Most installations can be completed in 1-2 days, depending on the size and scope of the installation. The installation team will typically arrive between 7:00 and 11:00 am and greet you on arrival and walk you through the installation process. You (or someone 18 or older) will need to be home for the full installation.
During the Installation
Once the installation begins, no action is required from you. However, it is a construction site, so there are safety precautions to consider. Please avoid the installation site and areas beneath, keep pets and children away from any work in progress, and clear the schedule of other household improvements—no other contractors should be on site.
Noise and disruptions should be fairly minimal, though you will hear footsteps and drill sounds from your roof. Depending on your project and location, you may experience some or all of the following.
- A Palmetto Build Partner may need access to your attic throughout the installation.
- We may need to briefly cut off your power. This period, if applicable, is typically very brief.
- Your project may require an inspection during the installation process.
Installation Equipment
There are various pieces of equipment required for a solar energy system to safely and efficiently generate electricity for your home. At Palmetto, we work exclusively with the top panel, inverter, and storage manufacturers in the industry and specify components based on your project and location.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are typically attached to your roof, where they capture the energy from the sun and generate an electric current. Palmetto solar installations use premium solar panels in solid black, assembled in the USA, with an efficiency rating greater than 19.8%. In most U.S. markets, our panel size or power rating is 395-405 watts.
Our minimum warranty standards for solar panel manufacturers include a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee.
Inverter
Your inverter converts the power produced by your panels into usable electricity for your home and is typically installed by your electrical panel, your meter, or your AC disconnect. We select high-efficiency inverters with optimized module performance technology.
- If your design specifies a SolarEdge Inverter, a single-phase inverter with HD-Wave Technology, the energy produced by your panels will travel to a central inverter, where it is converted from DC to AC electricity.
- If your design specifies Enphase microinverters, each solar panel will have its own inverter. DC electricity is converted and optimized at the panel, and then travels to a central combiner.
AC Disconnect
The AC disconnect is a small rectangular box with an on/off lever that allows alternating current or AC electricity to flow between your inverter and the grid. It is typically installed by your electricity meter.
Other Equipment
Your Build Partner will also use mounting and wiring hardware to attach the solar panels to the roof and connect the various components.
To connect your solar panels to your inverter or central combiner, your Build Partner will route wiring encased in electrical conduit through the attic (if accessible) and along the exterior of your home. Please discuss any conduit routing preferences with your Build Partner during the pre-installation walkthrough. Painting conduit is not required in most areas and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. When approved, all materials, including paint and supplies, are typically provided by the homeowner.
After the Installation
Once the installation is complete, and before leaving your home, the installation crew will check in with you to answer questions, discuss next steps, and ensure the construction area is clear of all trash and equipment.
You may receive a brief, 30-second survey on your mobile phone in the days following installation. We’d love to hear your feedback!