Solar Technology

Installation: What To Expect

Installing solar panels is usually done in the following steps:

1. System ordered from manufacturer:  Some dealers hold inventory in a warehouse and others order as new jobs come in.  Ordering panels for a specific job will take longer.  When the system is running smoothly, this lag doesn’t have an effect on your install date as it takes longer to get permits and schedule the install team than it does order materials. The exception is a when there is a shortage of panels available, which has happened off and on over the past few years.
2. City permits, rebates submitted and approvals complete:  Every city is different when it comes to permits.  Permit fees are generally between $250 and $500 but can be as high as $1,000.  Permit processing times can also vary drastically.  A streamlined process can be measured in days, where a bogged-down system could take months.  This process will not change based on your dealer as it is based on the city you live in.  Applications for state or utility rebates begin once you size and order a system.  The typical turnaround time is 4-6 weeks, and smaller local utilities take slightly longer.
3. System Engineer on-site verification:  CollectiveSol offers the dealer detailed site imagery, solar analysis results, potential design concepts and feedback directly from the customer.  However, many dealers will want a final site visit after a sales agreement is signed but before installation commences.  The purpose would be to verify the detailed system specifications and ensure there aren’t any non-standard issues that need to be addressed.
4. Team arrives to install (a fairly standard 5kW DC system takes roughly 2-4 days to install):  The following items are included in a standard install:
• Penetrating (drilling through) the roof and attaching the racks that secure the panels to the roof, and then sealing around the penetrations
• Placing the panels on the roof and wiring them together
• Attaching the inverter and the AC /DC disconnects
• Wiring the system to the utility meter
5. Final inspection and the system goes live:  Once the system is installed, an Inspector must come out to verify the project has been implemented to Code before it can be turned on.  This inspection is typically scheduled for the final day of installation to reduce waiting time before the system can be turned on.
6. Maintenance:  Maintenance in most areas is a minimal endeavor.  Most residential systems are installed flush against the slope of the roof and rain will clean the panels enough for normal operations.  Otherwise, or in non-rainy areas, simply hosing off of the panels once every 2-3 months is sufficient.  Some companies offer maintenance packages that include periodic cleanings and monitoring of the output to ensure optimal system performance.