“EPC” stands for engineering, procurement, and construction. This article explains what EPCs are and outlines the process for EPC customers with Project Solar.
With some of our customers (particularly DIY installs), Project Solar handles all engineering, permitting, and equipment procurement labor in-house.
Then, our partner (or the customer, if it’s a DIY project) simply installs the system.
For the remainder of our projects, we use an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction partner, or EPC.
EPCs use a slightly different “Sales Dealer” model, where the partnered installer takes on a bit more of the project: engineering, permitting, sourcing equipment, and installation.
- How Does the Sales Dealer Process Work?
- Step 1: Pre-Contract
- Step 2: Post-Contract
- Step 3: Engineering
- Step 4: Permitting & Utility Approval
- Step 5: Installation
- Step 6: Inspection & PTO - How Does Project Solar Save Me Money This Way?
How Does the Sales Dealer Process Work?
Before a contract is signed, the Sales Dealer model is not that different from Project Solar’s regular process:
Step 1: Pre-Contract
After getting a basic quote from our website calculator or Customer Experience team (support@projectsolar.com), you'll want to make a deposit on our website to begin the process with us. After this deposit has been made, our team will work with you to finalize a design and gather any required information from you to complete the process.
We will draw up a contract with your system information, and present it to you to sign.
Step 2: Post-Contract
After your contract is signed, we will move your project forward to our install partner. They will handle most of the remaining labor on the project.
Updates on your system's progress will come either directly from our install partner or from Project Solar's Customer Experience Team and automated system.
Step 3: Engineering
Project Solar's install partner will begin drawing up structural and electrical plans for your system, based on the information and photos we have collected.
Step 4: Permitting & Utility Approval
The plans for your project are submitted to your jurisdiction for approval once they've been completed. Depending on jurisdiction policy and processing time, this can take a little while.
Our partnered installer will also submit an application with your utility company. Since all our solar systems are tied into the main power grid, approval from your utility company is required.
Step 5: Installation
Next, our partner can schedule your installation and ship your equipment. Installation usually takes 1-2 days.
Step 6: Inspection & PTO
Before your system can be complete, it will need to pass inspection to ensure everything has been installed correctly and up to code. Then, your utility company can grant Permission to Operate (PTO), which is basically a "go-ahead" for you to use your system.
If you have trouble getting in touch with your installer, please contact the Project Solar Customer Experience Team so we can assist you with your project:
Customer Experience Contact Information
Phone: (256)669-9660
Email: support@projectsolar.com
Contact Page: https://projectsolar.com/pages/contact-us
How Does Project Solar Save Me Money This Way?
The Sales Dealer model allows Project Solar to expand quickly without rapidly expanding our team, and, in turn, helps us keep our costs low. We pass those savings onto you, our customers.
Another benefit to the Sales Dealer model is that project approvals are handled directly by a local installer who often has more experience with jurisdictions and power companies.
This can help decrease processing times and get your system installed sooner, which will lead to quicker solar savings.