Solar installations in the U.S. could double by 2023, as reported by CNBC.
It’s easy to understand why since solar is a clean and renewable resource that helps offset our nation’s need for fossil fuels.
But have you wondered how long does it take to install solar panels?
Read on to find out.
How Long Does It Take to Install Solar Panels?
From the time you decide you want solar panels and having them fully operational can take between two and three months once you’ve decided on your solar installation company.
This includes the time from your installer’s first visit for initial evaluation and assessment of your roof and electrical system to getting your panels hooked up to the grid.
Below will explain how to install solar panels step by step.
On-Site Evaluation
Once you decide on a solar contractor, they will have an engineer come out to your installation site to talk to you about your needs and to do a site assessment.
Prior to visiting your location, they will have scouted your house online to obtain preliminary information regarding the slant of your roof, which parts of your roof get the most sun, and locate anything that may possibly shade the roof.
Once at your location, the engineer will confirm the information on site matches their initial investigation and make adjustments to their findings. They will also inspect your roof and electrical system to determine their condition and suitability for solar panel installation.
Based on their data and discussions with you, you will be given an estimate and recommendations as to how many solar panels you will need, where best to place them, and how much everything will cost once installed.
You can also discuss options regarding whether you want to buy your solar panel system outright, lease it, take out a loan or enter a purchase power agreement.
Design Plan and Approval
After the site visit and assessment, your solar specialists will put together a design plan for your approval. Once approved and payment arrangements have been decided, you need to sign a written agreement in order to get the work officially underway.
Obtain Permits
The next step in your solar panels installation process is getting the necessary permits approved with your local government. Your solar company will handle this paperwork and oversee the process of obtaining the permits.
Once the permits get approved, an order can be placed by your solar company for the panels and paneling system.
This step in the process usually takes the longest since permit departments can be backed up due to lack of staffing to handle all the requests coming in. This is especially true if you live in an area where there is a lot of construction or remodeling going on.
Actual Installation
Your actual solar panels installation will take between one and three days, depending on the number of panels being installed and other site related issues that may be present.
You will have workmen climbing up and down from your roof and attaching the panels to your roof. So make sure to remove any obstacles near your house that may hinder their progress in order to make the installation run smoother.
Inspection of the Installation by City/County
Once your solar panels installation is complete, a request will be put into your local permitting office to have their inspector come out to perform a final inspection.
The inspector will be checking to make sure everything is installed safely and that it meets local building codes.
Utility Interconnection
After your solar panel system passed the final inspection, a request will be put in to have your system connected to the local power grid, so your system can be turned on and start the process of generating your solar power!
The local power company is in charge of setting the date for connection to the grid. They will also have to install a meter to calculate how much power your new system generates.
Take Steps Today To Go Solar
All the above steps can take up to two or three months to happen. So that answers the question as to how long does it take to install solar panels.
As you can see, there are a few steps involved but the actual installation is relatively quick. So there won’t be workmen at your house for long. Before you know it you’ll be saving money each month on your energy costs.
Contact us today to get the process started. We can answer all your questions regarding the current rebates available as well.