Not every solar installer can deliver a reliable off-grid microgrid. Here are 7 questions to ask before signing an EPC contract.
1. Do you have off-grid project references?
Grid-tied solar is a different discipline entirely. Ask for off-grid project references with verifiable uptime and performance data.
2. Who designs the system?
A qualified electrical engineer should do the load analysis and system sizing, not a salesperson using a spreadsheet tool.
3. What components do you use?
Insist on tier-1 solar panels, reputable inverter brands (SMA, Victron, Deye, Sungrow), and LiFePO4 batteries — not lead-acid.
4. Do you offer remote monitoring?
A cloud-based monitoring platform with real-time alerts is non-negotiable for off-grid sites that are hard to reach.
5. What\’s your O&M offering?
Ask about response times, spare parts stock, and whether the O&M contract includes proactive maintenance or just reactive repairs.
6. Can you handle logistics to remote sites?
Shipping equipment to a mine in West Africa or a telecom tower in the Philippines requires real logistics capability.
7. What warranty do you provide?
Panels: 25-year performance warranty. Inverters: 5-10 years. Batteries: 5-10 years. Labor warranty: at least 2 years.
DragonHelio passes all 7 checks. Get in touch for a feasibility assessment.