Installing solar panels is an exciting journey toward clean energy and savings. However, going from a quote request to a fully operational solar system involves multiple steps, paperwork, and coordination. In this guide, we’ll walk you through SolarU’s installation timeline step-by-step. The goal is to make the process clear, informative, and actionable for anyone considering solar with SolarU.
Step-by-Step SolarU Installation Process
We strive to streamline the solar installation process from start to finish. Below is a detailed walkthrough of each stage, from the initial inquiry to turning on your solar power system:
Initial Quote Request & Consultation
The process begins when you reach out to SolarU for a quote We will then schedule a consultation (often a phone call or in-home visit) to discuss your energy needs and goals. During this initial meeting, expect to review your current electricity usage and learn about the benefits of going solar. We will also identify any prerequisites for incentives – for example, completing a home energy audit if you plan to apply for certain rebates. This upfront discussion ensures you’re informed about the process and what comes next in the process.
Site Assessment and Energy Audit
Next, is conducting a site assessment of your property. An expert will inspect your roof condition, orientation, and shading, and evaluate your home’s energy profile (insulation, HVAC systems, appliances, etc.). In Atlantic Canada, homeowners interested in rebates may need an EnerGuide home energy audit as a pre-condition to qualify for programs.
We can help coordinate this audit, which involves a certified energy advisor evaluating your home’s efficiency. The site assessment and audit confirm that your home is a good candidate for solar and gather the data needed to design an optimal system. (Tip: It’s wise to address any roof repairs or structural issues at this stage, so they don’t cause surprises later.)
System Design and Proposal
With the assessment data and your energy goals in hand, our design team will craft a custom solar system tailored to your home and needs. We will also review your past electric bills and usage patterns to size the system appropriately, aiming for a design that can offset your consumption, often targeting a ‘net zero’ annual balance. This design phase also identifies the best placement for panels and inverters on your property.
We will then present you with a detailed proposal, including the system layout, equipment specifications, projected energy production, and costs. All available rebates and grants are factored in so you see the net investment. At this point, you can discuss financing options and finalize the contract to move forward. Once you sign the agreement, you’re officially on the path to solar installation.
Permitting and Approvals
After the contract is signed, SolarU takes care of obtaining all necessary permits and approvals on your behalf. This typically includes applying for an electrical permit for the solar installation and submitting the system design to local authorities or utilities for approval. In many jurisdictions, the utility company must approve the interconnection of your solar system to the grid before installation begins.
We will coordinate the net metering application with your utility as needed. (Net metering is the program that allows you to send excess solar energy to the grid for credits on your bill.) The permitting stage is largely behind-the-scenes for you as a customer – the SolarU team fills out the paperwork, and technical drawings, and ensures compliance with building codes and utility requirements.
Keep in mind this step can take time depending on local regulations. For example, obtaining permit approvals can take several weeks. The good news is having a proactive approach (submitting complete, accurate documentation promptly) helps keep this phase as efficient as possible.
Equipment Procurement and Scheduling
In parallel with permitting, SolarU secures all the equipment needed for your project – solar panels, inverters, racking, and other materials. We have a strong supplier network allowing us to keep products on hand at our warehouse in Nova Scotia making sure there is typically no long wait for equipment. In fact, SolarU prides itself on being Atlantic Canada’s premier supplier of solar materials, which “eliminates waiting time for materials.”
This means once permits are approved, they’re ready to go. As soon as the green light is given by the municipality/utility, SolarU will reach out to schedule your installation at a convenient time. They’ll coordinate a date for the install crew to come out, aiming for good weather and a timeframe that works for you.
Solar Panel Installation
This is the big day (or days) when your solar equipment gets mounted and connected. A professional installation team will arrive on-site with all the hardware. The installation process involves mounting the racking system on your roof (or ground mounts, if applicable), placing the solar panels, and wiring the panels to the inverters and your electrical panel.
They will also install any additional components, such as a battery system or consumption monitoring device, if included in your setup. Residential solar installations are typically completed within one to three days, depending on the system size and roof complexity. In some cases, larger or more complex projects may take up to a week. However, for an average home, you can expect only a couple of days of actual on-site work.
SolarU’s installers work efficiently to minimize disruption – they’ll coordinate any temporary power shut-offs if needed and ensure everything is installed to code. By the end of this step, the physical solar array and wiring are in place on your property.
Inspections and Commissioning
After installation, there are a few checkpoints before your system can be turned on. First, conduct an internal quality check to make sure the installation meets their standards. Then, any required inspections are completed. This usually includes an inspection by a local electrical inspector or building department official to verify the system is safely installed and compliant with permits. SolarU will be present to handle these inspections with the inspector.
Next, your utility company will step in to finalize the grid connection: they will install a new bi-directional meter (if one isn’t already present) and issue Permission to Operate (PTO). The timeline for utility interconnection can vary.
We coordinate closely with the utility. Once PTO is granted, SolarU’s technician will schedule a visit to commission the system – this means turning it on, testing everything, and walking you through the initial activation. Congratulations – your solar panels are now live! The commissioning step is the official “solar switch-on” moment when your home begins generating clean energy.
Post-Installation Wrap-Up
After your system is operational, SolarU continues to support you to ensure a smooth transition. We will help you finalize any remaining paperwork for rebates or incentives. For example, if there are forms to verify the installation completion for a rebate program, SolarU assists with those so you can receive your incentive checks promptly. (Many rebate programs issue funds after verifying the system is installed and inspected.)
SolarU will also register your equipment warranties and provide you with documentation for your records. Before they close out the project, they will train you on monitoring your solar production and explain any maintenance tips. At this stage, you’re not only a proud owner of a solar system, but also equipped with the knowledge to maximize its benefits for years to come.
