Learn about the stages of your solar project after your contract is created and signed.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the onboarding stage of our process and signed an agreement for your system.
Now what?
It's time to navigate the back-end stages of the process. This involves organizing the efforts of engineers, jurisdictions, power companies, HOAs, and installers to ultimately get your system up, running, and producing power.
Topics covered in this article:
- The Post-Contract Process: Step-by-Step
- Timeline
- Updates: The Project Solar Customer Experience Team
The Post-Contract Process: Step-by-Step
During the post-contract process, we'll provide you with updates about once per week.
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Engineering
Based on the photographs/site survey information that we have for your home, engineers will draw up the structural and electrical plans for your project.
They will also determine whether there is any additional work required before installing your system (such as a subpanel addition, main breaker derate, or main panel upgrade). If your project is expected to involve extra work (or, "adders"), then we will present these to you for approval. -
Application With Your Utility
Since your solar system will feed extra energy into the power grid, we will need to follow your utility company's application process for interconnection. If your power company offers a net-metering or solar buyback program, we will apply for that here as well. -
Permitting
After your plans have been drawn up, they'll be submitted for approval with your jurisdiction. The timeline for this process can vary because each jurisdiction has different policies, requirements, and processing times. -
Installation
Once the permits for your system are approved and your utility company approves the interconnection application, we can schedule the installation for your system and ship your equipment. The process of installation generally takes 1-2 days. -
Inspection/PTO (Permission to Operate)
To begin producing power, jurisdictions generally require your system to pass an inspection. This is to ensure your plans were accurately followed, everything is installed safely, and your system follows code requirements. After your system passes inspection, we can obtain Permission to Operate (PTO) from your power company. -
Activation
The final step in the process is to turn your system on and start producing power! A representative will contact you and help you activate your system and get your solar monitoring app set up.
Timeline
Most of our installs take about 2-6 months from deposit through installation–this timeline includes engineering, permitting, and utility application as well.
However, each solar install is unique. Depending on how quickly you submit information to us and how long your local jurisdiction and power company take to permit things, timelines can vary.
Updates: The Project Solar Customer Experience Team
Should you have any questions or concerns in regards to your project throughout the post-contract process, our Customer Experience Team is happy to help.
This team was created to provide customers with quick access to representatives for assistance with their projects. They can give progress updates, create tickets for change orders or action items, and answer most solar/battery related questions.
Customer Experience Contact Information: