The use of solar energy has increased over the years. The market is full of solar-powered products and if you want to transition to solar power, you’ll also come across terms like EPC. Now, you might be wondering what is EPC in solar. Let’s discuss everything about EPC in this blog. Here, you will also learn what are solar EPC companies. So, stay tuned.
What is EPC in Solar? What are Solar EPC Companies?
In the solar industry, EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction. It is used to address the photovoltaic companies that provide end-to-end solar services from designing to procuring the components and finally installing the project. Some Solar EPC companies even take up maintenance work during the duration of the solar power plant. With this, you should have understood what are Solar EPC companies.
What to Expect from Good EPC Company?
After learning what are solar EPC companies, you must also be curious about what to expect from good EPC company. An EPC solar company is more reliable, professional, and sophisticated than any typical installation company. EPC companies provide more advanced services using state-of-the-art technology. They provide you with solar systems which are great long-term investments.
These are some services that are offered by a good EPC company and they assure you of maximum ROI-
1. Detailed Solar Engineering Design
Solar EPC companies provide customized designs that suit your ideal solar system. At the same time, they also don’t limit your budget. The following processes are involved in this stage-
- They start by analyzing a client’s requirement and the proposed solar system.
- They’ll perform a site survey and check the viability of the solar system.
- After this, they will analyze the current weather conditions.
- Now they will determine the best structural design as well as the maximum power generation capacity.
- Finally, they select the equipment they will use and then they make a 3D model of the solar system.
Also See: What Questions to Ask Before Getting Solar Panels?
2. Procuring Solar Equipment
Good and professional companies get you high-quality equipment from the best manufacturing companies. It helps you get rid of the hassle of getting the right supplier. A high-end solar EPC company will negotiate with the major manufacturers to get the equipment at competitive pricing as well as comprehensive warranty terms.
3. Solar Panel Construction
This is the final stage of the process. It involves the mounting of solar panels and accessories as well as installing grid connectivity along with solar implementation in line with the existing power system you have.
Solar EPC companies will also offer you after-sales services after the installation process. These services maintain your system through equipment maintenance and monitoring.
You will get all the services under one contract for the entire project if you are working with a licensed solar EPC company. This means you’ll only need to pay one bill and you won’t have to outsource any of the services involved in your system’s construction. You have one point of contact throughout the entire project and this also assures you peace of mind. With this, you have learned what to expect from good EPC company. Now let’s find out how to choose the right solar EPC.
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How to Choose the Right Solar EPC?
These factors will help you with choosing the right solar EPC company-
1. Project Management Skills and Overall Track Record
This is a very important aspect of a solar EPC company. Solar installation requires major management skills as at this step there are dealings with various types of manpower and supply chains involved. Hence, you should always go for a company with strong project management capability.
Another important aspect is choosing the right solar EPC is analyzing its experience and overall track record. It gives you an idea about whether or not the company will be able to do your project successfully.
Also See: What is Annual Solar Savings?
2. Integrated Player
One big problem with solar companies is that some or the other process of solar panel installation are outsourced. This can lead to delays in the completion of the overall solar project and can be pretty complicated.
With a good solar EPC company, you don’t have to worry about all aspects of the solar project from designing to procuring to supplying and finally installing. In this way, you get everything under the same company. A good EPC company also provides after-sales support even after the installation is done.
3. Geographical Spread and Capabilities
While looking for a good EPC company, one must consider if it can cover the necessary geographies and if it has the capabilities to ensure all the supplies in a timely manner to even the most remote locations.
You should pay attention to which geographies and areas solar EPC plays can service.
4. Design and Engineering Skills
Design and engineering are the souls of any solar project. You should always question an EPC if their design and engineering department is outsourced or in-house.
An in-house design and engineering team ensures the stability and robustness of your solar project. This is because such in-house teams can be approached anytime during and even after the installation.
Hence, you should most probably prefer an EPC company that has an in-house design and engineering team. It will help in the faster delivery of your project.
Also Read: How to Evaluate Solar Panels with 5 Key Parameters
5. Keeping Up With the Latest Technological Trends
While looking for a good solar EPC company, you should check if the company is up-to-date with what’s going on in the solar world. You should enquire if they have updated cell efficiencies and if they are offering future-proof panels or not.
6. Craftmanship and Previous Customer Check
You should also check the craftsmanship and quality of the products that the EPC company would be delivering. It is to ensure that the company has done a good job. It is advisable to do a previous customer reference check, to look for previous site photographs or videos, and also to check if the company has decent testimonials.
Also See: What is RF Energy Harvesting?
7. Safety Record at Sites
This is one of the most neglected aspects of any solar project but you shouldn’t neglect this. Always take the safety of workers into consideration and check what safety precautions the solar EPC company takes into consideration. This helps you see how serious the company is about site safety.
Check if the solar company is approved by the government, do they have the necessary approvals and certifications, and do they have all the paperwork and compliance approved by the government. With this, you should have learned how to choose the right solar EPC.
What are the Advantages of EPC Projects?
These are some advantages of EPC projects-
- If you choose an EPC solar company to do the solar project for you then you’ll have to invest less time and resources.
- Since everything depends on a single company, it is easier to ensure the completion of deadlines.
- In EPC, there is a requirement for a single team which reduces costs and makes it possible for you to establish a fixed amount in advance.
- In EPC, fewer parts are involved and thus there is greater control of risks.
- In EPC, you are associated with an experienced partner and thus it lets you obtain better financing conditions.
- Usually, EPC companies have a high level of specialization in all phases of the process as well as a network of strategic allies. This helps them mitigate risks and also facilitates their work.
Also Read: 3 Amorphous Solar Panels Advantages and Disadvantages
What is Solar EPC Cost?
Different EPC companies have different price quotations. Moreover, the solar EPC cost differs based on company type, geography, and the services the company provides. In some countries, the solar EPC cost can start from around 600$. With this, you have learned the most important aspects of solar EPC.
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