How Long Will It Take to Install My Panels?

The excitement of getting new panels means you’ll probably want to know exactly when they’ll be done and ready to go. You’ll also want to know the exact day you can cut away from your power company and start reaping those benefits. In this blog, we’ll look at all the steps that go into installing a solar panel, which will outline exactly how it gets done and hopefully help give you a sort of timeline to know how close your panels are to being finished.

Before the Installation

While you may be focused on the installation itself, there is also time calculated for how long before the installation it will take to do the pre-installation. First thing’s first, you’ll need to have the installation site evaluated. This will ensure your design is a good fit for your home and your roof, and that other factors, such as trees, have been taken into careful consideration. The next step is the scheduling, which you won’t be a part of, but which will help the installers determine how long everything will take them. The last pre-installation step is getting the appropriate permits. Without these, the installation cannot begin, as you are required to have permission from the city. The installer will obtain them, so again, you don’t have to be part of that process.

During the Installation

The installation itself will begin as soon as the pre-installation work is completed. This will take somewhere between two and three working days. The first thing the installers will do is set up the mounting and racking system, which is what keeps your solar panels from sliding off your roof. It will also keep your roof protected from the panels themselves. Then, usually on the second day, the panels are attached to said racking and mounting system, with the panels, put securely in place to ensure they don’t fall off the system. Finally, the panels are wired together to transfer electricity to each other. They are then wired to the inverter which will transmit that energy into your home. If you decided to get a battery system, they will also wire your panel system to that for you.

After the Installation

After everything is installed, there will need to be an evaluation performed on behalf of your city or county that makes sure your panels are properly mounted, that the wires are accurately placed, and that your panels are safe to use. They will then give you Permission to Operate, or PTO, which you’ll need to get it up and running and not get in trouble from your local government. You’ll then need to factor in the time it takes to monitor your system. While it may already be installed and running, it will need time and energy to make sure it’s functioning accurately and effectively at all times. If you notice anything at all wrong with it, you’ll need to contact your installers right away, who should have outlined your warranty in the event that something goes wrong.

While it typically only takes up to three days to get the system itself installed to your roof, you’ll also need to factor in all the time it takes to get it set up, both before the installation and after. While most of the process will be taken care of by the installer, it’s your responsibility to keep track of your system’s efficiency after the installation is complete.

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