The tanning process does not happen overnight. It can take weeks or months to decide on a solar provider and anywhere from a week to six months to have the system fully operational. The time required depends on company availability and hours of operation, as well as permitting and inspection procedures in your area of residence. The size and type of solar panels you choose can also affect how long this process takes.
In general, however, the installation of solar panels occurs in five phases: inspection, design, licensing, installation and connection. When you're ready to speak to an installer, enter your zip code here to receive a quote from a local PV company near you.
check your house
Your chosen solar provider will arrange for an engineer to conduct a survey of your home as the first step in installing your solar panels. Many solar suppliers like Momentum Solar have their own engineers. Others subcontract work to local contractors. Engineers will inspect your roof to ensure it can accommodate solar panels and review your current electrical system. This home tour will guide you through the design of your home solar system.
Plan your own photovoltaic system
After a personal roof assessment, your solar company will build a custom system for your home. At this point, the company gives you recommendations on specific brands and products, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your budget. You also have the ability to review and approve drafts before moving to the approval phase of the business process.
get permission
Installation of solar panels can only be done after obtaining the necessary permits and other documents. While this can take several weeks, most solar companies will handle this part of the process for you.
Required permits include written approval from your utility company, often in the form of an inter-local agreement. If applicable in your state, the settlement will enroll you in the net metering program. Net metering credits homeowners who own their own solar system for the excess electricity generated by their panels, essentially only charging for energy consumption.
As of 2022, 34 states, plus Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have net metering programs. Six other states (Arizona, Georgia , Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Utah) have other types of offset solar systems available.
These states have started phasing out their net metering programs:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- NY
These states offer absolutely no net metering:
- Alabama
- Idaho
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
Your solar company must also obtain local electrical and building permits. And you should make sure the solar company can apply for a state or federal incentive program to offset the cost of your solar system.
Install panels and components.
Although installation time depends on the size and complexity of the solar system, a typical time frame is one to three days. The installer will ensure that all clapboards or clapboards are in place, and then connect the wires that feed your electrical system. Shelves need to be installed to properly support the panels; Then the panels are placed on the roof. After the panels are installed, inverters (components that convert electrical energy from the panels into usable AC power) and batteries, e.g. B. Batteries that store excess energy installed.
Check and activate the system
Provided your solar system passes inspection and complies with local regulations, you can officially connect it to the grid. Then it's as easy as a push of a button to start generating solar power from your panels.
