PROJECT MANAGEMENT 

1. Development & Pre-EPC Handoff

• Validate site control, utility data, and constraints before EPC kickoff

• Confirm interconnection path, voltage, and export limits early

• Lock scope definition (system size, storage, monitoring, exclusions)

• Identify permitting and AHJ risks upfront

• Establish a single source of truth for project documents
  
  

2. Engineering Best Practices

• Perform high-quality site surveys (shade, structure, electrical)

• Design to code + constructability, not minimum compliance

• Standardize equipment families where possible

• Build conservative production models (no inflated assumptions)

• Complete peer reviews before permit submission

• Align engineering with procurement availability
  
  

3. Permitting & Interconnection

• Submit permits and interconnection as early as possible

• Track AHJ-specific requirements and inspector preferences

• Maintain clean revision control on plan sets

• Respond to comments quickly and completely

• Pre-verify labeling, setbacks, and rapid shutdown requirements
  
  

4. Procurement Best Practices

• Lock pricing and availability immediately after design freeze

• Confirm equipment compatibility (panels, inverters, racking)

• Vet suppliers for bankability and warranty strength

• Plan for lead times, substitutions, and contingencies

• Schedule just-in-time deliveries to avoid site congestion

• Inspect materials upon arrival
  
  

5. Construction & Installation

• Conduct a formal pre-construction meeting

• Enforce safety standards (OSHA, fall protection, lockout/tagout)

• Follow engineered drawings exactly—no field improvisation

• Use standardized install checklists

• Protect roof integrity and site condition

• Maintain daily progress reporting
  
  

6. Quality Control (QC)

• Implement QC checkpoints at each major phase

• Verify torque values, wiring, and grounding

• Confirm labeling and placards before inspection

• Photograph all critical install elements

• Fix issues immediately—not after inspection failure

7. Inspections & Commissioning

• Perform internal pre-inspection walkthroughs

• Ensure system matches approved permit set

• Test rapid shutdown, monitoring, and inverter operation

• Prepare complete inspection packets

• Document all approvals and sign-offs

8. Utility Interconnection & PTO

• Submit final inspection documents promptly

• Coordinate meter swaps and utility site visits

• Track PTO status actively (don’t wait passively)

• Confirm billing configuration and net metering setup
  
  

9. Project Closeout & Handover

• Deliver as-built drawings and system documentation

• Provide warranties, manuals, and monitoring access

• Train owners/operators on system use

• Confirm system performance post-PTO

• Close out contracts and financials cleanly

10. Program-Level EPC Best Practices

• Standardize designs, suppliers, and crews

• Track KPIs (cycle time, cost variance, rework rate)

• Maintain strong communication between teams

• Document lessons learned and update SOPs

• Build redundancy in supply chain and staffing
  
  

Key EPC Principles to Remember

• Design drives cost

• Procurement drives schedule

• Construction drives quality

• Process discipline drives scale

Solar EPC 1-Page Checklist

(Engineering • Procurement • Construction)

Pre-EPC Readiness

☐ Site control confirmed
☐ Utility data & interconnection path verified
☐ Project scope finalized (size, equipment, exclusions)
☐ AHJ & permitting risks identified
☐ Project schedule and owner responsibilities defined

Engineering

☐ Site survey completed and reviewed
☐ System layout finalized and constructable
☐ Electrical single-line diagram completed
☐ Structural calculations completed / PE stamp obtained
☐ Equipment approved and compatible
☐ Code compliance verified (NEC, fire, zoning)
☐ Internal design QA/QC completed
☐ Permit-ready plan set issued

Permitting & Interconnection

☐ Building & electrical permits submitted
☐ Utility interconnection application submitted
☐ AHJ comments addressed and approved
☐ Approval to Install (ATI) received (if applicable)

Procurement

☐ Design freeze confirmed
☐ Panels, inverters, racking ordered
☐ BOS materials ordered
☐ Pricing and lead times locked
☐ Logistics and delivery schedule confirmed
☐ Materials inspected upon delivery

Pre-Construction

☐ Pre-construction meeting completed
☐ Final plans distributed to crew
☐ Safety plan reviewed (OSHA, fall protection)
☐ Site access and staging confirmed

Construction

☐ Racking installed per plans
☐ Panels installed and secured
☐ Inverters, disconnects, and conduit installed
☐ Grounding and bonding completed
☐ Labeling installed per NEC
☐ Daily progress documented

Quality Control

☐ Torque values verified
☐ Wiring and terminations verified
☐ Rapid shutdown tested
☐ Monitoring installed and configured
☐ Internal pre-inspection walkthrough completed

Final Inspection

☐ AHJ final inspection scheduled
☐ Inspection passed
☐ Corrections (if any) resolved

Interconnection & PTO

☐ Final inspection docs submitted to utility
☐ Meter swap or utility inspection completed
☐ Permission to Operate (PTO) received

Closeout

☐ System energized and verified
☐ Monitoring access delivered
☐ As-builts and warranties delivered
☐ Owner training completed
☐ Project closed financially