Fagerstrom Engineering, Inc. delivers technically authoritative engineering services focused on high-stakes disputes involving Power Systems and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure. Trusted by utilities, government agencies, and industrial stakeholders, we support critical matters where system behavior, equipment failure, and grid integration must be understood, modeled, and explained.
Our engineers have contributed to grid modernization initiatives, conducted fault detection evaluations for major utilities, and developed novel diagnostic methods for complex systems. We apply advanced tools like MATLAB/Simulink physical systems modeling, waveform analysis, high voltage & current laboratory testing, and systems simulation to validate theories vs recorded data to provide legally defensible, technically sound insight for each case.
Explore our focused service areas below to see how our technical capabilities align with your needs.
Our Core Focus Areas
Trusted advisors in high-stakes technical disputes
Practical experience in high-voltage and utility environments
Advanced diagnostics, modeling, and simulation
Deep knowledge of PV and Smart Grid systems
Engineers with field-proven technical depth
Clear, credible, standards-based technical documentation
Selected Technical Engagements
✅ Utility Smart Grid Fault Location Systems Evaluation
An expert from our team led the laboratory evaluation of Smart Grid fault location technologies as part of a $68M Smart Grid initiative for one of the largest utilities in the U.S. The engagement involved novel testbed design & development, grid data modeling, advanced waveform & impedance analysis, and reporting that constituted a critical phase in utility-wide rollout strategy.
✅ Utility vs. Industrial Facility: Surge Event Causing Power System & Equipment Damage
We analyzed a utility power surge event which caused industrial equipment and power system damage at an industrial processing facility. The engagement involved forensic site investigation, data analysis & theory development, systems modeling & simulation to verify theories, and detailed standards-based reporting which settled the matter on the strength of our report alone.
✅ Arc Flash Hazard Analysis for Pharma Campus
Our team conducted a series of comprehensive arc flash hazard mitigation studies for a major pharmaceutical campus. The project involved detailed modeling of elaborate facility power systems with over 800 electrical buses, SKM-based fault current analyses to quantify fault currents and incident energy levels, equipment withstand capabilities, protection coordination settings adjustments, and determination of PPE requirements for enhanced safety and compliance.
✅ PV Production Underwriting Investigation
We evaluated a commercial PV plant’s claimed annual production capabilities and design for underwriting purposes using NREL SAM and PVWatts, verifying expected performance and identifying key design liabilities expected to reduce service life.
✅ Large-Scale Solar PV vs. Utility Power Quality Dispute
Our firm provided expert witness services in an engagement evaluating a complex power quality malfunction involving a large commercial solar PV generation facility and the utility grid. Our work, which included in-depth analysis of PV system design, interconnection, grid interaction behavior, and power quality impacts, utilized an array of analytical techniques including waveform analysis, field test data, and systems modeling. We developed a detailed, standards-based technical report that proved instrumental in clarifying the nature of the malfunction and its likely causes.