What Is an EPC?

In some areas, Project Solar uses EPC partners to install our systems. “EPC” stands for engineering, procurement, and construction. This article explains what EPCs are and outlines the process for EPC customers with Project Solar.

With most of our customers, 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 some of our projects, we use Engineering, Procurement, and Construction partners, or EPCs. 

EPCs use a slightly different “Sales Dealer” model, where our 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 Support 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, a dedicated Onboarding Specialist will work with you to finalize a design and gather any required information from you to complete the process.

Then, your Onboarding Specialist 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 Success Team.

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 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 Success Team so we can assist you with your project:

Customer Success Contact Information

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 projects are handled 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.