The 7 Steps of Solar Installation
If you’re excited about the environmental, health and financial benefits of going solar, you’re likely wondering what all needs to happen before you can start reaping the rewards. Besides talking with Big Dog Solar and signing the paperwork, there are a few logistical measures to ensure that your solar system will be perfect for your home and needs. Here are the steps for solar panel home installation.
Step 1: Site Survey
Your Big Dog Solar sales associate or another professional will come to complete the site survey at your house. This involves taking pictures of your home and getting specific information to help the Big Dog team know how to best optimize your solar panel setup. This also will help ensure no surprises will arise during later permitting and inspections, keeping the schedule on track and avoiding delays.
Step 2: Plans & Design
Designer professionals will take a look at the pictures and information gathered during the site survey and get to work customizing a panel system perfect for your home. Big Dog will send the designs to you, the customer, for approval, as well as to our engineering team to ensure everything compliant with any codes and safety regulations.
Step 3: Permitting
Because solar installation means some electrical and construction work, solar companies need to obtain routine permits from the local government before installation. Big Dog Solar will take care of obtaining these permits. It usually isn’t a long wait, but may take a few weeks. These permits vary depending on where you live and what kind and size of solar system you’re considering. They’ll cover things like state/city codes, zoning laws, potential HOA regulations and other legislation regarding solar installations.
Step 4: Installation
This is where the magic starts to happen. The Big Dog crew can show up and actually start putting the solar panels up on your house. This is also when they’ll tie the panels to your electrical panel and get it set up to be tied into the electrical grid. Usually, it will only take one to three days to complete the installation.
Step 5: Inspection
After installation, someone from your local government’s building department comes to do a routine inspection, usually the local electrical inspector of your property’s jurisdiction. Big Dog will take care of scheduling this check. The inspector ensures everything with the solar panel system is up to code and safety regulations.
Step 6: Meter Swap
Before the panels can be turned on, your utility company will come and swap out your old electrical panel for a brand new one. This new panel will allow you to track and receive credits for the energy you produce, but don’t use. Big Dog will take care of scheduling this, as well.
Related post: Do You Still Pay for Electricity with Solar Panels?
Step 7: System Turn On
Congratulations! At this point installation, Big Dog can officially turn your solar panel system on and you can officially become a money-saving solar customer. You’ll already be set up with all of the monitoring tools you need, so you can see the credits you earn and track how much energy you’re gathering and using from your brand new solar panels.
FAQs
What happens during the site survey for solar installation?
During the site survey, a Big Dog Solar professional will visit your home to take pictures and gather information. This helps design the optimal solar panel setup and prevents surprises during permitting and inspections.
How long does it take to get permits for solar installation?
Obtaining permits typically takes a few weeks and varies based on local regulations, the size of the system, and any HOA requirements. Big Dog Solar will handle this process for you.
How long does the actual solar panel installation take?
The installation of solar panels usually takes between one to three days. This includes setting up the panels and connecting them to your electrical system and the grid.
What steps follow the solar panel installation?
After installation, the system undergoes a local government inspection to ensure compliance with codes. Then, the utility company swaps out your old meter for a new one, and finally, Big Dog Solar will turn on your system so you can start using and monitoring your solar energy.
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