If you’ve made the choice to go solar and signed the contract, you might be wondering how soon those panels will be up on your roof.
The good news is that the actual installation of the panels only takes a day or two. However, the rest of the process will take a bit longer.
How quickly a solar company can schedule your installation after you sign the contract depends on many factors — for example, some solar companies have more teams and can handle more installations than others. Even those with multiple crews might have a packed schedule. If you need the installation done quickly due to expiring incentives or tax credits, this could really influence which company you choose.
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about the solar panel installation timeline.
Scheduling and Designing
After deciding to go solar and picking an installer, you’ll sign a contract that usually requires a down payment if you’re paying cash, or a financing approval letter if you’re taking out a loan.
Even if your installer has an open schedule, they can’t just show up the next day to start putting up your panels. Several steps need to happen first.
They must develop a conclusive design plan for the panels and inverters, and include battery storage. Although your installer has previously been to your home, they will return to gather additional measurements and photos to assist with the design.
They will review the local building regulations to confirm that the design adheres to all required permitting standards. Your location may have particular regulations regarding setbacks or the placement of hardware.
In some areas, you can install battery panels just three inches away from doors and windows, while in others, the requirement is three feet.
That is where you, as the homeowner, can help keep things moving smoothly. The installer can’t submit plans for permits until you give the design the green light. If you’re not happy with the design or want to make changes, the installer will need to revise it. They’re fine with that because it’s your house and your long-term commitment, so you should be happy with how it looks. Just make sure you’re ready to review and give feedback quickly.
Acquiring Permits
Once you approve the design, the installer will kick off the local permitting process. How this goes and how long it takes can differ based on where you live. Some local permitting boards might take up to 30 days to process, review, and vote on applications, which can really extend the project timeline.
California has recently introduced same-day permitting through an online portal, which has greatly sped up the permit processing time.
The permitting process might take longer for ground-mounted systems. Local boards could require soil studies, surveys, and other steps that could add extra time. Make sure to discuss with your installer what permitting steps will be necessary before you choose your system, so you’re not surprised later.
Most of the permitting process is pretty straightforward for homeowners, but there are a few important steps you can take to keep things moving smoothly. For instance, if your permitting authority wants you, the homeowner, to apply instead of the installer, make sure to do it quickly. Some boards have deadlines for adding items to the agenda, and if you miss that deadline, you might have to wait another month for approval.
The permitting process can sometimes be complicated, which is why reliable installers often don’t promise installation dates in their contracts.
For example, if the local permitting authority finds out during the application review that your property has unpermitted work done, they might require you to fix those issues first. That doesn’t happen often, but if it does, it could delay your project by weeks or even months.
Installing the Solar Panels
After you’ve approved the design and have your permits, your installer should be able to pick up your panels and equipment from the supplier without a hitch. However, scheduling might be a bit tricky since many reputable installers have several projects lined up.
Another factor that could delay the timeline is any extra work needed to prepare for your solar array. For example, if you’re going for rooftop solar, you’ll need to finish any roof upgrades before installation day. For ground-mounted solar panels, you might need to do some site preparations first, like clearing the area and digging a trench for the conduit line to your house.
Once installation day arrives, things will move quickly. The crew will install the brackets, lift and secure the panels, and handle the necessary power connections in no time. If it’s just panels, the installation usually takes a day. If you’re adding a battery, expect it to take one to two days. For larger systems, it might take a maximum of two to three days.
If your project involves installing a battery, the utility company might need to come out for a “power drop.” That means they’ll temporarily cut the power to your home so the installer can connect the battery or batteries. The timing for these power drops depends entirely on the utility’s schedule, and the installer can’t control it.
Inspections
Your solar panels are up on the roof and looking good, but there are still two steps to go before you can start using solar power in your home. First, the local permitting authority needs to finish any final inspections. Then, the utility company has to give you “permission to operate,” which means it’s officially okay to turn on the panels.
Unfortunately, the timeline for these steps can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your location and whether any issues come up. Inspectors from the local permitting authority usually visit your home within a few days after installation. They check that the system is securely installed, all electrical connections are correct, and that everything meets safety codes.
If you’re a homeowner looking for quotes and want a smooth process, it’s a good idea to check online reviews for any complaints about installations failing inspections. Many installers struggle with this part if they don’t stay on top of things, which can lead to delays of weeks before they can come back and fix any issues. That’s how those two-month delays can happen.
Utility companies also need to process your interconnection permit before your solar array can connect to the grid. Most installers will handle your permit request. Eventually, the utility company will send someone to your property to check that the installation meets all safety standards and permit you to operate (that’s when you can flip the switch and start using power). However, getting someone from the utility company to your home for this inspection can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your location and utility provider.
