Overview of the Solar Design & Installation Process
Every project offers its own set of unique challenges and hidden opportunities. Our team is committed to developing the most cost-efficient, construction-ready plans possible so you get a high-performance solar PV system that lasts, as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Stage 1: Solar Analysis & Economics
Feasibility Assessment
The first step toward going solar begins by understanding your goals, analyzing patterns in your power usage, and assessing the solar potential for the area. We discuss energy use, your electric bills and how much energy you’d want your system to produce for it to make sense from a cost-benefit perspective.
We’ll preview your property and discuss options for how solar can meet your goals and what the economics for those might look like.
Preliminary Economic Analysis
Our Preliminary Economic Analysis will provide a rough estimate of your system’s price and energy production. Factored into the numbers is an outline of all the available incentives, credits and power buy-back programs you may qualify for in your area.
Project Kickoff
Once we’ve determined that a solar system will be a great addition to your property and will meet your stated goals, we’ll collect a deposit that will go towards fees associated with engineering reviews, shading analysis, electrical reviews, and creating the detailed electrical and mechanical plans for your system. If for any reason, you do not wish to move forward with your solar project, you can reclaim any unused amount of the initial deposit.
Stage 2: Design & Engineering
Pre-Inspection
Before we get too far into a design that may not be structurally possible, we have an engineer pre-inspect the property to confirm that the property will be able to support a solar installation and pass inspections.
Site Survey
A technician visits the property and collects measurements, takes pictures of proposed locations for the array, inspects existing electrical equipment and wire runs. If there appears to be some possible shade factors, the technician may perform a shading analysis of the area where we anticipate your solar system to be installed.
System Design and Engineering
Once we know solar can be installed and we’ve mapped out the area in detail, the real fun begins. Our designers and engineers draw up the plans for the system that will produce the most value over the long term (including site diagrams, electrical drawings, system components and specifications).
Stage 3: Final Specs and Permitting
Design Approval
Once we’ve got what we feel is the best system to meet your current and long-term goals, we’ll send it to you for your approval of the design.
Final Proposal
Now that we’ve finalized the size, design and technical specifications of the system to be installed, we deliver a comprehensive proposal with design and component plans as well as a thorough financial analysis including the financial rate of return.
Permitting
Once you give the green light we’ll submit your design to the city for permitting. The timing now depends on how familiar the local government officials are with solar and how quickly they work to review and approve the site plans. The process can take up to eight weeks, but typically averages around 3-4 weeks depending on the area.
50% of Project Fees Due After Permit Approval & Before Materials Ordered
Stage 4: Product Acquisition & Installation
Procurement
With the thumbs up from the local agencies, it’s time to order your awesome solar products. We’ll work with you to schedule your installation date so we can have the products shipped directly to the site, saving you time and reducing any unnecessary costs associated with shipping twice or storing the system.
Construction
The big day(s) have arrived and it’s time to put your panels in place. Our solar technicians will arrive on site to review the installation plans with you and, once confirmed, the installation will begin.
Final Inspections
When construction is finished, the local authority (city/county) will do a final inspection before your system can be connected to the grid.
Stage 5: Activation, Handover & Monitoring
Utility Interconnection
Now you’re in the home stretch. We’ll submit your documents to the utility company and they’ll install a net meter allowing you to interconnect with the utility grid. This meter will allow you to earn credit for any energy your system adds to the utility grid. Then, at the flip of a switch, your solar system will be activated and start generating clean, affordable, money-saving energy.
Final 40% Payment Due At Time of Interconnection
Handover
The final step in the process is the handover. We provide you with all of the final documentation, review all warranties with you, and provide training and recommendations for safe operations and proper maintenance to prolong the life and performance of your system.
Performance Monitoring & Maintenance
Your system is now generating clean, sustainable energy and we want to help you keep it that way. We’ll help you get set up on the system’s mobile application so you can keep track of how your panels are producing no matter where you are. Also, we’ll discuss with you about how to properly clean and maintain your system to ensure you get the maximum amount of production from it and prolong the life of the system. Maintenance for these systems is very minimal, but still, when properly cared for, solar systems can produce clean energy for well beyond 30 or even 40 years!
