When installing a solar energy system on your home, the installation itself is a brief but important part of the process. Several things must happen both before and after the installation to ensure that the system design and financing options meet your needs and that your solar energy project meets local safety, building, and utility requirements.
In this video, we’ve broken it into three, simple steps. Below the video, we offer additional detail.
The Solar Installation: From Proposal to Power in 3 Simple Steps
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Solar Process
Getting Started with Palmetto Solar
Whether you’re working with a Sales Representative or initiated your proposal online, the process begins with your address and estimated electricity costs. With just two pieces of information, we can assess the solar potential of your roof, recommend a system size for your home, and forecast your monthly and 25-year savings.
Finalizing Your Contract
After the proposal, we’ll collect and verify information to hone the details of your project, including system size, panel placement, total costs, and financing information. Most of the process can be completed in your personal solar account or with the help of your Sales Representative. While the sequence may vary based on the specifics of your project, here are the basic requirements.
- Upload Electricity Bill - This helps define your energy needs and grid connection, as well as rates, policies, and incentives in your area.
- Complete Site Survey - For most homeowners, the site survey can be completed virtually. We’ll guide you through a short series of questions and ask you to take some photos to provide the information we need.
- Submit a Credit Check - If you choose to finance your solar energy system, you’ll be asked to submit a credit check. This determines your eligibility for various loan products and financing options.
- Confirm HOA - If your home is part of a homeowners association or HOA, you’ll be asked to provide contact information. There may be covenants or approval requirements that govern your solar installation.
Once complete, Palmetto will update your solar energy system design to optimize performance and savings. You’ll then be prompted to review system size and panel placement before we finalize your contract and ask you to sign the required documents.
Permitting & Approvals
There may be several organizations that oversee the size, placement, design, and installation of your solar energy system, including your local building department, utility company, and HOA (if applicable). Palmetto will work on your behalf to define the requirements in your area and secure required permits and approvals.
If your home is part of a homeowners association or HOA, please ensure that our Customer Experience Team is aware and has accurate HOA contact information on hand. While you are responsible for any application and approval steps required by your HOA, our Customer Experience Team is available to answer questions throughout the process.
Installation
Once all permits and approvals are in place, Palmetto will work with you to find an installation date that fits your schedule and coordinate the delivery of materials prior to installation. Most installations can be completed in 1-2 days by our experienced Build Partners. You, or an adult 18 years of age or older, will need to be home for the duration of the installation. We vet and partner with the best solar panel installation companies in your area to ensure the installation is skillful, timely, and precise.
Inspection & PTO
Inspections are required to ensure that your solar energy system meets safety regulations and zoning laws as well as electrical, building, and fire codes in your area. While some jurisdictions may call for an inspection during the installation, all jurisdictions require a final inspection before you power on your savings. A Palmetto Build Partner will work with you and your local building department to coordinate the inspection.
Once your solar energy system has passed all required inspections, Palmetto will apply for “Permission to Operate” or PTO from your electricity provider. In most cases, a representative will visit your home to ensure that your solar energy system meets safety and metering guidelines, and to install a new bi-directional energy meter capable of tracking both the energy you produce and the energy you use.
Activation & Power!
When you’re ready, we’ll guide you through the process to activate your solar energy system. It takes about ten minutes and requires little more than flipping a switch. Please DO NOT activate your system before you have been granted Permission to Operate. This may result in additional costs and/or fines from your electricity provider.
Once your system is active, you’ll be able to track system performance and energy savings from your personal solar account, though it may take a few days for your data to appear. This is also when Palmetto Protect kicks into gear with proactive monitoring, system reports, and ongoing service and support.
Browse Solar 101 Topics
Use the links below to navigate through Solar 101 topics and resources. Please direct any questions to help@palmetto.com.