Factors That Affect Solar Power Installation Timelines
Installing solar panels usually happens faster than similar-sized projects. How long it takes depends on five main factors:
The Solar Installation Company
The size of the installation company and its crew can impact how long it takes to put up solar panels. The number of installations they handle each month also affects how quickly they can schedule and finish your installation.
Inventory size is another important factor. A large solar company has plenty of inventory, which helps speed up the installation process. Smaller companies often face delays because they struggle to get solar panels or inverters quickly. With enough inventory, they can be ready to start as soon as they have the permits.
Local Permitting Process
Before your installer can install the first panel, they need to file permits with the local government to inform them that work is about to begin on your property. The required permits vary by location but usually include a photovoltaic (PV) permit, a general electrical permit, and/or a construction permit. Clean Energy USA takes care of all these permits for you, working behind the scenes to get in touch with the necessary officials to kick off the installation right away.
Size of the Solar Panel System
If you have enough space on your roof, you might want a larger solar panel system. Regardless of whether it’s big or small, the size of your solar array doesn’t significantly change the installation process. Even though larger systems could take a bit longer, installers can still complete the installation in just one day for a typical residential roof.
Roof Features and Electrical Requirements
Every property has its own unique roof shape and electrical needs. Some homes need more preparation before you can start installing solar panels. That’s why there is a review and assessment process. Common upgrades might include re-roofing, upgrading the electric panel, or reinforcing the roof. The great part is that many of these upgrades can happen at the same time as other steps in the process.
Connecting to the Utility Company
Before you can turn on your solar panel system, your installer needs to apply to your utility company to connect your solar panels to the grid. Usually, this approval takes about a month. Don’t worry; Clean Energy USA handles all the details for you.
Commonly Asked Questions On Solar Installation
Below are some common questions clients often ask about solar installations:
What Is Solar Installation?
Solar installation involves setting up a solar panel system and extra equipment to switch your property’s electricity source from the grid to solar energy.
Is Solar Installation Free?
Solar installation isn’t free, but many government incentives can lower your system’s cost. You will make fixed monthly payments for your solar system and installation service. Depending on the system size and your financing, you could pay it off in about five years.
Will Installing a Solar Panel System Affect My Roof?
Installing a solar panel system won’t affect your roof. In fact, they can actually protect the area they cover. Here are the steps an installer can follow to make sure the roof stays safe during installation:
- Survey the roof’s condition and suggest a replacement if needed
- Certify that your proposed system can handle the weight of the panels
- Install the panels properly, using enough sealants and flashing around the mounts to stop leaks and protect your roof from the weather
- Recommend regular maintenance for both your roof and solar panels throughout their lifespan
- Only use certified panels with long-term warranties that cover any damage during installation
When’s The Best Time To Put Up Solar Panels?
You can install solar panels at any time during the year. There isn’t a specific best time for installation, but you’ll get more electricity in the sunnier months, and warmer seasons might have fewer weather delays for your installation.
To determine if your solar panels are functioning properly, you have several choices:
- Utilize Your Surveillance System
The majority of contemporary solar panel installations include a monitoring system that allows you to observe the performance of your panels in real time. You can monitor energy generation, identify any performance declines, and detect possible problems.
- Inspect the Green Light on Your Inverter
The efficiency of your solar panels heavily relies on your inverter. If it’s not operating correctly, your whole system may be impacted. Observe the display panel on the inverter; it ought to exhibit a green light or a status indicator verifying that it’s functioning correctly
- Watch Your Electricity Bills
Big changes in your electricity bills can signal an issue with your solar panels. Keep an eye on your bills throughout the year after going solar. If you see a sudden increase, your panels might not be performing as they should.
Solar panels usually come with a warranty that guarantees a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. After that, they can still work, but at a lower efficiency. To get the best performance, you should think about replacing your solar panels every 25 years.
Find a Professional Solar Panel Installation Company Near Me
While the average wait time for installation is around two months, installation timelines can vary a lot. Each home and project has its own challenges. In places with big solar markets like California, installation can take just a month, but in areas with slower permitting, it might take three months or more. Changes in the project design can also lengthen the timeline.
If you want to go solar quickly, the best time to start is now. Your solar system will give you clean energy for 25 years, so waiting a couple of months for a proper installation will definitely be worth it. For solar panel installations, contact Sun Solar Electric today at 707-238-8874. We are the go-to solar panel installation company in the Bay Area and Northern California.
