Choosing the right solar company to install your system is important. Look for customer reviews, certifications and Better Business Bureau profiles to ensure you're working with a reputable company.
Ask if they'll help you obtain your permit and arrange inspections. Additionally, some states require homeowners to buy or lease solar-specific home insurance coverage.
Site Evaluation
A site evaluation is a critical step for any construction project. It’s especially important if your property is outside of town, rural, or has no public sewer utilities nearby. The site evaluation is also required to have a septic system installed on your property.
There are many online tools and services that can help determine the solar energy potential at your address. These can be helpful, but they don’t take into account every detail that is needed to design a successful PV system.
It’s best to get multiple quotes from different installers. This will give you a good idea of price range and can also be a way to compare customer reviews. Choosing a reputable installer is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Permits
Permitting is the most time-consuming part of solar installation. It involves submitting paperwork to local enforcing agencies that verify a project adheres to established construction codes.
In addition to a building permit, your city planning agency may require verification that your rooftop is engineered for the added weight of your solar panels and that all electrical wiring is up to code. Your utility company will also need to inspect your new solar system and grant permission to operate.
This process can take days or weeks depending on the availability of your local enforcing agencies and how busy they are. Errors in applications or a backlog of permits can delay the process, adding to soft costs. Fortunately, many solar companies include permitting and inspections in their turnkey prices.
Design
Once the site evaluation is complete, the smart energy solutions will create a custom design to meet your energy goals. They will also review and confirm the permitting process and any other requirements, including interconnection with your utility (if applicable).
The engineering team will create a layout for a solar panel system that is compatible with your home’s electrical infrastructure. The layout will factor in roof characteristics, shading, and other variables to ensure the best possible production.
During this phase, the installer may need access to your roof or attic as well as your breaker box and utility meter. The roof will be prepared by installing a mounting system, and wiring conduit will be run to the inverter and battery location (if applicable). Depending on the size of your system, installation can take up to three days.
Installation
After the initial consultation, a residential solar installation service company will create a custom design of your home's system. This will be based on your budget, energy needs, and other factors.
This can take one to three weeks, and you should be provided with an opportunity to give feedback before the final design is made. During this step, the solar company should also determine what permits will be required and who has jurisdiction in your area (this may include a building department, an electrical inspector or a fire inspection).
Choosing a local installation company can help speed up the process as they are familiar with your state's regulations and can help you find out about any incentives available. Look for online reviews, Better Business Bureau profiles and certifications.
Commissioning
A solar energy system’s optimum performance depends on how much sun reaches it. Many online mapping services and tools assess a home’s solar electricity potential and help homeowners calculate the size of a PV system needed to meet their energy needs.
After securing permits and ordering equipment, the installation team sets up your PV system at the home or business. This includes connecting the system to the power grid, testing and adjusting settings, and conducting other inspections.
Before scheduling a free consultation, look for online reviews of installers from the not-for-profit Consumers’ Checkbook and other sources, and check that they are licensed in your state and municipality to work in your area. Then, ask them to provide proof of their NABCEP certifications. This demonstrates that they take their work seriously.
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