Your business, property and solar needs are unique. Solar Advisory Group (SAG) provides two distinct Solar Consulting packages to best aid their clients. The first package is a sole source, turn-key solution. The second package provides Request For Proposal services, where a competitive bid environment is created.
In the sole source consulting package, Solar Advisory Group will provide a turnkey solar developer solution. Engineering, Procurement and Construction services will all be delivered through SAG and its partners. For more information on SAG’s sole source, turnkey solution, please visit our solar installation page.
SAG’s competitive bid solar consulting package is segmented into four phases:
1) Goals Investigation, Energy Consumption Evaluation, Solar Incentive Analysis & Cost Estimating
2) Facility Assessment & Financial Modeling
3) RFP Creation and Evaluation
4) Solar Integration Project Management
Phase 1:
Goals Identification
In order to specify project requirements, it is vital for Solar Advisory Group to fully understand the goals of their clients. Savings from avoidance of electrical purchases is self explanatory and an obvious priority. However, understanding and prioritizing other goals and objectives is paramount in the planning process.
Utilizing materials manufactured in the USA, working with vertically integrated manufacturers, flexibility in lease terms, project duration, long term goals of utilizing photovoltaic technology (passed 20 years), etc. There are several variables involved in the planning of a photovoltaic system and prioritizing objectives can create a clear path to making decisions.
Energy Consumption Evaluation
This evaluation is needed to determine the amount of energy needed from a solar solution. It may be possible that the energy needed can not be produced by solar, given the available roof space, or land space. In addition, costs associated with purchasing power from the existing utility provider, along with the rate provided are taken into consideration.
City/State Solar Incentive Analysis & Cost Estimating
With renewable energy being mandated by the Federal and State governments, incentives are available to those integrating solar as a form of self generated power. Grants, tax credits and bonus depreciation may be available dependent on the location, size and time of the installation. In addition, SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) programs are on a state by state basis, along with the states RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) mandates on energy providers. We can identify the proper solution based on geographic advantages and challenges.
Understanding the energy consumed, peak usage and its cost at each center will set a baseline for power generation. Coupling this with available roof space for a solar array will serve as the foundation for estimating costs, potential power generation and utility offset.
If the project doesn’t pencil out at the conclusion of Phase 1, the remaining phases aren’t needed and won’t be executed.
Phase 2:
Property/Facility Examination
Spatial Considerations
The available square footage of the proposed rooftop based on a live roof walk will dictate potential size of a solar array. A lack of available space will prohibit PV installation.
Location
Measuring solar access from the location will help specific available PV. Shade-causing obstructions can drastically alter performance and also dictate technology application (specific modules perform better in shaded areas). Shade-reduction strategies can also be identified to promote system performance.
Power Inversion and Interconnectivity
Positioning the inverters, running of lines, monitoring equipment and interconnectivity will be dictated by the existing infrastructure of power connectivity. Any irregularities, show-stoppers or issues that could result in increased design and installation complexity should be identified prior to bid acceptance.
Analyzing the above mentioned data will assist in forecasting ongoing utility charges, reclassification of energy consumption, power generation and financial modeling based on potential financed solutions.
Phase 3:
Request For Proposal Creation & Evaluation
All of the data and information collected during the previous phases will determine the specifications of the RFP. It is estimated that no fewer than two (2) bidders shall receive the RFP for each facility.
Materials
If there are limiting variables at play (weight challenged roof, shading, power needs to offset consumption, peak performance in specified DNI, etc), technology may be specified in the RFP. This will indicate to all bidders that their proposals must utilize the specified technology. If there are fewer limiting variables, the RFP may suggest multiple materials to choose from, allowing the bidders to select from a specified list. If there are practically no limiting variables, the bidders will be allowed to specify their own technology. Warranties, bankability and degradation all play into technology selection.
Installation
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) is often dictated by the technology needed, based on the project requirements. As stated above, if there is specified technology, it may alter the process of EPC. Some manufacturers will only take on projects where they are involved in the vertically integrated EPC model. The RFP would go directly to the manufacturer. Their network of installers is certified to use their products and often times their products (modules, racking systems, etc) are pre-engineered. This results in lowered installation/labor costs, but alters the RFP process. Familiarity with the PV system is an important consideration in the quality of installation. All designing, permitting, regulation, interconnectivity, monitoring, maintenance and scheduling will be specified in the RFP, regardless of whom is performing each service (In house structural may or may not be needed).
Finance
Installing a solar system can be expensive and prohibitive. Costly panels, expensive labor and routine maintenance can add up to a large figure, that’s difficult to digest. A huge barrier to solar installation has always been the length of time a company will realize their ROI. After goals and objectives identification, the need for alternative finance partners may exist. With financing options available to our clients, upfront costs can be eliminated allowing for solar installation to be economically achievable. A true cost of ownership evaluation will determine the most feasible financing scenario.
Phase 4:
Solar Integration Project Management
SAG will act as the owner liaison for communication with all parties and activities during the installation process. Upon selection of proposal, SAG will plan and schedule all activities with the selected contractor(s) and ensure all qualitative standards are met and the project is completed during the desired time frame.
A SAG project manager will be on-site during a majority of all installation activity and will provide weekly reporting to client’s personnel regarding progress, impediments and changes in timeline.
This process allows the client one point of contact, who is most familiar with project objectives, technology and unique requirements.
