opportune time, Attorney Sungwoo Kim of Solaris Law Firm published an op-ed in a major media outlet, addressing the legal issues faced by construction companies and power plant developers. The media devoted coverage to this, noting Solaris's expertise and familiarity with both contract practices in the renewable energy business and regulatory trends.

Attorney Sungwoo Kim covered three key points in this contribution. First, if module supply is delayed, the construction company bears contractual liability for delayed performance, and it is difficult to have force majeure recognized in court solely due to economic reasons such as a rise in material prices. Second, while legal liability can be pursued against module suppliers who delay delivery, lawsuits take a long time and are limited in resolving immediately halted construction issues. Third, rather than focusing solely on litigation, it is more realistic for the contracting parties to agree on a construction period extension and cost-sharing within a reasonable range. Additionally, future contracts must include clauses that flexibly reflect fluctuations in material prices.

Solaris Law Firm proactively prevents complex contract disputes arising in the course of renewable energy projects and provides accurate legal advice so that clients can stably lead their businesses.

▶ Read the original column: Attorney Sungwoo Kim contributes column, 'Solar Module Shortages and Legal Issues in Power Plant Construction Disputes'

[Insight] Attorney Sungwoo Kim Proposes Legal Solutions for Construction Contract Disputes Amid Solar Module Shortages

As global solar module shortages continue, many solar power plant construction sites are facing unexpected halts. At this timely moment, Attorney Sungwoo Kim of SOLARIS published a column in a major media outlet, analyzing the legal challenges contractors and power plant operators currently face. The media highlighted SOLARIS's deep expertise in renewable energy contract practices and regulatory trends.

In his column, Attorney Kim addresses three main points: First, when module supply is delayed, the contractor bears the responsibility for the delay under the contract. Courts rarely accept economic reasons, such as sudden material price hikes, as force majeure. Second, while contractors can take legal action against suppliers who delay delivery, lawsuits take years and cannot resolve the immediate halt in construction. Third, rather than heavily relying on litigation, parties should reach a reasonable agreement on timeline extensions and cost-sharing. Furthermore, future contracts must include specific clauses that flexibly reflect material price fluctuations.

SOLARIS provides proactive legal advice to prevent complex contract disputes in renewable energy projects, ensuring that our clients can operate their businesses stably.