April 2025 · 10 min read · By Emre Kaya, Chief Engineer

One of the most common questions we hear from prospective clients is: "I want solar panels on my factory roof — how does this actually work?" The solar EPC process involves engineering, procurement, construction, and post-installation services, and for a first-time buyer it can seem like a black box. This article aims to make it transparent, phase by phase.

Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Site Survey (Week 1–2)

The process begins with a phone call or meeting where we discuss your energy consumption, roof type, available area, financial goals, and preferred timeline. Within 24–48 hours, we schedule a free on-site assessment. Our engineer will:

  • Measure and photograph the roof or land area
  • Assess structural condition and load-bearing capacity
  • Record GPS coordinates and run a preliminary shadow analysis
  • Inspect the electrical main distribution board and meter panel
  • Review 12 months of electricity invoices to extract load profiles

What you need to provide: site access, 12 months of electricity bills, roof plans or building drawings (if available).

Phase 2: Engineering & Proposal (Week 2–4)

Back in the office, our engineers run a full PVsyst simulation using satellite-calibrated TMY3 meteorological data. The output includes:

  • System layout drawing (panel placement, string configuration, inverter locations)
  • P50 and P90 annual energy yield estimates
  • Monthly generation profile vs. consumption profile
  • 25-year financial model: NPV, IRR, payback, cumulative savings
  • Equipment specification with Tier-1 alternatives
  • Indicative EPC price (fixed-price contract)

We present this in a structured proposal meeting. No hard sell — just numbers. If the numbers work for you, we proceed. If not, we part as friends.

Phase 3: Contract & Permitting (Week 4–10)

After contract signing, two parallel tracks begin:

Building Permit Track: We prepare the architectural and structural drawings required by the municipality. In Antalya, industrial rooftop solar permits typically take 4–8 weeks. We handle the entire application and follow-up.

TEDAŞ Grid Connection Track: We submit the net metering connection application to TEDAŞ Antalya Distribution. This includes a completed application form, electrical single-line diagram, and building permit reference. TEDAŞ issues the Connection Agreement within 4–10 weeks.

Phase 4: Procurement (Week 6–10)

In parallel with permitting, we order equipment. Our standing supply agreements with Jinko, LONGi, Huawei, SMA, and racking manufacturers mean 4–6 week delivery for most projects. For large projects (>1 MWp), we sequence equipment delivery to arrive just-in-time for installation.

Phase 5: Installation (Week 10–16)

Our certified installation crew takes over. A typical 500 kWp installation runs 10–15 working days. The sequence is:

  1. Racking system installation (rail mounting on roof profile or concrete ballast blocks)
  2. Panel mounting and inter-row connection clips
  3. DC stringing — connecting strings of 18–24 panels in series
  4. DC cable routing to inverter room (trunking or conduit)
  5. Inverter installation, earthing, and surge protection
  6. AC connection to main distribution board
  7. SCADA wiring and communication cabling
  8. Earthing and lightning protection system

EHS compliance is managed throughout: all operatives wear harnesses on roofs, confined spaces are assessed, and a daily safety brief is conducted. We provide a complete EHS file to the client on project handover.

Phase 6: Commissioning & TEDAŞ Inspection (Week 14–18)

Before connecting to the grid, we conduct pre-commissioning tests: IV curve tracing for each string (using a Solmetric SunsEye tracer), insulation resistance tests, earth continuity checks, and inverter self-test. A Commissioning Report is prepared.

We then coordinate with TEDAŞ for the official grid commissioning inspection. A TEDAŞ engineer visits the site, verifies the installation against the Connection Agreement, and activates the bidirectional smart meter. This typically takes 2–4 weeks to schedule after our application.

Phase 7: Handover & O&M (Week 16+)

Client receives: As-built drawings, equipment warranties, O&M manual, SCADA login credentials, and the signed TEDAŞ Commissioning Protocol. We conduct a 2-hour training session on the monitoring platform.

From day one of operation, your system generates electricity and your savings begin accruing. If you have an O&M contract with us, we start monthly monitoring reports and schedule the first preventive maintenance visit at 6 months.

Total Timeline Summary

PhaseDurationClient Action Required
Site Survey & Proposal1–2 weeksProvide bills & site access
Contract & Permitting4–8 weeksSign contract, provide building deed
Procurement4–6 weeks (parallel)Pay deposit per payment schedule
Installation2–4 weeksProvide site access, inform staff
TEDAŞ Commissioning2–4 weeksBe present for inspection
Total (typical)12–18 weeks

Key Tips for a Smooth EPC Project

  • Gather 12 months of electricity bills before the first meeting — this is the most important data input
  • Check your building's registered use class (imar durumu) early — some municipality zones have special permit requirements
  • Ensure your electrical main distribution board has space for solar integration; if not, budget for a switchgear upgrade
  • Confirm TEDAŞ meter location and whether a new bidirectional meter will require any civil work
  • Plan the installation schedule to avoid critical production periods (holiday shutdowns or peak season)

Ready to Start Your EPC Project?

Contact our team for a free site survey and proposal — typically delivered within 5 working days of the visit.

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