Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

Batikikik
Batikikik Solar Expert Posts: 141 ✭✭✭✭✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
Hello guys ,
I would like you to share with your experience about solar projects.
Estimating and pricing residential projects are simple and a lot easy compare with commercial projects. So i want to know what details and specifications we have to pay attention when you bidding commercial projects.
And what steps are be done when you go commercial porject building analysis ?
Maybe my questions will sound very simple or general, but I think it will be great for everyone if we share our experience and knowledge in this topic.



Thank you
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Comments

  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,017 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    I don't sell through istockphoto any more, but first go pay for your photo or take it down and get one you own the rights to!
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
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  • Batikikik
    Batikikik Solar Expert Posts: 141 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    You are probably right I put this photo long time ago and I have to change it :) .
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  • Batikikik
    Batikikik Solar Expert Posts: 141 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Commercail job estimate.

    To do exact and right estimate for commercial solar projects what other more information you have to know except those?
    1. Building structural engineering report(Roof weight capability).
    2. Supply transformer size and rating.
    3. Main Electric panel Volatge and Amperage rating.
    4. Electrical run distance
    5. solar system designing and pricing


    Share with your experience please .


    Thank you
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,684 admin
    #5
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    Keep this in one thread... Should be easier for everyone to keep replies in the same place.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • icarus
    icarus Solar Expert Posts: 5,436 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    No offense meant,

    But to rely on "business" advice from an web forum seems a bit ... strange.

    Contracting, and estimating is an interesting art, the nuance of which is learned over time. Solar installs are no different. Bidding commercial projects are no different than bidding any other project, and the key is to pay attention to the details (and know what the hidden details are).

    You ask the question, "what details and specs do you need to pay attention to?" The answer is all of them if you expect to be successful.

    Tony
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  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    Have to agree with the above (I know nothing of photo origins, tho).

    Bidding jobs is the key to going out of business or actually making a profit. It is intelectual property which comes with many scars. Unless you are working with some contractor, who likes and trusts you, I'd be surprised if anyone shared very much info.

    Being an apprentice for a few years should help a lot.

    In general, learn your craft, be honest, carefully analize the project, check your bid carefully, hire competent, careful and safe help ... have a license and bond, provide refreshmnts for the inspectors ... and so on ... OH, that is all obvious.

    Good Luck, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,684 admin
    #8
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    And find out why you may have lost a bid (friendly lunch)... We all have learned from our failures. A few of us have even survived them.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #9
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    Bill, that is a very good tip, but it is one of those great secrets!
    Almost 10 K posts, Bill ... WOW !! Thanks, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
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  • Batikikik
    Batikikik Solar Expert Posts: 141 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #10
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    I did post some detail that you have to pay attention which is based on my experience. But I know that there are much more detailes which we have to consider and I would like you guys share with your opinions. Commercial project I mean 100kw and more.


    Thank you
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  • Solar Guppy
    Solar Guppy Solar Expert Posts: 1,989 ✭✭✭
    #11
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    For utility scale project you will need proof you have done it before, have the engineering on staff to deal with the utilities ( different than the building department ) have bonding to cover the job and are certified by the equipment manufactures to install systems of this size

    For example, have you ever installed a 100kw unit for 480V?

    Not a job for 3 guys and a truck
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  • Batikikik
    Batikikik Solar Expert Posts: 141 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #12
    Re: Commercial Project Estimate and Specifications!!

    Dear Solar Goopy,
    I know what you mean when you say truck with 3 guys. I am not. But I did not do any big projects more than 50KW. But I got in to big projects now and we have engineers, energy efficincy specialists, electric bill analysers.
    I respect your experience guys (mostly yours Solar Guppy because I did read your posts) and I want you to help me with your experience on this topic.
    And I will be more than happy to share with you my experience. And that will be proof for you and you will see that I am not a guy with a truck :)
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