Preparing For Your Solar Installation
Before your installation day, we want to make sure that you have all the necessary information to make your solar installation as smooth as possible. While we handle the entire install process there are a few details we would like for you to prep before our arrival.
Installation Day
Arrival & Outdoor Preparation:
Your solar installers will typically arrive between 7:30 am and 8:30 am on your solar install day.
If you have a larger installation, over 14 KW, you may have a midday installation that starts between 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
We require that someone over the age of 18 be home that day. We also ask that your driveway is clear. We usually come with two large trucks and trailers that our installers will be working out of for the day. We’ll need to connect to your electricity and if we have to temporarily turn off your power, we’ll warn you before doing so.
Preparing Inside of Your Home:
Please clear an open area to your electrical panel. Our electricians will be working there for multiple hours and having a clear area makes for an efficient working space.
If you have an attic or crawl space, we will need access to it. Please clear the entryway to that space so our electrician can easily get to and from the area.
If you have any pets, please ensure they’re in a secure location as we’ll be walking in and out of the home.
Solar Panel Installation Process
Your home will lose power for about 30 mins once during your installation day. Please notify us ahead of time if that will be an issue. Our electrician on-site will give you notice before they cut the power.
The solar panel installation process is noisy. There will be multiple workers on your roof. You should expect banging and drilling throughout the day.
How Long Does It Take to Install Solar Panels?
Installing solar panels usually takes us one full day to complete. Sometimes installations can take a day and half, or two days depending on the size of your system and added components such as batteries. If your system is under 14 kW, then it will be a one day installation.
Once your installation is complete you will not be able to turn your system on immediately. It will take from 4-6 weeks until you will be able to turn your system on and generate power.
After Your Installation
Inspections and Approvals
After the installation is finished, we request an inspection from the town. The inspectors can be a tricky bunch, they create their own schedules and we work on their time. With this in mind, we ask you to please be patient, flexible, and accommodating when your inspection date and time are picked. This is super important to get your system turned on as soon as possible.
Additionally, your power company will come out to swap your meter. They do not disclose when they will do this but you will know it has occurred if you lose power for a few minutes.
Next Steps
When do I pay for my solar panels?
If you are a privately paying customer, through cash or check, you will receive an emailed invoice prior to your installation. We ask you to please make at least a 50% payment on your invoice prior to your installation date.
The final payment is due once the electrical inspection is completed and passed by the local AHJ.
When and how do I turn on my panels?
We will notify you once we have received approval from the town to turn on your panels. Once your meter has been swapped out, we will walk you through the simple system start up process over the phone and you’ll start making power.
