In the era of energy transition and the growing trend of environmental protection, solar power project implementation has become a top priority. And to successfully implement a solar power project, choosing a reputable EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) general contractor is an important and indispensable factor.
So what is an EPC contract and what criteria should be considered to choose a reliable solar power general contractor? Therefore, in this article, we will learn about EPC contracts and important criteria when choosing a reputable general contractor to implement a solar power project.
What is EPC definition?
EPC stands for Engineering Procurement and Construction, in which Engineering refers to the design, Procurement refers to the supply of materials and technology equipment, and Construction refers to the construction of the project.
What is an EPC contract?
According to Decree No. 37/2015/ND-CP issued on April 22, 2015, there are detailed regulations on construction contracts. An EPC Contract (Engineering Procurement Construction) is a type of contract in the construction field, where a general contractor (EPC Contractor) takes on the responsibility of designing, procuring, and building a project from start to finish. .

In the case of solar power, EPC contracts often apply to large-scale solar power system construction projects . This gives customers (usually businesses, organizations or governments) access to a comprehensive solution from a single contractor.
Regulations on EPC contracts
Purpose of EPC contract

Download EPC Contract Form (Note that the contract is for reference only)
The EPC contract has the goal of creating transparency, clarity and ensuring efficiency for project participants. It clearly defines the responsibilities, rights and obligations of each party during project implementation. This contract also provides a legal framework to resolve disputes that may arise during construction.
Important elements of an EPC contract
Scope of work: The EPC contract should clearly define the work that needs to be performed, including design, procurement of materials and equipment, construction and project operations.
Construction time: The EPC contract should provide a specific schedule for project phases and stipulate completion time.
Contract value: The EPC contract should clearly define the value and payment terms, including prepayments, payment schedule and additional conditions.
Warranty conditions: The EPC contract should stipulate warranty conditions for the solar power system after project completion. This ensures that the general contractor will be responsible for correcting technical errors or deficiencies within a certain period of time after the project is completed.
Dispute resolution methods: The EPC contract should define the dispute resolution process between the parties, including conciliation measures and final decision authority in cases where resolution cannot be reached by agreement.
Contract termination conditions: The EPC contract should clearly stipulate the conditions under which the contract can be terminated prematurely, including serious breach by either party or failure to complete the project due to errors. from the general contractor.
What does EPC general contractor mean?
According to Decree 59/2015/ND-CP, EPC general contractors are companies specializing in providing EPC project services. The EPC general contractor is responsible for implementing the EPC contract, including design, supply of technological equipment and construction.
During the implementation of a construction project, the investor may sign a contract with one or more main contractors. For the winning EPC contractor (EPC general contractor), their responsibility is to complete the entire project. Specifically, they will undertake all work items from the design phase, supply of materials and equipment, construction, to the testing phase and handover of the project for operation.
In addition, the EPC general contractor can perform all the work himself or hire subcontractors to help. (Note that if the General Contractor signs a contract with a subcontractor, it needs to be approved by the investor). The contractor will be responsible for the subcontractor’s items with the investor.
Principles for applying EPC contracts
1. Based on the characteristics, nature and scale of each project, EPC bidding package and the provisions of law, the person with investment decision-making authority decides to apply the EPC contract form to the projects, construction bidding packages and be responsible before the law for the effectiveness of construction investment projects.
2. EPC contracts only apply to projects and construction packages that need to shorten implementation time; Construction projects and packages have high technical and technological requirements and must ensure consistency from design, equipment supply, construction to operation training and transfer. construction.
3. The contractor performing the EPC contract must have sufficient qualifications in terms of experience, financial capacity, practice capacity and operational capacity for the entire scope of work to be performed in the EPC contract, including the ability to resources in: design, equipment supply, training services, operation, technology transfer, construction works according to the provisions of law on construction investment and dossier requirements tenderer. The EPC contractor is not allowed to subcontract more than 60% of the work volume within the scope of the EPC contract.
4. EPC contract cost management must not exceed the EPC contract price signed in accordance with the agreements in the EPC contract.
5. Design documents of projects and bidding packages applying EPC contracts must meet the requirements in Clause 1, Article 54 of Construction Law No. 50/2014/QH13 .
6. The signing and management of EPC contract implementation must be in accordance with the provisions of law on construction contracts.
Important regulations on EPC general contractors that contractors need to understand – Capacity conditions of EPC general contractors
In the field of EPC general contractors, controlling construction methods and means within the entire project is an important requirement. Article 15 of Circular 30/2016/TT-BXD sets out specific obligations for EPC general contractors within the entire project, including:
- Manage the work performed according to the objectives and list of work in the signed contract, ensuring the correctness, completeness and suitability of survey documents, designs, and applicable technical documents .
- Control the progress of work implementation in accordance with the general progress of the project and the signed EPC general contractor contract.
- Control all means and construction methods within the project’s construction site.
- Ensure quality, price and work progress by adding or replacing subcontractors after approval by the investor.
- Manage costs of performing work under the contract, control, pay and adjust contract prices according to agreements in the contract and relevant legal regulations.
- Organize and manage all activities inside and outside the construction site, ensuring safety and efficiency in implementing the EPC general contractor contract. At the same time, coordinate subcontractors to properly use auxiliary works and construction works, avoid waste, protect the site and ensure site security and order.
- Actively cooperate with the investor in organizing training for managers and operational workers to use the project according to the signed contract.
Criteria for selecting a reputable solar power general contractor
#first. Previous project experience and implementation
Evaluating the experience and success of the general contractor in implementing previous solar power projects is an important factor. Check the list of completed projects and ensure that the general contractor has experience in working with solar power systems similar to your requirements.
#2. Certificates and licenses

