Energy Audits & System Sizing
Every project starts here. We measure your consumption, model your peak loads, and deliver a comprehensive 30–50 page audit with equipment specifications, permitting timelines, and ROI projections.
What's Included
- 12-Month Consumption Analysis: We review your utility bills and model monthly and daily consumption patterns. Peak loads dictate equipment sizing.
- On-Site Load Assessment: We walk your home/property, photograph electrical panels, identify major appliances, and measure circuit loads with a clamp meter.
- Electrical System Inventory: Panel capacity, wiring gauge, breaker types, existing smart-home devices, and potential conflicts.
- Solar Production Modeling: Using NREL's PVWatts calculator, we forecast your roof's solar potential accounting for Boulder's climate and seasonal sun angles.
- Equipment Recommendations: Specific models and sizing for EV chargers, batteries, solar panels, inverters, and smart controls with cost breakdowns.
- Permitting & Timeline: City of Boulder and utility approval requirements, inspection schedules, and realistic project duration (usually 4–12 weeks).
- ROI & Payback Analysis: Federal tax credits, state incentives, utility rebates, and net-present-value calculations over 10 and 25 years.
The Audit Process (Typical)
- Intake Call (15 min): We discuss your goals, energy concerns, and rough budget.
- Utility Data Review: You forward 12 months of bills. We graph consumption and identify seasonal patterns.
- On-Site Visit (2–3 hours): Load measurements, photographs, roof assessment (for solar), panel inventory.
- Engineering Analysis (1 week): Modeling, equipment selection, cost estimation, permitting requirements.
- Report Delivery & Presentation: We send a complete audit and schedule a 1-hour walkthrough call to discuss recommendations and answer questions.
Cost & Next Steps
Energy Audit Fee: $500–$1,200 depending on property complexity and system scope. If you proceed with installation, we apply 50% of the audit fee toward project costs.
What Comes Next: After reviewing the audit, you'll have a clear picture of your options, costs, and payback. Many clients use the audit to apply for financing (solar loans, HELOC, or PACE programs). Some request detailed design proposals for specific services. We're here to support whatever decision you make.
References
- NREL PVWatts Calculator — Solar production modeling
- City of Boulder — Building codes and electrical permits
- U.S. Department of Energy — Energy efficiency resources
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory — Energy research and data