Solar Installation Process

We analyze your energy bill to determine the size and type of system your home needs. Typically we design your system based on energy history, however, there are several factors that can affect your usage after getting solar, including changes in air conditioning usage, the addition of a pool, or a new electric vehicle. Did you just move in or are building your home and don’t have a history? Not a problem! We have extensive experience using comparable homes and the electrical requirements of the house’s planned equipment to make an educated evaluation of your needs.

We review your residential or commercial site to ensure we have all your roof and electrical details. No unknowns and no surprises. This way there’s less chance of unforseen costly issues during installation. With this information, we create detailed engineering designs specific to your home or place of business.

We start the process by using state-of-the-art design tools to build a 3D model of your home and surrounding structures and trees. We then custom-design a solar and storage system to fit your needs and expectations, and take advantage of your property’s best producing areas. We then run a year-long production simulation that takes into account direction, roof pitch, local weather, shading, and other features for the most accurate prediction of performance available.

We send you a detailed proposal, including a draft design and expected solar performance and energy costs throughout the year. No large contracts or hidden terms – our proposal is short and to the point. While paying for your system with cash is always your best return on investment, financing your project might be the best option. We work closely with a local credit union to offer you the best terms and rates for your loan. And while we offer many financing options, we will never offer or endorse a lease or PPA.

We ensure all designs are up to code and submit them to your city or jurisdiction for approval. Every jurisdiction has slightly different requirements for solar installations and we know ‘em all. We rarely have plans returned for corrections but when we do, we take care of them promptly with nothing required of the customer. Wait times vary; while many jurisdictions allow online or over-the-counter permits, others take two to four weeks to issue a permit.

Our friendly installers work carefully and diligently to ensure a beautiful overall look. We firmly believe that aesthetics matter! We hide all rails and junction boxes under your panel array to give a sleek look. We also minimize exposed conduit and paint them to match your wall or roof color. We strive to give you the cleanest, most attractive look from your roof to the inverter panel. Average installations range from 2-4 days.

We call for inspection, typically, within 1-2 days after your installation is complete and we have never failed a solar inspection! Once the city passes the solar system they usually contact SDG&E that day for a Permission to Operate (PTO). PTO takes 2-5 business days. Once you have PTO, your system is automatically up and running. We set up your monitoring system so you can see your system production right away!

A member of our team will walk you through everything you need to know. From reading your electrical meter to managing your online monitoring system, all your questions will be answered. You will also receive a digital customer package that includes instructions, manuals, warranty, and troubleshooting guides for all of your new equipment. But don’t be intimidated, our team is just a phone call away if you ever need help or advice.

We hope you enjoyed your experience and we want to take care of your friends and family as well. Take part in our referral fee program and you can earn cash back!