Solar panels installation: The step-by-step process
Last edited
Author
Andrew Blok
Electrification and Solar Writer and Editor
Editor
Andrew Giermak
Solar and Electrification Writer and Editor
Switching to solar is an exciting move toward more affordable and reliable energy for your home.
While the installation of solar panels usually takes just a day or two, the complete journey, from your initial quote to final activation, typically spans a few weeks if not longer. Let’s break down each step of the process so you can navigate your home solar panels installation with confidence and ease.
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Contract and design
Let’s get started! This combined stage comprises reviewing, signing, and approving a range of documents, some of which can be handled online.
1. Introductory meetings: Speak with a sales representative to review your options for going solar, including any incentives that can reduce the cost of solar panels, and whether purchasing or leasing solar panels is the best fit for you. Ask questions of your solar installer to understand whether solar makes sense for your home.
2. Site survey: The site survey can often be completed virtually. You may need to provide a few photographs if satellite imagery doesn’t provide a clear picture of your roof.
3. Contract review and signing: Your contract outlines the design, pricing, and financing information (if applicable), as well as storage options, any necessary site improvements, and additional coverage, like through Palmetto Protect. It can take about one hour to review and sign all required documents.
4. Document review: Once you sign your contract, the solar company will carefully review all documents.
5. Engineering design: A design and engineering team will review the information submitted, as well as mapping data on your roof, and solar regulations in your area, to configure the best solar energy system. In a small percentage of situations, this could include an in-person site audit.
In some cases this can turn up additional work that needs completing, like roof repair or an electrical panel upgrade.
Permitting & approvals
A solar company will navigate the permitting and approvals process for you. That includes coordination with your utility, any incentive programs, and your “authority having jurisdiction” (your local permitting authority).
If you have an HOA, you will need to take an active role in communicating with them.
The permitting process takes 2-4 weeks on average to complete, but it can range from instantaneous to 6 or more weeks. Because the exact timeline is difficult (if not impossible!) to predict, it’s important that you start early if you’re working against a deadline for an incentive, for example.
Interconnection
Because your home will remain connected to the electrical grid, your electricity provider will need to approve your panels' connection to the grid. The solar company will submit an application on your behalf that outlines your energy usage, roof specifications, and the engineering design of your solar energy installation.
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Installation
Once all necessary approvals are received, it’s time for installation day! Installation typically takes a day, maybe two.
Inspection
Inspections are required to ensure your solar panels meet safety regulations and zoning laws, as well as the 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 system.
Permission to operate
After your installation is complete and has passed final inspections, you need “permission to operate” (PTO) from your electricity provider. An employee from your local utility company may visit your home to install a new bi-directional electricity meter capable of tracking both the energy you produce and the energy you send back to the grid for net metering.
Do not activate your system before you have been granted permission to operate.
Activation
Now it’s time to turn on your solar power system and start generating electricity. You’ll need to turn on the PV solar breaker switch in your electric panel, then turn on the AC disconnect, and finally turn on the solar inverter. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s a helpful process to go through so you’re familiar with your solar equipment.
Solar panel installation steps
| Step | What happens? |
|---|---|
| Contract and design | The solar company designs your solar panel system and you sign a contract agreeing to the proposal. |
| Permitting and approvals | The solar company pulls necessary permits. You work with your HOA as needed. |
| Interconnection | The solar company submits the necessary paperwork to your utility to get approval for your project. |
| Installation | Solar panels go up on your roof! |
| Inspection | An inspector ensures everything is up to code before the panels are activated. |
| Permission to operate | A final approval from your utility that let's you switch the panels on. |
| Activation | You're generating clean energy! |
After activation
Congratulations! Your solar panels are now generating clean electricity for your home.
After your system is active, there are still a few things you can do to get the most out of your system.
- Track your production: With solar monitoring, like in the Palmetto App, you can track how much electricity your solar energy system is generating, to make sure it’s producing the amount it was designed for.
- Monitor your consumption: Your solar system was designed for your historical consumption, but people often start using more electricity when they go solar. Increasing your electricity usage will keep your bills higher than expected.
- Take care of your solar panels: An occasional cleaning may help your solar panels generate as much electricity as possible.
Start your solar panels installation process
If you’re ready to get started with installing solar panels on your home, get started today with a free solar savings estimate, and connect with one of our solar experts to design a system that’s perfect for your home. We’ll help with every step in the installation process, so your experience going solar is easy, efficient, and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install solar panels?
That depends on the project. System size, panel type, local labor costs, the design of your roof, financing, permitting fees, and your eligibility for tax credits or incentives all factor into the cost of installing a new home solar system. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates residential solar cost $3.21 per watt at the start of 2026, though actual prices vary widely.
How long does it take to install solar panels?
Installing the solar panels on your roof takes a day or two, but the full process of installing a home solar power system, including design, contract, permitting, installation, inspection, and activation, typically lasts a few weeks largely depending on permitting, inspection, and gaining permission to operate from local authorities or utility companies.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels typically come with a 25 year production warranty, which states that they will produce at a certain percentage of their rated capacity at that time (somewhere around 85% or higher). Solar panels can continue to generate electricity after that time, too. For that reason, people commonly say solar panels last at least 25 years.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.
