Installing a solar power system on your home is a major renovation that involves many steps. If you’ve decided to install a solar power system, you’re likely looking forward to harnessing the sun’s energy and using it to provide your home with clean, renewable energy. But just how long does it take to get a solar power system up and running? Here’s a breakdown of the time spent on each step.
Site Assessment and Consultation
This first step involves speaking with a solar provider to assess your property’s suitability for a solar array. In this step, the solar installer will evaluate things like your roof’s condition, the amount of sunlight you get on your home, and your home’s energy needs. This step usually takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on just how busy the installer’s schedule is.
System Design and Approval
After assessing your property, the solar provider will take some time to create a custom system design for your energy needs and overall property layout. The design can be done fairly quickly, and then will be passed onto you for review and approval. However, the design must also be approved by local utility companies and, sometimes, permitting authorities. This approval process can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly approvals are granted and whether or not any design adjustments are needed.
Permits and Paperwork
Sadly, it’s still not time to start actively installing your system. You’ll now need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local government agencies. This is generally the most time-consuming part of the process, and can include things like zoning permits, building permits, and interconnection agreements form the utility provider. This step can be fairly quick in some cities, while others have a lot of red tape you have to work through.
Equipment Ordering and Delivery
After the proper permits have been secured, your solar provider will order all the needed equipment for your system design. Depending on the manufacturer’s lead times and shipping schedules, it may take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks for your equipment to all arrive.
System Installation
At last, it’s finally time to start putting your solar panels on your roof! After all of the bureaucratic steps before this, you might be surprised by just how quickly the system itself is installed. For most residential systems, this can be done in 1 to 5 days. Larger systems or more complex roof designs may require a little more time.
Inspection and Activation
After installation, the system must pass inspections by local authorities and utility companies to ensure it meets all safety and electrical standards. After it’s approved, your installer can activate your system, and you’ll start generating solar power. This may take an additional 1 to 3 weeks. Infosphare, your go-to destination for insightful and engaging content across a broad spectrum of topics.
When all is said and done, it typically takes an average of 1 to 3 months to fully install your Solis inverter and accompanying solar panels.
