To many homeowners, the process of adding a solar panel installation can seem incredibly complex and even intimidating at times. While there is a lot to consider and plan for, working with experienced professionals can dramatically reduce the overall stress involved by simplifying the process from beginning to end.
The First Step In Your Solar Panel Installation Process
Before anything else, your solar professionals will want to go over your power consumption and cost over the last year. In many cases, your local utility company will automatically include this information on your monthly bill, often in the form of a graph for the previous 12 months.
Knowing how much power your home uses is crucial to getting a system that fits your home’s needs. This can often be accomplished in a quick “discovery call”, frequently lasting about 15 minutes. On this call your solar professional will go over some general numbers with you, regarding your power usage and potential system cost, to see if there would be a benefit in moving forward.
Your Site Survey
If you decide to proceed with installing solar panels, the next step will be your official site survey. This will involve a solar professional coming out to your home, and taking pictures of the roofing area, roof slope, home electrical panel specifics, and more. This information will be used by the solar engineers to design your solar system and will help them fine-tune the details of your specific installation.
Paperwork Required Before Solar Panel Installation Can Begin
Just like most other things in life installing solar panels will involve some paperwork, however, Barrett Solar will be able to take care of most of that for you. You’ll need an interconnection application for your utility, as well as applications for any grants, rebates, tax credits, or subsidies applicable to your installation.
If you’re financing your installation you’ll also have a financing agreement to sign. Finally, you’ll have the actual installation contract with Barrett Solar. The best part is that all of the document signings will be done digitally, wherever and whenever is most convenient for you.
How Long Will The Installation Take?
On average, your solar installation will take around 60 days from the time you sign your installation contract. This timeline can occasionally be shorter, depending on the complexity and size of your system. Not only will the panels be mounted, installed, and connected, but there will also be microinverters installed which can be monitored remotely to simplify any future troubleshooting & repairs. Once the installation work is complete, only a few minor hurdles are remaining before your home will begin producing its own power, year-round.
Finishing Up
In the final wrap-up to getting your solar installation completed the authority having jurisdiction or AHJ, will come to do their final inspection of the installation itself. In some areas, this may be the city or municipal entity, the county, or even the state, depending on your location.
Once the AHJ signs off on the installation, the utility provider will then have 30 days to perform their own inspection. After their inspection is finished and satisfies their requirements, they will then install their bi-directional solar power meter. At this point, the homeowner will be able to turn on their system and begin generating their own power.
Barrett Solar Will Be Your Solar Panel Experts
Owning your own power is one of the most satisfying steps you can take toward saving money long-term, as well as reducing your overall ecological impact. If you have any questions or would like more information about a solar panel installation for your home, reach out today to your local solar power experts.