Understanding the basics of solar panel installation before you decide to go solar is essential. What happens after you sign on the dotted lines?
Although each dealer’s experience will vary, you can expect to be in contact with a project coordinator throughout the process. The project coordinator acts as your representative within the company and communicates directly with the teams responsible for completing your project. They will be your primary contact and provide updates on the project so that there are no surprises.
SunPower follows a simple procedure, even though not all home solar systems are identical. Let’s break down the process into six simple steps to go solar.
SunPower will perform a site survey of your home once you have signed the solar proposal.
The surveyor will take pictures of your home, roof, electrical panels, and subpanels inside or outside the garage or house to help plan. The surveyor may also wish to look at the attic.
Our engineering team will compare the digital design to the site assessment to ensure that no additional work, such as roof replacements or electrical panel upgrades, is required. If your home is among the 5% that need other electrical work, you have two options: SunPower can do it (with a credit), or another electrical company can take care of it. If the extra work is out of your budget, you can choose to stop the installation.
Permit: The permitting phase will begin once the design has been finalized. We will apply for the appropriate building permits with your local authority. If applicable, we will submit a preliminary application for net energy metering to your utility.
The hardest part of the process to predict is when the permits will be issued. Permitting can take only a few days in some places. It can take as long as six weeks in some areas. Early in the process, your project coordinator will guide you regarding the timing.
The real fun starts when your permits have been approved. The installation will be scheduled at the earliest possible opportunity. You may lose power for up to 2 hours during installation. The electricity can be turned off for 4-6 hours during solar battery installation with a SunVault.
Inspection: We arrange for the local authority to inspect your project after installation. Your project coordinator will schedule the inspection, which will take a maximum of a few hours.
Commission: After the inspection, we will request your “permission for operation” from your utility. This step can take a while since each utility operates differently. Your system will be activated within 48 hours after the utility has notified us that you have approved it. Now you’re running on solar energy!
It is an exciting process to switch your home over to solar power. Installation can take 30 days or up to 6 months, depending on the local utility’s function and your local permits.
SunPower will be there for you every step of your journey. We don’t just show up one day with solar panels and climb on your roof. We will walk you through every step and handle the paperwork. You only need to be available at specific times to show us the place.
We are always available to answer your questions. Contact one of our solar advisers for information about solar installations in your area.