Ready to go solar? Mitch from Big Dog walks you through the seven simple steps to get set up—from the site survey to the final system turn-on. Want to see how it all comes together? Watch the video to check out the full process!
Video Transcription
Hey guys, Mitch here with Big Dog. Today, we're gonna walk you through the seven steps of getting set up with solar.
Step one: We do a site survey, which can be as easy as taking pictures and information from your sales consultant, or we send in the real professionals and they get all the dirty details.
Step two: Plans and design. This is when our professional team of designers will sit on the computer like this, and they will lay out how your panels are supposed to look so that they can send that out for your approval, and approval to our engineering team to make sure it's all compliant. Bada bing, bada boom.
Step three: Permitting. We have to get permits to do our job, so it's all legal on the up and up. So we submit those and hope that they come back quickly, but sometimes it can take a few weeks. So we just wait. Usually it's pretty quick.
Step four: The installation takes place. Better than Disneyland, baby. This is where magic happens. This is when your crew shows up, they put panels on your house, they tie into your electrical panel, they get it all set up to tie into the grid and everything. Real magic happens here, baby. Step four: We're done with that part. I'll do step five.
Numero cinco: The inspection. A pretty simple process, but we have to schedule that and wait for a few days for somebody to come out and tell us we did a really good job.
Step six: Meter swap. All we gotta do is have your utility company come and swap out your old panel for the bright, new shiny one that gives you credits for everything you produce.
And finally step seven: System turn on. You are actively a solar customer and we've got you set up on monitoring so you can see all the gorgeous credits you're earning Congratulations. See you later. [laughter] Should work!
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Q&A
What is involved in the site survey step for solar installation?
The site survey is the first step in the solar installation process. It involves collecting detailed information about your property, which can be done either through photos and information from your sales consultant or by sending professional surveyors to gather all necessary details. This ensures we have accurate data to proceed with planning and designing your solar system.
What happens during the planning and design phase?
During the planning and design phase, our professional design team creates a detailed layout of how your solar panels will be arranged. This design is prepared using specialized software and is then reviewed for your approval and compliance with engineering standards. This step ensures that the system is optimized for your home and meets all necessary regulations.
How long does the permitting process take?
The permitting process involves submitting plans to local authorities to ensure everything is legal and compliant. While this process is generally quick, it can sometimes take a few weeks depending on the jurisdiction. We handle the submission and follow up to expedite the process as much as possible.
What should I expect during the installation and final steps?
During the installation, our crew will arrive to install the solar panels, connect them to your electrical system, and integrate everything with the grid. After installation, an inspection will be conducted to ensure everything is installed correctly. Next, your utility company will replace your old meter with a new one that tracks the energy you produce. Finally, we will turn on your system and set you up with monitoring to track your energy production and credits.
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