Powur’s 6 Easy Steps to Solar
/in News /by adminSwitching to solar is an exciting journey, but many homeowners aren’t sure what happens between purchase and enjoying clean energy savings. How long does it take to install solar panels? What steps are involved before you start generating electricity?
On average, the entire solar installation process takes around 2–3 months, primarily due to the necessary permits and approvals. While this may seem long, these steps are crucial for ensuring public safety and the long-term efficiency of your system. At Powur, we’ve simplified the solar transition into six straightforward steps, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Let’s break down each phase of going solar.
1. The Site Survey
The journey begins with a thorough property inspection, essential for designing a system tailored to your home. During the site survey, a Powur technician will assess your roof’s slope, inspect the main service panel, and check for any potential sunlight obstructions, such as trees. The survey also includes an inspection of the attic under the roof.
This process usually takes 1–2 weeks and is coordinated to fit your schedule. In peak solar months, this timeframe may slightly extend, but rest assured, it’s a vital part of designing an efficient solar system.
2. Designing Your Custom Solar Energy System
With the site survey complete, Powur’s engineering team creates a custom solar blueprint for your home. This includes an electrical diagram that ensures your system meets local building codes and is optimized for your savings goals.
This stage typically takes 1–2 weeks, after which the plans are submitted for official approval by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
3. Securing Building Permits
Obtaining a building permit is often the longest part of the solar installation process. The timeline depends on your local jurisdiction’s speed, with permit approval usually taking 4–6 weeks. Some regions may experience delays based on seasonal backlogs or staffing levels, but your dedicated Powur project manager will provide updates throughout this process.
4. Installing Your Solar Panels
Once the permits are secured, it’s time for the most exciting step: solar panel installation! The physical installation typically takes 1–4 days, depending on your roof size and system complexity. Technicians will mount hardware, secure the panels, and connect the system to your electrical panel.
While it’s tempting to expect instant results, note that your solar system won’t be operational just yet—two important steps remain.
5. Passing Final Inspection
After installation, your local building authority will conduct a final inspection to ensure your solar energy system meets safety standards and building codes. This inspection typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on inspector availability and seasonal demand.
6. Getting Utility Approval for Grid Connection
The last step is receiving Permission to Operate (PTO) from your utility company. This involves installing a solar meter, which measures how much electricity your system generates and feeds back into the grid. Once your system is connected, you’re ready to power your home with clean solar energy.
This approval process usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the utility’s schedule and backlog.
Start Generating Clean Energy
Once you’ve received PTO, it’s time to flip the switch and start enjoying your solar energy savings. If your utility company supports a solar buyback program, you can earn credits for any excess energy your panels generate, further offsetting your energy bills.
And there you have it—six easy steps to transitioning your home to solar with Powur. From the initial survey to flipping that final switch, Powur guides you through every stage, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free solar installation process.
Ready to Make the Switch to Solar?
With solar, you’re not just reducing your energy bills; you’re making a positive impact on the planet. If you’re ready to start your solar journey, contact a Powur representative today for a free, no-obligation consultation!