Solar & EV Charging Estimating

Yes. If your project combines PV and EV charging, we take off both scopes in one estimate. We separate them by CSI MasterFormat division: Division 26 for solar and Division 33 for EV charging. This lets you see the cost of each system and how they share infrastructure like trenching or panelboards. We also note any shared items, such as a common transformer or service upgrade, so you can allocate costs correctly. For example, if a trench carries both DC feeders for the array and AC feeders for EVSE, we split the trench length and backfill volume proportionally. We also flag any items that are required by one system but benefit the other, like a concrete pad that supports both a transformer and a junction box. This approach prevents double-counting and ensures your bid reflects the true combined scope.

We read the utility's service manual and include line items for metering cabinets, CT cabinets, transformer pads, and service conductors if shown on the drawings. We also add an allowance for coordination fees and any utility-specific requirements, such as a visible disconnect or relay scheme. However, the utility's own transformer and service upgrade are typically excluded and noted as a separate item. You should confirm the utility's requirements early to avoid surprises. For example, some utilities require a lockable AC disconnect within sight of the meter, while others require a gang-operated switch. We capture these devices in Division 26 and note any utility-side work that is outside our scope. This clarity helps you avoid change orders later.

Most solar and EV charging estimates are returned in 24–48 hours. For larger or more complex projects, such as those with battery storage or multiple interconnections, we may need additional time, but we will notify you. Rush service is available for an additional fee. We start as soon as we receive your drawings and specifications, and we flag any missing information immediately so it doesn't delay the takeoff. For example, if the single-line diagram is missing, we will note that we assumed a typical configuration based on the array size and will adjust once the diagram is provided. Our goal is to give you a bid-ready estimate without waiting for every last detail.

Yes. We roll up the total estimate and divide by the system capacity in kW DC and kW AC to give you a cost per watt. This is useful for comparing scenarios or checking against industry benchmarks. The cost per watt includes all materials, labor, and equipment for the scope we estimate. It excludes utility upgrades, structural reinforcement, and other items noted as exclusions. For example, if the estimate totals $200,000 for a 100 kW DC system, the cost per watt is $2.00/W DC. We provide both DC and AC metrics because some incentives and financing tools use AC ratings. This gives you a clear picture of where your project stands relative to typical ranges.

Yes. We estimate standalone EV charging projects, including Level 2 and DC fast charging. We take off the EVSE units, conduit, conductors, trenching, panelboards, and any load management hardware. We also include bollards, wheel stops, and signage. If the project requires a service upgrade or transformer, we include those items if shown on the drawings. For DC fast charging, we count the 480 V feeders, switchgear, and cooling equipment. We also verify ADA compliance for accessible charging spaces, which may require additional clearances and signage. Our takeoff follows the same CSI MasterFormat structure, so you can easily integrate it with your bid.

We estimate solar canopies and carports, including the structural steel, columns, footings, and foundation bolts. We coordinate with our structural steel estimating team to take off the steel by ton and the foundations by CY. We also include the module racking on the canopy and the electrical work. This gives you a complete estimate for the entire canopy structure. For example, we count the steel columns by piece and weight, the base plates and anchor bolts by EA, and the concrete footings by CY. We also include the module rails, clamps, and any wire management trays. If the canopy includes EV charging, we add the EVSE and associated infrastructure. This integrated approach ensures no scope gaps between the structural and electrical packages.

We apply waste factors as separate line items in the estimate, not buried in the quantities. For example, we add 5% waste on rail and 10% on clamps. We also include spare modules (typically 2–5% of the total) and spare fuses or other small components. You can adjust these factors based on your crew's experience. We show the base quantity and the waste quantity so you can see the impact. For instance, if the base rail length is 800 LF and we add 5% waste, the estimate shows 800 LF and 40 LF separately. This transparency helps you negotiate with suppliers and adjust for your specific installation conditions. It also makes it easy to compare bids from different contractors.

Yes, if trenching is part of your scope. We measure trench length, depth, and width to calculate excavation and backfill volumes. We include conduit, pull boxes, and warning tape. We also add a restoration allowance for asphalt or concrete patch if the trench crosses paved areas. If the trench is in rocky soil, we add a rock excavation allowance. Restoration beyond backfill, such as landscaping, is excluded unless specified. For example, a 200 LF trench that is 3 ft deep and 2 ft wide yields 44 CY of excavation. We then add backfill, compaction, and a 4 in concrete patch if it crosses a sidewalk. This level of detail ensures your bid covers the full cost of underground work.

We use Bluebeam Revu for plan markup and quantity takeoff, and PlanSwift for detailed takeoff and pricing. We price with RSMeans data adjusted to your ZIP code. For items not in RSMeans, we use recent supplier quotes or your provided pricing. The estimate is delivered in Excel and PDF, with marked-up plans in Bluebeam format. For example, we mark up the roof plan to show ballast block counts and attachment locations, and the single-line diagram to show conductor sizes and lengths. This gives you a visual record of how we arrived at each quantity. You can also use the marked-up plans for your own bid review or to communicate with your crew.

Yes. We estimate battery storage systems (ESS) as part of the solar scope. We take off the batteries, inverters, conduit, conductors, and any required disconnects or controls. We also include the concrete pad and bollards if needed. Battery storage adds complexity to the single-line diagram, so we carefully review the specifications and include all associated equipment. For example, we count the number of battery modules, the DC combiner, the ESS inverter, and the AC feeder to the main panel. We also include any required ventilation or fire suppression if specified. This ensures your estimate covers the full ESS installation, not just the solar array.

We need the PV layout, single-line diagram, EV charging plan (if applicable), structural details, specifications, utility requirements, and site plan. If any of these are missing, we will let you know and proceed with the available information, noting assumptions. The more complete the documents, the more accurate the estimate. For example, if the structural drawings are not available, we will assume a typical attachment spacing based on the roof type and note that the estimate may change once the structural drawings are provided. We also ask for the utility interconnection manual if you have it, as it often contains specific requirements that affect quantities. Our goal is to give you a reliable estimate even if some details are pending.

Yes, rush service is available. If you need your estimate faster than our standard 24–48 hour turnaround, contact us and we will prioritize your project. Rush fees may apply. We understand that bid deadlines can be tight, so we work with you to meet them. For example, if you have a bid due in 12 hours, we can often deliver a preliminary takeoff within 6–8 hours, with a final estimate to follow. We will also flag any assumptions we made so you can review them before submitting your bid. Our team is experienced in handling rush requests without sacrificing accuracy.

Yes. For rooftop arrays we count ballasted racking rows, roof attachment flashings, and module clamps. For ground-mount we take off pile or helical foundations, DC homerun conduit and wire, combiner boxes, and the DC disconnect at the inverter. We also include the single line diagram equipment: solar inverter, AC disconnect, and interconnection application components. Quantities are referenced to the sheet and detail so you can trace each line back to the drawing set.

Yes. We take off ev charger counts, EVSE load management hardware, bollards and wheel stops, and the conduit and wire from the panel to each stall. We also count the feeder, trenching, and restoration if the run is underground. Division 48 equipment is listed separately, and we note UL 2202 listing requirements for DC fast chargers. If your site has a solar canopy, we coordinate the PV and EV scopes in one takeoff.

We count the utility CT cabinet, metering components, AC disconnect, and the conduit and wire from the inverter to the point of interconnection. We also list the interconnection application as a line item when the utility requires a separate fee. For DC-coupled systems, we include the combiner box and DC disconnect. We do not set utility fees ourselves; we show them as an allowance so you can confirm the current schedule with the utility.