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SOLAR INSTALLATION PROCESS
When you have decided to take the leap into a lifetime of clean, sustainable energy with a solar panel installation for your home, now the question is how long will it be until you’re actually generating electricity from your system?
It’s important to know that, just like with any other home improvement project, each solar installation is as unique as the home it occupies. Still, here at Solar365 we believe in complete transparency, and we understand that you want to be generating the sun’s energy as quickly as possible! That’s why we’ve made a clear and simple timeline to help you understand exactly what to expect throughout each step of your project. From the initial consultation through installation and into lifetime service and monitoring, Solar365 will take care of every part of the process.
SOLAR CONSULTATION
TIMELINE: 1 DAY
First things first: your journey to solar starts with an appointment with one of our expert solar energy consultants who can help you understand the details before moving forward. In preparation for your consultation, we will use satellite-based technology to evaluate your roof’s solar potential and analyze your electricity usage history to determine the optimal system size.
At that meeting, which can take place at your home or online via Zoom, we will provide you with a proposed system design and a personalized quote for your home. We’ll talk about financing and help you find every available incentive for saving on your solar panel installation, including:
Net metering. This refers to a billing agreement in which your utility provider “pays” you for the excess energy your system produces, in the form of credits on your monthly utility bill. Most states have net metering — in fact, 41 states and Washington, D.C., have mandatory net metering rules. To find out the policies that apply to you, check for net metering in your state
Federal rebates. The solar tax credit (ITC) from the federal government is one of the best ways to dramatically lower your solar panel costs. The ITC allows you to deduct 22 percent of the cost of your solar panel system on your annual federal taxes. However, because this incentive expires on December 31, 2021, you’ll need to act fast in order to receive the federal rebates
Local incentives. Governments and utility providers offer various solar tax breaks and financial incentives to make solar power as affordable as possible. To help lower the cost of your solar setup, check to
see what your state offers
Our goal in this initial meeting is to provide you with the information and tools you need to make an informed decision about solar. We will provide you with an objective assessment of your home’s solar potential and the products we offer. If it doesn’t make sense for you, we won’t waste your time. If and when you are ready to move forward, you will sign an agreement to begin work on your solar project and, if you are financing the system, apply for your loan.
SITE ASSIGNMENT AND DESIGN
TIMELINE: 1-3 WEEKS
Now that the financial part is taken care of, it’s time to get the ball rolling with a site assessment. Our scheduler will coordinate a day for our team to come out and verify the system design in your signed proposal. We use drones with highly specialized software to measure your roof, so we generally do not even need to get on your roof in order to complete the assessment.
We design each system to comply with zoning restrictions, any limitations that may be inherent in your home’s structure, as well as mounting and location limits — and we’ll also make sure it’s as aesthetically pleasing as possible. The design will determine the orientation and placement of the panels and wiring, the connections to an inverter and your home’s meter, and additional systems such as batteries. You will be asked to give the final approval before installation begins.
What factors can affect this timeline? This step in the process should only be delayed if you decide on any changes in the design of your solar panel system.
PERMITS AND APPROVAL
TIMELINE: 2-6 WEEKS
We’re so close to the actual construction here, but before we start the build, we need to get a few approvals from the city, your utility company, and your homeowner’s association (HOA) if you have one. From utility interconnection agreements and net-metering applications, to local building and electrical permits, to all rebate incentive documents, we take care of all the necessary communications and paperwork on your behalf.
We’ll keep you updated with email and text notifications as applications are submitted and approved, so that you know exactly when to expect us for the installation.
What factors can affect this timeline? If you live in an area with a robust solar energy market, the process should be streamlined enough that delays will be rare. The most common delay in approvals tends to come from the HOA, which may have specific criteria for rooftop solar. Texas law protects homeowners who want to install solar, but finding an installer who has strong relationships with the authorities having jurisdiction over solar PV projects and with HOAs can shorten this timeline and make it a hassle-free process for you.
INSTALLATION
TIMELINE: 1-3 DAYS
Our scheduler will reach out to you to let you know what is required to begin construction and select a date for the construction. Our NABCEP-certified team of full-time Freedom Solar technicians will arrive and work quickly and efficiently to install solar panels with minimal disruption to your schedule. Within one to three days, you’ll be able to harness the power of the sun for clean, sustainable energy.
We’ve finally reached the most exciting part. Once all approvals are complete, you’re ready to begin the installation of your new solar panel system!
What factors can affect this timeline? The duration of this step will vary based on the complexity and size of your system. Most of our home solar installations are completed in a single day. However, more complex systems such as ground-mount systems or battery backup systems can take longer to complete.
INSPECTION
TIMELINE: 1-4 WEEKS
After your solar panel system is installed, it needs to be approved by your utility company and a city inspector. Your utility company may also install a new meter that allows for net metering of your excess electricity.
We’ll work with the appropriate entities to coordinate these inspections. However, the timing is subject to the schedule of the utility and municipality. Once they give the go-ahead, your home solar panels will be activated and you’ll be ready to start generating clean, sustainable energy!
What factors can affect this timeline? The time it takes to process and complete these inspections will depend upon your own schedule, and will also vary by your jurisdiction and utility provider.
ACTIVATION AND CLOSE OUT
TIMELINE: 1-3 WEEKS
Now that your solar installation is ready to start harnessing the power of the sun, we’re here to help you flip the switch on your solar panels. SOLAR365 RGV will provide you with detailed instructions on how to energize your system, and we’ll grant you access to your monitoring portal (more on that below). We’ll also schedule a closeout meeting for you and your Energy Consultant to answer any questions you may have and complete your project.
SOLAR INSTALLATION FAQ
Do I need to be home for installation ?
If there is any conduit to be run inside your attic or garage, or other location where the conduit will be run. Likewise, if any equipment (such as the solar inverter(s) or a battery backup) are to be mounted inside (such as a garage), we will need access to that space. Otherwise, you are not required to be present during the installation.
When will the installation crew arrive ?
We will let you know the estimated arrival time of the crew for your installation. If there are any locked gates that would restrict access to areas we need to work, we ask that these be left unlocked (if possible) if you will not be home. If there are any gate codes (to access your community, for instance) please share those with us before the installation start date.
What if i have pets ?
Please ensure that your pets are secured for the duration of the work anytime our employees are onsite. If we arrive at your house and see that there is an unsecured animal in the work area, we will knock on the door and ask you to put your animal away. If you are not home and the pet is loose in the work area, we will attempt to contact you but will not enter. If we cannot complete our scheduled work due to a loose pet, you may be charged a $250.00 trip fee. Please respect this company policy to help us keep your pets and our employees safe!
What if I want to learn more about how the equipment and conduit will be installed ?
We can arrange for our crew lead to meet with you on site on the first day of the installation to go over proposed conduit runs and equipment locations.
What happens after construction is completed ?
Our team will be in touch with you about the remaining steps to get your system on. These steps vary depending on your utility and local jurisdiction. Upon passage of any necessary inspections we will provide instructions about how to energize your system, and you will be given access to your monitoring portal.
My system is on and I can see I am producing energy! Now what ?
The final step of the process is the closeout meeting, which will be scheduled with your Energy Consultant. At your closeout meeting you’ll receive a final packet of materials for your installation. This packet contains your system’s design packet, product and warranty information, and service contacts.
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