Switching to solar power can feel like a daunting task. There are many factors to consider before taking the plunge, such as cost, efficiency, and installation time. Most people want to know how long a solar panel installation takes so that they can plan accordingly. The answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem – but don’t stress! We will take you through these steps of solar panel installation.
The Timeline Of Solar Installation
The timeline for a typical solar installation will vary based on various factors, such as the size of your system and any special requirements you may have. Generally speaking; however, most installations can be completed in two to four weeks from start to finish. It includes obtaining permits from local authorities (if necessary), scheduling an installation appointment with an authorized installer, and completing the installation.
Step 1: Site Evaluation & Design
This initial meeting with your installer usually lasts around two hours. During this step, you will discuss your goals, review blueprints or plans of your home if available, and get an idea of what type of system you need based on your energy usage. Once your solar contractor knows what kind of system you need and the installation location, they can provide you with an estimate for the entire project and start designing the layout for the installers.
Step 2: Permitting & Ordering Materials
After the site evaluation and design is complete, your installer will submit any required permits or applications from local authorities before work can begin on installing your new system. Your installer should be able to guide you on what documents are needed and how long it might take to obtain them; some areas may require more paperwork than others. Depending on local regulations, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The solar installer may also need to order materials for your system during this step which could add several weeks to the timeline for completion.
Step 3: Installation
Once all necessary paperwork has been submitted, the installer can schedule an appointment for installation day. It is when most of the physical work gets done. During this appointment, an installer will come to your property and begin attaching all necessary components from the panels to wiring onto your roof or other designated area where they are best suited for optimal performance. On average, installations take one day to a week, depending on your system’s complexity and size.
Takeaway
Solar panel installation times vary depending on many factors; on average, most installations take between one week and eight weeks total from site evaluation to final inspection. With that, however, most projects finish within one month, so planning isn’t too difficult if you have some flexibility in terms of timing. If you’re interested in going solar but unsure exactly how long it would take to install panels at your home or business – reach out to a qualified contractor on our team today. They’ll be able to provide more detailed information about timelines specific to your project.