What To Expect With Your Solar Panel Installation

The solar panel installation process can be complicated and stressful if you choose the wrong company. At Photon Brothers, our team of project managers and solar installers handle all of the details for you! All you need to do is approve the work and enjoy your renewable energy source. 

But what exactly does the solar panel installation process look like? If you hire a trustworthy solar company, they will manage all permitting and inspections and deliver a custom solar system that saves you on energy costs for years to come. 

In this blog, let’s walk through the 5 steps of a complete solar installation:

• Site evaluation at your home
• Design, utility application, and permitting
• Optional: Solar battery installation
• Final inspection
• Permission to operate

Site Evaluation at Your Home

The first step of your solar installation is a site evaluation. Not every home is perfectly situated for 100% direct sunlight every day. There are likely neighboring homes, trees, and other factors that will impact the design of your solar array. A knowledgeable and experienced solar professional will carefully assess all of these details, including the condition of your roof. They’ll take photos and measurements and record detailed descriptions of your plot to help with the design process. 

While there are some major solar providers who don’t offer this kind of personalized service, a site evaluation is a critical step of the solar installation process that should never be skipped! Schedule your free consultation with Photon Brothers today.

Design, Utility Application, and Permitting

The second step is the design of your solar array. Meaning, the number, type, and placement of your panels. Before you can apply for any permits or talk to your utility company about the installation, you need to know where your solar panels will go on your property and what electrical work is necessary. The design team creates a layout for approval to determine the placement of your solar array. Then, the team creates a customized installation plan that includes all the equipment needed to capture maximum solar power.

With the plans in hand, your installer can submit a permitting application to your utility company. This process could take days or months, depending on the location. Some cities have very fast approval times, while others may have a more lengthy and involved approval process. In any case, your installer should keep you apprised of the status, as well as any permitting fees you may need to pay.

Optional: Solar Battery Installation

After you have the panel array planned, it’s time to discuss solar battery installation. While solar power offers a great way to reduce your reliance on the local electric grid, solar panels only work during the day. If you need electricity at night, you’re stuck with power from your utility company, unless you have stored energy from your daytime solar collection. Solar batteries give you the option to store your extra energy when you need it. 

It’s impossible to reduce your paid energy use to zero without some form of storage, which is why we highly recommend this add-on with your solar installation. Plus, it’s great to have a power source available at home for when the power goes out. Your battery storage system can also double as a whole-home generator to handle the load when something interrupts power to your neighborhood. 

Once you decide on battery storage and have approved permits, it’s time to move on to the physical installation of your equipment, which could take only 1 to 5 days. Many homeowners are surprised by how quickly the actual installation goes. That’s why it’s so important to have a caring solar provider who will stay on top of the project management, permitting, and final inspection process for you!

Final Inspection

Once your solar system is installed, there are still a couple of final steps before you can officially power on. This includes passing a final inspection. An inspector will carefully look at the entire installation alongside one of our licensed electricians to ensure everything is up to code and installed properly. Homeowners don’t need to be present during the inspection, though if the inspector needs access to areas blocked off by a gate or other entry control system, you’ll need to arrange access. If everything looks good, it’s time to move on to the final step.

Permission to Operate

Your utility company must approve your solar array and grant Permission to Operate before you can connect it to your local power grid. Since net metering is a big part of extracting the most value from your new solar installation, you can’t skip this step. Your installer sends in the passed inspection paperwork and any other information the utility will need to grant a PTO. 

With the PTO in hand, it’s finally time to start collecting power from the sun. One of our technicians will join you at your home and walk you through the process of turning it on. You’ll learn how to maintain your array and what to do if there are any issues. You’ll also get a final packet of information that might contain warranty documents and operational guides to help you make the most out of your new solar system.