We’ve been throwing out the word “solar companies” a lot in our articles – and chances are, you’ve been using it too as you search for professionals to install your solar system. But what you may not realize is that “solar company” is a loose term that can mean a lot of things.
Some companies only sell equipment, while others strictly handle installations only. But there’s one type of solar provider that takes care of everything, from planning and design to installation and maintenance – that’s where a Solar EPC comes in.
In this article, we’ll explain what a Solar EPC is, how it works, and why it may be the best choice for your home solar project.
What is a Solar EPC
A Solar EPC is a company that manages everything involved in installing a solar energy system, from system design to material procurement and installation. In short, they cover Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, as the name suggests.
This makes solar EPC companies a true one-stop solar solution for homeowners.
Instead of juggling multiple vendors – one for design, another for materials, and yet another for installation – you have a single point of contact throughout the entire project and, thus, just one single contract to manage.
If you’re familiar with industries like construction, oil and gas, or energy generation, the EPC structure may not be new to you. In the solar space in particular, the EPC model is designed to make the solar transition as simple and stress-free as possible for homeowners.
How Does Solar EPC Work?
As mentioned earlier, a Solar EPC takes handles the engineering, procurement, and construction of your home solar. Here’s what you can expect from each stage.
Engineering
This is where the system is carefully designed to match your home’s energy needs. Expect your solar EPC company to:
- Assess your roof’s structure and available space
- Determine the best panel size and layout for maximum solar production
- Handle necessary HOA approvals, as well as local and utility permits
Procurement
Once the design is finalized, the EPC company sources the materials for your solar system. They:
- Choose high-quality solar panels, inverters, racking, and solar battery (if necessary)
- Verify that all components are compatible with your system design
- Manage delivery times
Construction
This phase is where the physical installation happens. An EPC company will:
- Install the different solar system components
- Make electrical connections to tie your system into the grid
- Perform system testing to confirm everything works as intended
Beyond what’s mentioned, EPC companies typically offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance to keep your system performing efficiently.
They also assist you with financing options, although they often connect you with their trusted partner companies rather than handle it in-house. This is one area where an EPC may lean on external resources rather than manage everything themselves.
What is the Difference Between Traditional Solar Companies and a Solar EPC?
The difference between traditional solar companies and a Solar EPC boils down to their business model or structure. This dictates what part of the solar process a company handles and how much responsibility they take on.
Let’s take a closer look at how different solar models compare.
Solar Equipment Manufacturers vs Solar EPC
Equipment manufacturers, such as REC and Enphase, focus on producing solar system components at scale, including solar panels, inverters, or mounting hardware.
And while they also provide product warranties that cover defects or performance issues, they typically don’t design solar systems, provide installation services, or manage project timelines
That means, if you buy directly from a manufacturer, you’ll still need someone to design, install, and connect your system.
In some cases, the manufacturer may recommend partner installers in your area who are trained to handle their products. But chances are, you’ll likely have to coordinate with them separately, which is an added step to the process.
An EPC, on the other hand, handles both design and installation as part of their service. So, instead of juggling multiple contacts, you get everything handled under one roof.
Solar Lead Generators vs Solar EPC
Solar lead generators are exactly that – they gather homeowner information and sell those details to solar companies looking for customers, and they don’t install the solar systems themselves.
That means you have very little control over the quality of the companies they refer you to. Some may be reputable, but others might rely on aggressive sales tactics or lack proper credentials.
An EPC company, on the other hand, removes that uncertainty. Since they don’t make money by selling leads, their success depends on delivering quality service and results. And with their reputation on the line, you’re far more likely to get experienced professionals committed to doing the job right.
Solar Dealers vs Solar EPC
Solar dealers are authorized sellers of specific solar brands/manufacturers, with extensive knowledge of the panel specs and related equipment. But much like solar manufacturers, their focus is on selling products rather than managing the entire solar project.
In many cases, solar dealers subcontract the design and installation work to third-party installers. And that could mean having to coordinate separately with their installer.
Meanwhile, with an EPC, everything is handled under one service, making it much easier since you’ll only have one point of contact throughout the entire process.
Solar Installers vs Solar EPC
Solar installers are in charge of the physical installation of your solar panels. Some installers work independently, while others are subcontracted by solar dealers or lead generators.
But here’s the tricky part: They may or may not handle design, permits, or system activation.
But if they do, chances are the installer is actually an EPC company. In fact, many solar installers in the Quote for Solar network provide complete, end-to-end solar services for homeowners.
Solar Brokers vs Solar EPC
Solar brokers act as middlemen, connecting homeowners with solar installers.
Specifically, they assess your home’s energy needs, gather multiple solar quotes (sometimes even negotiating prices or terms), and present you with options to choose from. But, they don’t manage the actual solar project like solar EPCs do.
Still, there’s a lot of value you get working with a solar broker.
Instead of spending hours researching and comparing options on your own, a trusted broker can narrow down the choices for you. We, at Quote for Solar, for instance, only recommend solar EPCs we’ve personally vetted to ensure you’re getting the best quality at the best price.
Solar Financing vs Solar EPC
Solar financing companies provide loans, solar leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs) to help homeowners pay for their systems. However, they don’t handle system design, installation, or project management.
On the opposite end, solar EPCs manage everything about the project – except (typically) financing.
That said, solar EPCs often partner with trusted financing companies to simplify payment processes and offer flexible terms for homeowners.
Pros and Cons of Solar EPC
By now, you’ve heard plenty about the benefits of working with a solar EPC – the one-stop solution, smoother process, and all that. But what does that actually mean in practice? Here’s what you’re really in for when working with an EPC.
Benefits of EPC
- Less finger-pointing when problems arise: An EPC owns the entire project from start to finish. That means if something goes wrong, there’s no back-and-forth between different contractors blaming each other. You know exactly who to call – and they’re the ones responsible for fixing it.
- Fewer compatibility issues: An EPC designs your solar system with installation in mind right from the start. This minimizes the risk of mismatched parts that don’t work well together. The panels, inverters, and other components are chosen to complement each other and deliver the performance you expect.
- Clearer project timelines: Because an EPC keeps everything in-house, they have better control over staffing, scheduling, and project management. This allows them to set clearer timelines and provide realistic expectations for when your system will be up and running.
Drawbacks of EPC
- Less flexibility in choosing specific brands: EPCs often have supplier partnerships and standardized processes. If you have your heart set on a particular brand of premium solar panels, the EPC may not offer them. Or if they do, it could come at an additional cost.
- Potentially higher costs: EPC services can come at a premium, but that’s because you’re getting added value – optimal solar design, reduced errors, and better overall project coordination. You may be paying more upfront, but the improved process can prevent delays or mistakes down the line.
- Relying Solely on One Company: When you hire an EPC, you’re trusting one company to manage every aspect of your solar project. And that’s a risk, especially if they lack experience, cut corners, or struggle with communication.
And that third point is exactly why choosing a reputable EPC with a solid track record is crucial.
Find a Reputable Solar EPC to Handle Your Home Solar
Working with a reputable solar EPC offers plenty of benefits, and it can definitely take a lot of stress off your shoulders, especially if you’re new to solar. But those benefits only come if you choose someone with a solid reputation and a proven track record.
With Quote for Solar, you won’t have to spend days searching for the right EPC. We connect you with reputable solar installers in your area who will provide you with a truly hands-off experience throughout your entire solar transition – from start to finish.
Simply request a quote, and our team will quickly provide you with three vetted solar quotes from trusted installers who are known for their quality workmanship, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing.
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