Demystifying Solar Installation

By June 13, 2019Blog

Homeowners look to Energy Service Partners to design to build solar systems that will not only contribute to the health of the environment but immediately increase the value and desirability of their property. Yet, they may find the technology or process a bit daunting at first glance.

We’re demystifying the solar installation process into bitesize information bits:

Site Survey (1-3 days)

Based site inspection information we begin the design and engineering process. This information typically includes obtaining specific measurements, shade studies, photo documentation, quality control evaluations and other criteria.

Engineering (1-3 days)

This technical data is then uploaded to our Engineering Department. They analyze the information to individually customize systems to achieve maximum production levels consistent with a defined scope of work. Our engineers create detailed layouts and drawings. These final engineering documents are submitted to municipalities for review and approval.

Permit and Utility Approval (2-21 days)

Final drawings are submitted to the appropriate municipality building and construction safety department. In California, many cities review and approve plans in just a few days, while some cities can take weeks. In Nevada, while most cities approve plans within a week, the utility company may require several weeks to approve net metering before ESP can proceed. Submittal and approval processes vary.

Schedule System Delivery and Set-up (1-2 days)

An ESP Project Manager will call homeowners once utility company approval is received. The Project Manager will schedule delivery and set-up. This should take about one or two days depending on the size of the system and other factors. On the morning of delivery, the ESP Project Manager will address homeowner concerns and the day’s work plan. He or she will stay on-site to protect the integrity of the home and ensure the highest quality set-up, staying with the project from start to finish. During each step, the ESP Project Manager will remain in continual contact with homeowners and will supervise the ESP team of licensed and bonded, full-trained and experienced technicians.

Permit Inspection Approval (1-7 days)

After set-up, ESP will begin the process of securing a final city approval. The Project Manager will arrange to have an inspector from the appropriate local municipality come out to review the solar electric project. ESP takes the responsibility to adjust to any specific requirements in order to secure the final city approval. This may, in some instances, take more than one inspection depending on the inspector.

Utility Approval and System Activation (4-30 days)

The final step is obtaining interconnection approval from the local utility company. Upon permit approval, ESP will submit documentation to utility company for the final approval. Depending on the utility provider this step may take a few days to a few weeks. Once approved, the ESP Project Manager will call the homeowner schedule system activation and plan a time to demonstrate operation of the system to homeowners.

We are also sharing an article on solar energy from a popular men’s lifestyle blog.

At ESP, we are at the cutting edge of the solar industry putting best practices, materials and highly-skilled and impeccably trained Project Managers and teams at your disposal to guide you through selection of your solar system, installation, powering-up and getting the most from your system backed by one of the best guarantees in the industry. Solar system quotes are always at no charge to the customer.