Building a solar installation is your dream, Briscon not only help you to generate power, but also moving you to the forefront of an energy revolution. However, you’re asking yourself how to do it, and who can help? There are many aspects that can derail a project that, on paper, pencils out to be a good investment. Factors such as design schedule delays, material procurement issues, and on to final construction issues can all contribute to a poorly run project that will end up making you wish you had never started.

So that begs the question, what kind of person or company can help from the start of a project? This may be an option where Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC) consultants can step in and come to your rescue. If you’re lost, an EPC can help you find your direction.

What Is An EPC?

EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement & Construction defines the stages of the project and how it is executed. The various type of implementation techniques available are EPC, E/PC, EP/C and E/P/C. In its purest form, EPC can be combined in several ways. Each arrangement detailed below is individual in its application, you can combine any of the three aspects will imply different strategies in how you approach your project.

• EPC: This is the most straightforward form of EPC, where you hire a firm to design your system, procure the equipment and construct the site. Everything is done under one contract, leaving you with one bill to pay.
• E/PC: If you are not comfortable handing off your whole project to one firm, you could choose to keep the engineering in-house, subcontracting out procurement and construction.
• EP/C: Another option is to keep engineering in-house and purchase major equipment, then hiring a contractor to purchase minor equipment and construct the installation.
• E/P/C: If you are a serious micromanager and are uncomfortable with giving one institution, including your own, full authority on a project, you can hire three different parties and let them each handle one task.

Which form to choose is dependent on your individual project goals. Each one has its advantages and has been listed in increasing order of your employees’ engagement and time requirements. Firms capable of providing EPC services have bonding abilities to cover the full engineering, procurement and construction of your project.

Why Go the EPC Route?

From a customer or investor stand point, where knowledge may be limited, it is often easier to go the EPC route, as you only have one contract and you rely on a competent firm to take care of the project’s details. With one contract, you typically only have one point of contact, which relays into one meeting and ultimately takes less of your time. If you are less concerned about operation and more concerned about getting your project built, EPC is the route for you.Generally, with a true EPC, you are going to get the sub-consultants your EPC consultant chooses. You may end up with more sub-consultants that you expected, however this is part of the EPC consultant’s role, which is to get the project completed at the price and schedule you agreed to.

Choosing an EPC Consultant

A good EPC will have a strong capability in one or more of the three areas: engineering, construction or procurement. When it comes down to it, you need an EPC firm you can trust. EPC firms typically move fast, often faster than you can keep up with. You need to trust that they are acting in your best interest and that they are invested in making sure you are successful.You need a firm that is rooted with good communication practices, a firm which focus on educating their clients so you leave the process better informed. than when you came in. Ask around your industry community and start the conversation and relationships before you get started. People generally recommend firms who they trust and good firms with good reputations are widely known.

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