Ensure that the general contractor has all the necessary certificates and licenses to perform activities related to solar power. This includes occupational safety certificates, technical certificates and construction permits.
| Please see detailed information introducing a reputable solar power installation unit: Introduction – VREnergy
#3. Expert staff
Consider the skills and experience of the general contractor’s expert staff. Make sure they have enough knowledge and skills to design, install and operate solar power systems. Check to see if the team has expert electrical engineers, electromechanical engineers, design engineers and maintenance engineers with experience in the field of solar power.
#4. Trusted partners and suppliers

The general contractor needs to have good relationships with reputable partners and suppliers in the solar power industry . This ensures that they can provide the best equipment, materials and technology for your project.
#5. Assess financial capacity
Make sure that the general contractor has enough financial capacity to carry out your solar power project. Check financial documents, financial reports and evaluate their financial capacity to ensure that they can complete the project without financial risk.
#6. Evaluate reviews and feedback from previous customers
Talk to the general contractor’s previous customers to learn about their experiences. Review reviews, feedback and even refer to completed projects to get a clearer view of the general contractor’s service quality and performance.
#7. Comply with regulations and standards
The general contractor needs to comply with regulations and standards in the solar power industry. They need to have an in-depth understanding of safety, energy efficiency and environmental protection regulations to ensure that the project is carried out in a sustainable and compliant manner.
Note when choosing a solar power general contractor
By choosing a reliable and experienced EPC general contractor, you can ensure that your solar power project will be implemented professionally, reliably and with good performance.
In addition to considering the above criteria, there are a number of other factors that need to be considered when choosing an EPC general contractor for your solar power project:
Project management process
The general contractor needs to have a clear and effective project management process. This ensures that the project will be run systematically and adhere to the plan, schedule and budget.
Quality and reliability

Check the quality of previous projects that the general contractor has performed. This can be demonstrated through quality certificates, reviews from previous customers and the performance of the solar power system over a long period of time.
Products and technology
Evaluate the products and technology used by the general contractor. Ensure that they use the most reliable and efficient components, equipment and technology to ensure the performance and sustainability of the solar power system.
After sales service
Consider the general contractor’s ability to provide after-sales service. They need to be able to support, maintain and repair the solar power system after the project is completed to ensure the performance and longevity of the system.
Project completion time
Evaluate the general contractor’s ability to complete the project within the specified time. This ensures that the project will be implemented on schedule and avoids affecting your plans.
Finally, make a decision based on careful consideration. Choose an EPC general contractor that you trust will meet the requirements and expectations of your solar power project. Contact your chosen general contractor to discuss contract terms in detail, including scope of work, timeline, price and other commitments.
Prestigious and professional solar power general contractor
If you are aiming to find an EPC general contractor for solar power projects for businesses in matters ranging from product selection, design, installation, operation and maintenance of solar power systems , then VREnergy is the best choice for you!
We always design OWN solutions for businesses looking for a reputable general contractor to improve the operation of solar power systems!
Product quality and technology
VREnergy aims to bring customers leading products and technology in the solar power industry. This unit focuses on using reliable components and equipment, ensuring the performance and sustainability of solar power systems.
Professional technical team
VREnergy is proud to have a technical team with rich experience and expertise in the field of solar power. VREnergy’s technical staff are well-trained and master advanced processes and methods in designing, installing and maintaining solar power systems.
Comprehensive solution consulting
VREnergy provides comprehensive solution consulting for solar power projects, including financial, product and legal consulting. This ensures that customers have in-depth support and advice from the planning stage through to project implementation.
Warranty and after-sales service
VREnergy is committed to providing good warranty and after-sales service to customers. They ensure that the solar power system is maintained and operates optimally after the project is completed. This includes fast and reliable maintenance, repairs and technical support.

With the above factors, VREnergy has built a reputation as a reliable and quality solar power project general contractor. VREnergy’s professionalism, dedication and commitment ensure that customers will receive the best advice and support from the selection stage to project completion.
With more than 5 years of industry experience, VREnergy has successfully implemented many large-scale solar power projects. VREnergy’s specialized technical team will ensure that your project is implemented accurately and efficiently, meeting high quality standards and business expectations.
Please tell us what your business is interested in. The rest VREnergy will work with you specifically with a detailed solar power project construction plan!


