The Solar Process: From Contract to Installation
Once your contract has been signed and your design finalized, we’ll begin the approval process required for installation. There may be several organizations that oversee the design and installation of your solar energy system to ensure your project meets building, safety, and utility requirements.
Collectively, these organizations are referred to as Authority Having Jurisdictions or AHJs, and typically include your local building department, electricity provider, and HOA (if applicable). The good news: We handle most of this for you and will reach out if we need anything to help move your project forward. Once all approvals are in, you’re ready for installation.
Track Progress in Your Palmetto Account
Want to know what’s happening with your project? Start with your Palmetto account. Log in to access your account dashboard, where you can track progress on your project, see estimated timelines in your area, and get more information about what’s happening at each step.
We’ll also send text and email updates as we move your project forward. Visit the Account Profile page in your Palmetto solar account to make sure your contact information is correct.
- Log in to your Palmetto solar account
- Tap Account, then Profile
- Confirm or update the name, mobile number, and preferred email address on your account
- Tap Save to continue
Tips:
- If you’ve updated the contact information on your account but still aren’t receiving phone or email notifications, please 1) check the filters on your email account and mobile devices, and 2) search your spam folder for messages from help@palmetto.com.
- Still no luck? Tap Support in your Palmetto Account to connect with our Customer Experience team. You can also call 855-339-1831 or email help@palmetto.com.
Schedule Site Improvements
If you approved any required or recommended site improvements prior to signing your contract, your Customer Lead will reach out to help coordinate the project.
In most cases, Palmetto will connect you with a licensed contractor who will arrange a site visit (if needed), pull construction permits (if needed), and complete the site improvements required for solar installation. If, however, you choose to manage the project on your own or through your sales representative, we’ll specify project details and require proof of completion—typically photos, permit documents, and inspection details.
In rare cases, we discover that site improvements are required after a solar contract has been signed and may need to update your project. This is called a Change Order and often requires new design, pricing, financing, or solar contract documents. The later in your project that site improvements are discovered, the more likely they are to cause delays.
Tips:
- If you think you need a new roof and it wasn’t specified in your project, let us know! The worst time to find out is during your installation, which will result in significant delays.
- For planning purposes: Tree removal and roof repair or replacement are always completed prior to installation; trenching and wiring upgrades may be completed either before or during the installation, depending on the specifics of your project.
Permit Application and Approval
The most common permits required for solar panel installation are building permits, electrical permits, and solar photovoltaic or PV permits. Depending on your home address, you may need one or more permits from one or more jurisdictions before your solar panels can be installed.
Palmetto will manage all of this for you and alert you when permitting is complete. While timing will vary by jurisdiction, our permitting team knows the codes and regulations for each permit required and will streamline the process wherever possible.
Tip:
- The permit review process averages about 2-6 weeks nationally, assuming no changes are required. Visit your account dashboard for current estimates in your area.
Utility Approval or Interconnection
Because your home will remain connected to the electrical grid, approval is required from your utility provider before we can proceed with your installation.
To initiate the utility approval process, also called Interconnection, Palmetto will submit an application on your behalf that outlines your energy usage, roof specifications, and the engineering design of your solar energy system. We'll then work with your utility company to finalize the approval.
Tips:
- Keep an eye on your inbox! Some electricity providers require that homeowners be involved in the Interconnection process—often by granting approval for Palmetto to apply on your behalf, or by signing the completed application. If this is true in your area, our Interconnection Team will reach out to walk you through the requirements.
- If solar-specific rate programs, like net metering, are available through your electricity provider, the utility approval application will also initiate billing updates on your account.
Apply For and Confirm HOA Approval (if needed)
If your home is part of a homeowners association or HOA, please ensure that Palmetto is aware and has accurate HOA contact information on hand.
While you are responsible for any application and approval steps required by your HOA, your Customer Lead or Palmetto’s HOA Department is available to answer questions throughout the process and can provide you with the information required to seek approval.
Tip:
- Get started early. HOA approval is one of the primary causes for installation delays—we cannot schedule your installation until you receive approval for your Homeowners Association.
Schedule Your Solar Installation
When all permits and approvals are in place, you’ll be prompted to select installation dates that work with your schedule. Most installations can be completed in 1-2 days by our qualified solar installers.
If needed, we’ll also coordinate the delivery of materials prior to installation. While you do not need to be home for the delivery, please ensure that the delivery site you specify is clear and accessible.
Tip:
- Here’s what to consider when selecting your availability: You (or an adult 18 years of age or older) will need to be home for the full installation; pets and children must be kept away from the construction site; your driveway must be clear; and no other contractors can be on-site.
Get Ready for Installation Day!
Once your installation has been scheduled, we’ll send you an email with detailed instructions on How to prepare for installation day. You can also read up on the Solar Installation: Equipment & Process in our Palmetto solar Support Center.
Please reach out to our Scheduling Team at scheduling@palmetto.com or 855-339-1831 if you have any questions or need to reschedule your solar installation.
Tip:
- Despite popular belief, solar installation does not mark the beginning of your solar energy savings—there are still two requirements to meet before you can activate your system. Learn more in STEP 3: From Installation to Power.