After making the very important business decision to go solar, you may also want to know just how long it’ll take to complete the installation process and start generating electricity. After all, generating electricity is the main reason you made the switch to solar system. In this post, we’re going to provide you with in depth details on how long it takes to install solar panels as well as the factors that may affect that time.
The entire process of solar panels installation and getting them approved isn’t an overnight process. You’ll have to wait for periods for each step of the process whereby one must be completed before moving to the next. The time required to complete each step can, however, vary largely depending on your location, the type of solar panels you opt for, the solar company you hire as well as the number of people that’ll be making the installation. Here are the steps to a solar system installation and the estimated time each are expected to take:
- Site assessment. Once you chosen your solar company, the first step would be to have a solar professional from the company to visit the site to examine the roof and other features so as to make sure that they’re able to support a solar system. From the initial contact to scheduling the site visit, this step can take up to 1 to 2 weeks
- Local permitting. This involves getting the right permits from your local authorities. This can take up to 3 to 6 or more weeks.
- Solar system design. This may take up to a week or two depending on whether or not you need design approval and also where the parts are coming from
- Installation. This step can take a week or two depending on the size af your solar panel and roof.
- Inspection. This step can take up to a week depending on where you reside and how quickly the inspector can visit.
- Utility connection. Depending on your utility company, this step can take up to 2 weeks.