Massachusetts has witnessed meteoric growth in solar adoption over the past few years, and this upward trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. If you are thinking of joining the solar bandwagon, you are probably wondering, among other things, how long it will take for your new solar system to operationalize and start saving you money.
Well, the answer depends on several factors, but it usually takes about 3 months for your solar system to become operational.
Here is the step-by-step account of how it works:
- Step 1: Site Inspection
Once you enter into an agreement with us, we’ll assign our site surveyor to visit your property. The surveyor inspects the roof condition thoroughly to ascertain its viability for solar installation.
They will also inspect your electrical systems to ensure that they are compatible with the new solar system.
In some cases, the roof may need a redo and your electrical panel may require an upgrade. We’ll advise you accordingly.
- Step 2: Permits and Applications
You will need to get a permit from the township for the project even before we begin the installation. Sometimes, more than one permit would be required. The good news is that we’ll take care of it for you, so you don’t have to worry about it. We take care of utility interconnection paperwork.
Also, we’ll proactively apply (on your behalf) for various government incentive programs like the federal tax credit, state tax credit, net metering program, SMART program, and so on.
- Step 3: Sourcing of Equipment
Primarily, the equipment includes solar panels and inverters. If you opted for solar plus storage, a battery would be included. The equipment would be ordered on-demand from the respective brands. Generally, the brands supply the equipment in a matter of days.
There would be other minor but essential equipment like mounts, electrical wiring, and so on. We usually maintain a sufficient inventory of such equipment, so their availability won’t be affected by any potential delays.
- Step 4: Installation
The first step of installation would be to prepare your roof by ensuring that the shingles or tiles are not loose. This is followed by the installation of support racking. The solar panels would then be affixed onto the racking. The panels do not touch the roof once they are installed.
Subsequently, the panels will be connected to an inverter, and an electricity meter is installed for the net metering purpose.
- Step 5: Inspection and Approval to Operate
Once the solar panels are installed there will be an inspection, usually building and electrical. We will sit through the inspection for you so you don’t have to. The next step is to get the Certificate of Approval from the Township and then the approval to operate from the utility. Be aware, this process of getting utility approval can take a few weeks after your install is complete.
That’s it. Your new solar panel system is ready to save your money and planet.
