How long does it take to go solar?
Each state has slightly different requirements when it comes to residential solar so the timelines can vary. In this article, we’ll describe our own process at Vivint Solar to explain all the essential steps associated with solar panel installation and how long each should generally take.
Other installers might have slight variations in their process (steps one and three, in particular), or slightly different names for their steps, but be wary of any company that skips any of the steps below because they’re all important in ensuring you get a safe, reliable, solar energy system installed on your home.
If you’ve already begun your solar journey with Vivint Solar and want to track your progress, simply log in to Account Center to get more details.
Step 1: consultation
Vivint Solar employs an in-house team of solar engineers to design a solar energy system specifically for your home's roof and electricity usage needs. Our team will look at your past electricity usage and conduct a home assessment to make sure the system is the right size for your home. Before we build the solar energy system, you’ll have a chance to review and approve your roof's solar design.
Typical time frame to complete consultation: 1-4 weeks
This process typically takes a few weeks because homeowners often take some time to approve the design and we need some time to ensure everything is perfect. Once everything is approved, it’s time to move to step two: permitting.
Step 2: permitting
The good news about this step is that it doesn’t require anything from the homeowner (other than a little patience, maybe). Grid-tied solar energy systems require some paperwork so we submit all of that paperwork to your municipality and utility company and ensure the documents are approved.
Typical time frame to complete permitting: 1-4 weeks
This is one of the steps where your geography can play a big part in the timeline. Some municipalities and/or utility companies are quicker than others and there isn’t much that you or we can do about that. But again, the good news is that going with a quality installer means you don’t have to stress about this step because we cover the heavy lifting.
Once permitting is finished, we’ll help you schedule your solar installation.
Step 3: installation
Solar installations are surprisingly straightforward.
Two teams will arrive at your home on installation day. One team will actually attach the new [solar panels] to your roof(/go-solar/solar-panels), and the other will take care of all the grid and electrical work. After the teams install and connect the new solar panels, the foreman will show you how to turn the solar energy system on and off. Remember that the solar energy system won’t be operational just yet—there are a few more inspections and approvals that will need to happen before you can turn it on.
Typical time frame to complete installation: 4-8 hours
Vivint Solar has actually played a pretty big role in improving solar installations generally. We looked at the way that installations were being done and decided we could do them better and do them faster. A lot of people in the industry thought we were crazy but we pioneered a new approach and now, years later, it’s industry standard for solar panel installations to to be completed in one day.
Step 4: inspection
As mentioned above, there are a couple more steps required after installation before you can turn on the solar energy system. The inspector will look at things like the installation, structural integrity of your roof, and your electrical system. This is meant to protect you, your home, and the local grid (and utility workers).
After installation, your system will typically go through 1-2 final inspections—one with your municipality, and one with your utility company.
Typical time frame to complete inspection: 2 to 10 weeks
We know that’s a big range. And the on-site inspections themselves do not take very long (usually an hour or two). But scheduling the inspection and processing necessary paperwork can take some time, depending on your own availability and how busy your local municipality/utility is. Much like step two, you don’t have to do much for this step other than wait.
Step 5: activation
After the inspections are complete, we’ll request Permission to Operate (PTO) from your utility company. This just means we’re getting permission to connect your new solar panels to the electrical grid (it does not mean that we’re requesting paid time off. We know, it’s confusing).
We’ll notify you as soon as we receive PTO so you can turn on the system.
Typical time frame to complete activation: 5-10 minutes
The actual process of activating your system is quick and, as mentioned above, you’ll be instructed on how to do it on installation day. But here are a couple videos to help, just in case you forget.