Now that we’ve made the wise decision to switch to solar energy, you may bewondering exactly what to expect from your solar panel installation.
The good news is that you don’t need to do a thing because we take care of everything. To get started, simply book in the consultation, and soon you can look forward to saving money by using clean energy.
Read our summary to find out what you can expect during your solar installation.
Step 1. In-home Consultation and General Site Visit
Our process starts with an in-home consultation by a solar installer professional. The consultation includes assessing your electricity usage (you’ll need six to 12 months’ worth of utility bills) to see how cost-effective solar is for your home.
In addition, the solar installer professional will do a general site visit to evaluate your property for solar panel suitability. This includes checking:
- The roof types
- The angle of the roof
- Location and size of shading (due to trees or buildings)
- Suitable solar panel layout and quantity
Step 2. Permits, Documentation, and Your Solar Agreement
Once you confirm which solar company to work with and the number and type of panels, the next step is to get the paperwork sorted. Luckily, the paperwork is done by the solar installer.
Your solar installer will discuss the Solar Agreement, warranties, and describe your financial options, which may include solar leasing, cash purchasing, loans, or power purchase agreements.
In addition to signing your Solar Agreement, you will need to fill out paperwork for building permits. As the permits are specific to where you live, your installer can guide you with identifying which permit(s) you need. They will know the restrictions and requirements of your State and local municipalities. In most cases, your installer can fill out the permit paperwork on your behalf.
Step 3. Engineering Inspection and Solar Design
After signing your Solar Agreement, the next step is the Engineering Inspection, which will happen shortly after signing with your installer.
During this visit, a qualified engineer will inspect your property to:
- Evaluate the condition of your roof to check that it’s structurally sound to carry the solar panels
- Check the electrical meter to see if it is compatible with your chosen solar energy system
- Take accurate measurements of your roof, including the orientation, size, and pitch
- Identify shaded areas that may impact the solar panels
Once all these details are taken, the solar installer will prepare a customized design to suit your roof shape, size, and electrical requirements.
Step 4. Ordering Equipment
The next step for your installer is ordering the equipment. This includes the solar panels, inverter, roof connector feet, mounting rails, clamps, pipes, and flashings. The installation equipment is designed to suit your roof material (tin, tiled, or slate) to ensure your roof is undamaged and stays waterproof.
Once the equipment arrives and the permits are approved, your installer will call to arrange the on-site installation.
Step 5. Solar Panel Installation
This step is action day; your solar installation team arrives to install your solar system.
The solar panel installation includes the following steps:
- The first thing your friendly installers will do (after introducing themselves)
is to ask for access to your electrical panel and your roof attic. - They will set up the work zones on the ground with tape to ensure you and
your children don’t get hurt. - They will install safety ropes or barriers on the roof
- Install the roof mounting rails on your roof with the relevant roof feet. These rails are the support for your panels.
- Securely seal all holes in the roof at the end of the rail installation
- Install electrical equipment – this includes a solar inverter, a meter, electrical conduits, and wiring.
- Install your solar panels onto the mounting rails
- Connect the solar panels to your solar inverter
- Connect the solar battery to your solar inverter (if you purchased a battery)
- Remove all tools and clean up your yard
Depending on how large your solar system is, this step may take one to five days.
Step 6. Solar Activation
The final step is to switch on your solar system. Please note that some municipalities require a final inspection before the utility company allows the solar system to be connected to the grid.
Once this has been and you are connected to the grid, you will get cleaner energy immediately.
Your energy cost savings will start to show in your utility bills within a few months.
Congratulations – you’re now set to have clean, renewable energy for your home.
Ready to install solar on your home?
If you are considering installing solar panels, but don’t know where to start, contact us. We will put you in touch with a prequalified local solar provider who can help.
We match professional local solar providers and installers with residents.
