Context
Why planning comes first
Solar and backup projects get expensive when goals are unclear and equipment decisions happen too early. A planning-first review creates a consistent basis for comparing options, controlling scope, and reducing rework.
- Competing proposals that assume different usage, autonomy, or backup expectations.
- Uncertainty around winter performance, shading, or mounting constraints.
- Questions about batteries: what they cover, and for how long.
- Generator integration decisions (or whether it is needed).
- Remote site constraints: access, maintenance, and reliability expectations.
- Need for a clear decision path before selecting equipment or vendors.
Scope
What this service can include
The engagement is scoped to match your objectives and constraints. Typical outputs focus on assumptions, options, implications, and a clear path forward.
Goals and constraints
Clarify what the system must accomplish and what the site can realistically support.
Usage and load profile
Critical loads, seasonality, and future loads—documented so decisions are traceable.
Architecture options
Grid-tied vs. hybrid vs. off-grid approaches compared with practical tradeoffs.
Storage and inverter strategy
Battery sizing logic, autonomy expectations, and operational considerations.
Mounting and site implications
Shading considerations and roof vs. ground-mount implications for performance and buildability.
Decision gates
Define what must be decided next and what information should be gathered before procurement.
Good fit
Who this is for
Structured support for owners and project teams who want clarity before committing to hardware or scope.
- Remote properties needing dependable, maintainable power planning.
- Homes exploring backup power without oversizing batteries.
- Sites with shading or roof constraints deciding roof vs. ground mount.
- Owners considering generator integration for reliability and cost control.
- Teams comparing proposals that use different assumptions or components.
Inputs
What is typically requested
Inputs vary by scope. If everything is not available, reviews can still begin with photos, a basic usage estimate, and a list of priorities.
- Recent utility bills, generator runtime/fuel usage, or a basic usage estimate.
- List of critical loads and what backup power must cover.
- Photos of service equipment, roof planes, and available mounting space.
- Any constraints: access, layout limitations, community requirements, or equipment location limits.
Engagement
How the engagement is structured
A simple process designed to keep scope tight and recommendations grounded in goals and constraints.
- Intake: goals, constraints, and available documents/photos.
- Review: usage and options compared with assumptions stated clearly.
- Recommendations: a summary with tradeoffs and decision gates.
- Next steps: what to request from vendors and what to decide before procurement.
How to use this
Using this work to make decisions
The intent is to provide a clean, readable basis for choosing an approach and moving forward confidently, with assumptions and constraints made explicit.
- Comparable: proposals and options can be evaluated on consistent assumptions.
- Traceable: key inputs and constraints are documented for future reference.
- Practical: focus stays on what will work on the site and what decisions matter next.
- Scalable: scope can be set to match early-stage planning or more detailed documentation as required.
Outcomes
What teams walk away with
A practical understanding of what will work on the site, what it will take to get there, and which decisions matter most.
- Clear path: grid-tied, hybrid, or off-grid—with rationale.
- Right-sized expectations for batteries and autonomy.
- Documented assumptions that can be reused with vendors.
- Next-step checklist to keep the project moving.
Pricing guidance
Budgeting for consulting work
Fees depend on property complexity, documentation quality, and how many scenarios are compared. Final scope and fee are confirmed after intake.
What affects cost
Remote site access, system complexity, number of scenarios, and how much existing documentation is available.
Typical output
A written summary of assumptions, options, constraints, and recommended next steps.
FAQ
Common questions
Can a vendor proposal be reviewed?
Yes. Reviews focus on assumptions, constraints, and whether the proposed approach matches the stated goals and site realities.
Is off-grid planning available for cabins and remote properties?
Yes. The emphasis is reliability, maintainability, seasonal performance, and realistic expectations for autonomy.
Are drawings required to start?
No. Photos, basic usage context, and a list of critical loads are often enough to begin.
What if the goal is backup power (not full solar)?
That is common. The same planning approach applies: define goals, compare options, and right-size the solution.
Can the scope be expanded for more detailed documentation?
Yes. Scope is set based on what the project requires, including the level of documentation needed for decision-making and downstream steps.
Can this lead into installation work later?
It can. If the project proceeds into detailed design or installation, those scopes are typically defined and quoted separately.
Next steps
Request scope and fee
Share the property location, what the system must do (backup vs. off-grid), and any photos or documents already available. You will receive the recommended next step and any additional information needed to scope the work.
Use the main contact form: Contact.
Start here
Use the contact form and include goals, constraints, and any known loads.
Request scope and feeHelpful to include
- Backup goals (what must stay on)
- Utility bills or generator runtime
- Site photos (service, roof, available space)
- Timeline and any constraints