Approach
From the first check to a running installation.
Four steps for you, eight phases in our work. After each step you have a tangible result and decide how to continue — the first phase runs before we even speak. You can stop at any point; the result stays usable, even without us.
Project path · the phases as a line
Order
Why the order decides the cost.
Most of the extra cost in energy projects does not come from construction. It comes from decisions taken too early. A system size without a load profile, a grid enquiry after the contract award, a battery without a load profile: every one of those can only be corrected expensively later.
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01
Measure first, plan second
The load profile comes first, not the product.
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02
Ask early what the grid allows
The grid operator's answer limits everything that follows.
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03
Calculate variants, then decide
Two or three variants against each other, instead of one recommendation.
Phase 01 · before the first contact
The first conversation does not start from zero.
GFG Energy works with a system of its own in which sites are ranked before the first contact: areas are captured from map data, a rough estimate of the potential and a first rating are already there. So in the first conversation we do not talk in generalities, but about your site.
This early assessment replaces no analysis. It rests on map data, not on your load profile — it becomes reliable in phase 03.
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Areas captured
Roof and open areas are taken from map data and roughly assessed.
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01
Potential estimated
A first order of magnitude for what would be possible at this site.
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02
Ranked
A rating shows how promising a site looks at first sight.
Sequence
The four steps in eight phases.
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01Step 1 · Check the site
Site rating in our system
The sequence starts before you know us. Areas are captured from map data, roughly assessed and given a first estimate of the potential. When we approach you, we already know what we are talking about.
What you get- Captured roof and open areas
- A rough order of magnitude for the potential
- A rating for the site
What we need from you- Nothing. The ranking happens without you.
An estimate from map data, not a planning basis. It becomes reliable in phase 03.
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02Step 1 · Check the site
First conversation
We show what we see at your site, and we listen: what is consumed, what is planned, what is pressing? Afterwards you know which questions have to be answered first.
What you get- Our early assessment of your site
- A reading of the starting position
- A proposal for the next steps, in writing
What we need from you- Around 30 minutes. No preparation needed.
Not a meeting where we start from zero — the basis is already on the table.
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03Step 1 · Check the site
Site analysis with your data
Now the data only you have comes in: load profile, structural details, existing documentation. Only then does it become clear which system size really makes sense and where self-consumption lies.
What you get- Analysis of the load profile
- A sound assessment of the areas
- An assessment of the grid situation
- A potential statement per site
What we need from you- Load profile in quarter-hourly values
- Roof drawings or an aerial photo
- Structural data, where available
The load profile can be requested from the metering operator. We tell you how.
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04Step 2 · Concept and design
Engineering design
The analysis becomes a system concept: layout, orientation, inverter concept, integration into the existing electrical system, locations for storage and charge points.
What you get- System concept with variants
- Layout plan
- Interfaces to the existing installation
What we need from you- Circuit diagrams or existing documentation
- Access for a site visit
Design is the basis for sound offers — not the other way round.
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05Step 2 · Concept and design
Grid and permits
File the connection request, obtain and interpret the grid operator's response, settle the permitting questions. What comes out of this determines size and schedule.
What you get- A filed connection request
- An interpretation of the response
- An overview of open permitting questions
What we need from you- Authorisation to deal with the grid operator on your behalf
The deadlines belong to the grid operator. Filing early is the only lever.
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06Step 2 · Concept and design
Business case and structure
The variants are calculated: self-consumption, peak loads, feed-in, operating cost — and what happens to the rest of the supply that does not come from the roof. In parallel we settle which project structure suits the company.
What you get- A business case per variant
- A proposed project structure
- A basis for talks with finance partners
What we need from you- Supply contract and price components
- The company's investment objectives
We calculate variants, not promises. A negative result is a result too.
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07Step 3 · Delivery
Delivery
Tendering, comparison of offers, award, supervision of the works through to commissioning. You choose the specialist firms; we prepare the decision and take responsibility for the interfaces between roof, electrics and grid connection.
What you get- Tender documents
- A comparison of offers on one basis
- Supervision through to commissioning
What we need from you- A decision on variant and structure
Offers become comparable because the basis is settled beforehand.
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08Step 4 · Operation and optimisation
Operation
After commissioning, what counts is whether the plant does what was calculated: monitoring, adjustment of the operating mode and, where it makes sense, marketing — but only on the parts the site does not need itself.
What you get- Monitoring concept
- Comparison of target and actual
- Proposals for optimisation
What we need from you- Access to the operating data
A battery running the wrong way costs money without anyone noticing.
Principle
The sequence starts before you know us. And every phase ends with a decision.
That is why each phase ends with a result that stands on its own.
What you end up holding
Documents that can be worked with.
Every result is prepared so that your planners, installers or finance partners can work with it — even if you do not take the next phase with us.
| Document | From which phase | What for |
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| 01Site assessment | Phase 01 | A basis for the conversation, before the first meeting |
| 02Analysis report | Phase 03 | The basis for every decision that follows |
| 03System concept with variants | Phase 04 | Tendering and comparison of offers |
| 04Connection request and response | Phase 05 | A binding framework for size and schedule |
| 05Business case | Phase 06 | The investment decision, talks with banks |
| 06Tender documents | Phase 07 | Award to specialist firms |
| 07Monitoring concept | Phase 08 | Operation and adjustment |
Frequent questions
What people usually ask about the approach.
01 Can we join in the middle of the sequence?
Yes. If an analysis or a design already exists, we check whether it holds and build on it. If a basis is missing, we say so before building on it.
02 How long does the whole sequence take?
That depends on three things: how quickly the load profile and drawings are available, how long the grid operator takes to respond, and how quickly decisions are made internally. The first two phases are usually the fastest; the grid question is the least predictable.
03 Do you also take on site management?
We supervise delivery and keep an eye on the interfaces. The works themselves and the legal duties of site management lie with the contracted specialist firms.
Site check
What is possible at your site?
In a thirty-minute first conversation you get an initial assessment of which combination of solar, battery storage and charging infrastructure could relieve your site. Checking and calculating come afterwards — with your load profile and the grid operator's information.
- Thirty minutes, no preparation, no obligation
- Area and grid potential: what is technically possible
- Financing options: how the project works without your budget
Helpful, but not required
- Load profile or annual consumption
- Roof drawings or an aerial photo
- Your last electricity bill
- Any plans for the site
If you have none of this, that is no obstacle. The load profile can be requested from your metering operator — we tell you how in the conversation.