The Solar Panel Design and Installation Process

Installing home solar panels takes only a couple of days. But getting to that point — from designing and permitting the system up to installation day — can take weeks. The wait is worth it, though, since solar panels can deliver renewable electricity that lowers your electric bills for 25 years or longer.

You’ll have a knowledgeable solar advisor walking you through the process. Here are the steps. 

Contract and Design

Let’s get started! This combined stage is rather straightforward, and it focuses primarily on 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. Discuss your questions, comments, and concerns, and look at whether it makes sense for your home.

2. Site survey: For most homeowners, the site survey can be completed virtually. In addition to satellite imagery, you may need to provide additional information or photographs before your system design can be finalized.

3. Contract review and signing: Your contract outlines the design, pricing, and financing information (if applicable), as well as storage options, site improvements, and additional coverage, like through Palmetto Protect. For most homeowners, it takes 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 for maximum performance and long-term savings. 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 interconnection. To initiate this process 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 system.

Installation

Once all necessary approvals are received, it’s time for installation day! Installation typically takes a day or two.

Inspection

Inspections are required to ensure your solar energy system meets 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. In most cases, an employee from your local utility company will visit your home to install a new bi-directional electricity meter capable of tracking both the energy you produce and the energy you use for net metering.

Do not activate your system before you have been granted permission to operate. This may result in additional costs and fines from your electricity provider.

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. Monitor your consumption: Your solar power system was designed for a certain level of energy usage, but often, when people go solar they start using more electricity than they did before. Even though your home is now powered by the sun, understand that using a bunch more electricity may keep your bills higher than expected.
3. Take care of your solar panels: The Palmetto Protect service plan provides the regular maintenance your solar panels need to generate electricity with maximum efficiency.

Start Your Solar Panel Installation Process

If you’re ready to get started with installing solar panels on your home, get started today with Palmetto’s free solar savings calculator, 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.

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. 

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. 

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.