Our role in most projects is bridge the gap between engineers, architects, and contractors and the solar energy systems they wish to design or install. In most cases we do not install or directly supervise the installation of systems we design and specify, but instead enable the existing trades to do so through the transfer of knowledge on system design and operation. In the areas of performance analysis and controls development that are particularly specialized, we provide turnkey services. Our preference is always to enable individuals to do as much of the work as they are comfortable with and step in when necessary.

Outside of system design and installation, KDG is able to offer a wide range of services from policy analysis to putting on training seminars. We will work with you to define an appropriate scope of work and budget for any project large or small. As many of our clients will attest to, we will then exceed those expectations on time and within the budget.

System Design

Whether you are a small custom home builder trying to specify a solar heating system or a large mechanical contractor wanting to bid on commercial projects, KDG system design services can help you. We are able to provide services from training up through schematics, shop drawings, component specification, submittals, and manuals. For every company that wants to install solar energy system we are able to tailor a set of services to enable them to do just that. These services include but are not limited to:

Performance Analysis

We offer analysis capabilities from simulated performance of standard systems to development of customized simulations and component models. Standard simulations are often performed as part of our system design services. All of our simulation models are developed in-house using the industry standard TRNSYS-16 platform employing open-source code. In addition to running simulations in-house, we can provide proprietary models for clients that are specific to their system designs and requirements.

Controls Development

As an extension of our design services we offer the turnkey specification or physical delivery of optimal controls systems. Often times the development of controls for solar systems is as complicated or more so than the physical components. Controls range from simple setpoint & differential controllers up to multi-function DDC controllers. On larger integrated systems we are able to provide operating logic or psuedo-code that can be implemented into building automation systems such as BACNET™ or LonWorks™.

Energy & Policy Analysis

In the policy arena we have put together white papers and studies on solar thermal for organizations like the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO), California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA), and the US Department of Energy.  Policy work is performed on a case by case basis.  Please consult us for discussions.

Training & Seminars

Our standard seminars range from 30 minute overviews of Solar Water Heating (SWH) up to 8 hour full-day workshops covering the foundations of SWH up through sizing systems and the benefits/drawbacks of different system types.  In addition to our standard stock of presentations, we are able to create presentations and seminars tailored to almost any audience type and topic in the industry.  We are able to provide these seminars at competitive rates because our large existing stock of training materials in house that we have available.  Please feel free to contact us with regards to your needs and we can work up a proposal.

Consulting

We are able to apply many of our areas of expertise outlined above to almost any projects or service that you require.  Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries.