Arizona is an idyllic location for solar panel installation. After all, the state enjoys about 300 days of sunshine annually. For a homeowner in the Grand Canyon State, solar panels are an excellent home improvement. You can make 100% cost savings with your solar panel. This renewable source of energy also reduces reliance on the national grid. More importantly, you can cut the carbon footprint for your property by solar panels setup.
But how long does the solar panels setup take? The solar panels setup involves various steps and processes and can take a few weeks or more. During the initial consultations with your solar panel contractor, you’ll get a timeline for the project.
This article explores some factors/steps involved in the solar panels setup to help you with the project planning process.
1. The Search for a Solar Installation Company
The first step in the solar panel installation process is the search for the best solar energy contractor. This is a complex process that requires extensive research, contacts, and interviews.
A good solar contractor in Arizona is certified and licensed to operate in the state. The contractor has highly trained technicians to carry out solar installation projects. You should also find a contractor with a solid reputation in the industry. Read reviews, testimonials, and carry out interviews to understand the contractor better. This can take a few weeks.
2. Contract Negotiations and Signing
Once you identify the right solar energy contractor in your city, start negotiations on the project. The contractor has to review your ideas, evaluate your home, check the condition of the roof, design the solar panels setup plan, and provide a quote.
Every property is different, and the contractor provides a custom estimate based on their assessment. Different factors such as your home’s energy needs, roof type, and a number of panels determine the pricing. The contractor drafts a project contract that also contains timelines for the job. The home evaluation and negotiations can take a week or more.
3. Permits and Licenses
Some permits you might require include a general electrical permit, a photovoltaic (PV) specific permit, and a construction permit. Like with most government procedures, the permitting and licensing process can take several weeks or up to a month. This preparation phase of the solar panels setup is critical in the project’s timeline.
4. Roof Repair/Replacement
After the assessment of your roof, the contractor can recommend repairs or replacement of the roof. Solar panels have a long lifespan and if yours is an old house, roof replacement is a good idea. Replacing the roof saves you a lot of money required to remove solar panels in the future if you need a new roof. The process can take several weeks depending on the size of your home and type of roof.
5. Procurement of Materials
The solar contractor provides a list of all the materials required including solar panels, charge control, inverter, energy storage, and wires. The list of materials required can differ from one project to the other. These materials are readily available in Arizona and you can procure them all in a day.
6. Solar Panels Setup
The project starts and the contractor uses the design you’ve both agreed upon. The installation process doesn’t take long and the contractor can complete it in less than a week.
7. Grid Connection
If you have a grid-tied solar energy system, you’ve to apply to the utility company for connection. The process can take two to three weeks.
9. Electrical inspection/Evaluation
After the contractor sets everything up, you need an electrical professional to inspect the system. The utility company can send an inspector to verify the safety and efficiency of the solar panels setup.
Lanning a solar project anywhere in Arizona? Total Solutions, the leading solar energy contractor in Arizona, provides a detailed timeline for the project. The company’s technician explains different factors that can affect the completion of the project. Contact our solar experts in Scottsdale or Phoenix today and make the switch to solar.