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Design & preconstruction
Solar Design and Energy Planning in Denver
A good solar system starts with your energy use, your roof and your electrical service, not a panel count. We design around all three, then plan the installation as a construction project.
Service scope
What's included
Every project and service request starts with a written scope, so you know what is included before work begins.
- Energy use and utility bill review
- Roof, shading and structural assessment
- System sizing and layout
- Battery storage and backup planning
- Electrical service and interconnection review
- Permit and utility application planning
Understand the assumptions behind the numbers
Production and savings estimates depend on shading, roof orientation, utility rates and how much power you use and when. We show the assumptions behind every estimate, so you can judge them. Estimates are projections, not guarantees.
Check the roof before the panels go on
Solar should outlast the roof under it. If the roof is near the end of its life, it often makes sense to replace it first. We review roof age, condition and structure as part of the design.
Connect the design to the install
Layout, conduit routes, inverter and battery locations and any electrical upgrades are planned together, so the installed system matches the design and passes inspection.
Local knowledge
Solar in the Denver area
Colorado's high altitude and sunny climate are good for solar production. Most Denver-area systems connect through Xcel Energy, which has its own interconnection application, metering and timing. Incentive programs change often, so we review what is currently available for your project rather than promising a number.
Process
How design work runs
Discovery
We walk the property, learn your goals and gather drawings and records.
Plan and price
We define the scope, test it against a budget and outline the schedule.
Coordinate design
Designers, engineers and builders resolve the details together.
Permit and prepare
Submittals, approvals and ordering long-lead items.
Build and hand over
Construction, inspections and the documents you need afterward.
Questions
Questions and answers
How big should my system be?
It depends on your usage, roof space and goals. We size it from your actual utility history.
Will solar eliminate my electric bill?
That cannot be assumed. Utility fees, rates and your usage all affect the result.
Should I add a battery?
It depends on whether you want backup power, rate savings or both. We walk through the tradeoffs.
Do you handle the utility paperwork?
Yes, interconnection and permit applications are part of the project.
Related
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