Our Philosophy

Paragon has designed and developed technology and software to aid in the timely collection and assessment of data. Part of the process was based on our utility experience, because we knew what was important, and part of the process was based on engineering/scientific/mathematical experience. The results have been PDA applications for data accrual, software programs to quickly analyze data, software that organizes data and screens it for errors, and modeling software that is program specific (e.g., software to assess low-income program data). Some of the software allows Paragon to greatly speed-up the analysis process and to enhance the accuracy of the results. For example, we can essentially analyze all the data from a refrigerator collection program in about the same time that it would take to analyze a sample.

The data analysis isn’t restricted or limited to power engineering data (kW, kWh, load factor, power factor, etc.) but extends to financial assessments, quality control reviews, program evaluations, and process evaluations. For example, Paragon has developed in-house software to quickly determine benefit-cost ratios. This Total Resource Cost (TRC) model is a set of interactive formulas and calculations that take into account fixed and variable costs, in-house and contract labor, rebates, energy savings, and life time costs and returns. Inputs can be changed to determine the sensitivity of variables and thus, through a “what if” scenario, develop a better potential for success. This software can also be used as a basis to make comparisons between competing programs, or to prepare sensitivity analysis for risk management.