When you’re ready to switch to solar, one of the first questions you’ll have is:
“How long does it take to get everything up and running?”
The short answer? Most systems are installed and activated in 6 to 10 weeks.
The long answer? There are a few important steps in between—from the first site visit to the moment your system is cleared to turn on.
At Sunwise Energy, we manage everything in-house so the process stays smooth, organized, and transparent. Here’s what you can expect—step by step.
Step 1: Consultation & Site Visit (1–7 Days)
The journey starts with a quick, no-pressure consultation. During this step, we assess:
- Your home’s roof layout and orientation
- Any shading from nearby trees or chimneys
- Your electricity usage and past utility bills
- Your goals—whether you’re looking to offset your full bill, add a battery, or lock in a flat monthly rate
Most site visits are scheduled within a few days of your consultation, and we’ll provide a custom system design and savings estimate tailored to your home.
This step takes anywhere from 1 to 7 days, depending on your availability.
Step 2: Engineering & Permits (2–4 Weeks)
Once you’ve approved the design, we move on to the backend work:
- Our engineering team drafts the technical plan for your solar system
- We submit the design for permit approval to your local township or municipality
- We also submit interconnection applications to your utility company
Because permitting timelines depend on where you live, this step can vary—but in most cases, it takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
Good news: you don’t need to worry about paperwork. Sunwise handles all of it for you.
Step 3: Installation (1–2 Days)
Once permits are approved, we schedule your install.
- Our in-house crew arrives onsite and installs your panels, inverter, and racking system
- We work efficiently and carefully—most homes are completed in one day
- For larger systems or homes with roofing upgrades, installation may take up to two days
We coordinate with you in advance to ensure it fits your schedule, and we always leave your property clean and job-ready.
Step 4: Inspections & Utility Approvals (1–3 Weeks)
After installation, the system can’t go live just yet. There are two final approvals needed:
- Township Inspection: A local inspector ensures the system meets building codes and safety standards.
- Utility Interconnection: Your electric company reviews the setup and grants formal approval to connect to the grid.
These inspections typically happen within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the township and utility company’s schedule.
We schedule both and keep you updated every step of the way.
Step 5: Permission to Operate (PTO)
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—PTO, or Permission to Operate.
Once the final inspection is complete and the utility signs off, they issue your PTO letter. We then schedule a final walkthrough and flip the switch.
Your system is now officially generating clean, renewable energy—and you start saving from day one.
Full Timeline: What to Expect
Here’s how it typically breaks down:
| Step | Timeline |
| Consultation & Site Visit | 1–7 days |
| Permits & Engineering | 2–4 weeks |
| Installation | 1–2 days |
| Inspections & Interconnection | 1–3 weeks |
| Total Time to Go Solar | 6–10 weeks |
Want to Be Powered by Summer?
If you want to start saving before peak summer rates kick in, now is the time to start. The earlier we begin, the sooner your system can be approved, installed, and activated—just in time for those AC-heavy months.
At Sunwise, we’re committed to making the process seamless. From day one to permission to operate, we handle everything in-house—with no outsourcing, no third-party headaches, and no hidden fees.
📞 Call (609) 400-0059
🌐 Visit sunwiseusa.com to schedule your free consultation
Solar savings are just a few steps away. Let’s power your home the Sunwise way.
