The Step-by-Step Guide to Going Solar
Switching to solar energy is a big decision, but understanding the process can make it easier. At Sunwise Energy, we simplify the journey with a step-by-step approach that prioritizes your comfort and confidence. From your first consultation to flipping the switch on your new solar system, here’s what to expect.
Step 1: Consultation Meeting
Your solar journey begins with a consultation tailored to your energy goals. This meeting is more than just an introduction—it’s where we evaluate your home’s potential for solar, discuss savings opportunities, and provide honest recommendations. With no pressure to buy, you’ll feel confident that solar is the right choice for you.
Why It Matters: This step ensures we design a system that fits your unique needs while helping you understand how solar can benefit your home. Our salary-based advisors prioritize your satisfaction over sales goals, so the focus stays on you.
What Happens During the Consultation
- Initial Evaluation: Using satellite imaging, we assess your roof’s size, shading, and orientation to determine solar viability.
- Energy Usage Analysis: We review your electricity bills to estimate how much solar can save you.
- Tailored Recommendations: Based on your home and energy goals, we suggest the ideal solar system size, panel type, and optional battery storage.
- Cost Overview: We provide a transparent breakdown of costs, including available incentives like the federal solar tax credit, state rebates, and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs).
- Financing Options: Learn about $0-down payment plans or low-interest financing tailored to your budget.
- Open Q&A: We address all your concerns, from timelines to warranty details.
Learn more about solar consultations and their benefits here: Energy.gov – Solar for Your Home
Step 2: Site Visit
After deciding to move forward, our team conducts a detailed site visit to gather precise data about your property. This on-site assessment confirms your home’s readiness for solar installation and helps finalize the system design.
Why It Matters: The site visit ensures that your solar system is customized to maximize efficiency and performance. It also identifies potential challenges, such as shading or electrical limitations, so they can be addressed early in the process.
What We Inspect During the Site Visit
- Roof Condition: We evaluate the roof’s structural integrity and lifespan. If repairs or replacements are necessary, we’ll provide solutions.
- Shading Analysis: Using specialized tools, we measure how shading from trees or nearby structures might affect panel performance.
- Electrical System: We assess your electrical panel to confirm it can handle the additional load from the solar system.
- Measurements: Our team takes exact measurements to finalize the number and placement of panels.
- Grid Compatibility: We ensure your home’s connection to the utility grid is suitable for solar interconnection.
Learn more about what happens during a site visit here: EnergySage – Solar Site Survey
Step 3: Engineering Plans
Once the site visit is complete, our engineering team creates detailed plans for your solar system. These blueprints are essential for obtaining permits, guiding the installation team, and ensuring your system meets all local regulations.
Why It Matters: Precise engineering ensures your solar system operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with building codes. This step is the backbone of a successful installation.
What’s Included in the Plans
- Panel Layout: Strategically placing panels for optimal sunlight exposure and minimal shading.
- Electrical Diagrams: Clear schematics that detail how the system will integrate with your home’s electrical grid.
- Component Specifications: Identifying inverters, racking systems, and battery options (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase Encharge).
- Performance Estimates: Projections for annual energy production and potential savings based on your home’s location and design.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensuring plans meet all local codes and can handle extreme weather conditions.
- Warranties Included: Comprehensive details on warranties for solar panels and microinverters are outlined, typically covering 25 years for panels and 15-25 years for inverters.
- Customer Review: Before moving forward, we share the plans with you for approval, ensuring you’re comfortable with every detail.
Explore the importance of engineering plans here: Greenlancer – solar stamped engineering drawing
Step 4: Permits & Interconnection Paperwork
Before installation can begin, we handle all the necessary permits and interconnection agreements. This step involves working with your local government and utility company to ensure everything is legally approved and ready to go.
Why It Matters: Navigating permits and paperwork can be daunting, but we streamline the process so you don’t have to worry. By managing every detail, we ensure your project stays on schedule.
What We Handle
- Building Permits: Securing approvals from local authorities to ensure your solar installation complies with zoning and safety regulations.
- Utility Interconnection: Coordinating with your utility provider to get approval for grid connection and net metering setup.
- Timeline Management: Monitoring the approval process and keeping you informed of progress.
- Document Preparation: Completing all forms accurately to avoid delays.
Learn about permitting and interconnection processes here: Energy.gov – Permitting and Interconnection
Step 5: Roof Replacement or Upgrades (If Needed)
If your roof is old or needs reinforcement, we’ll address it before solar installation. This step ensures the structural integrity of your home while supporting the long-term durability of your solar panels.
Why It Matters: A solid foundation is crucial for the safety and longevity of your solar system. Tackling any roofing issues now prevents complications down the road.
What This Involves
- Roof Replacement: Replacing aging or damaged roofs with durable materials.
- Reinforcements: Adding structural support if necessary.
- Streamlined Process: Coordinating roof upgrades to align with the solar installation timeline.
Learn more about roof requirements for solar here: EnergySage – Roof Requirements
Step 6: Installation
Installation day is one of the most exciting parts of your solar journey. During this phase, our in-house team of skilled technicians brings your solar system to life by installing the panels, inverters, and supporting equipment. Every detail is handled with precision to ensure the system is safe, efficient, and ready to perform.
Why It Matters: Proper installation ensures that your system is optimized for maximum energy production, adheres to local codes, and seamlessly integrates with your home. Our in-house team guarantees quality control, as we never outsource labor.
What to Expect During Installation
- Preparation: The team sets up scaffolding and ensures your roof is ready for installation.
- Panel Mounting: Solar panels are carefully installed on your roof or ground-mounted system, following the engineering plans.
- Inverter Installation: Inverters are connected to convert solar power into usable electricity for your home.
- Wiring and Connections: Wiring is run to integrate the system with your home’s electrical panel and the grid.
- System Testing: The entire setup is tested to ensure it operates correctly and safely.
- Clean-Up: Our team leaves your property spotless, removing any debris or packaging.
- Customer Walkthrough: Before wrapping up, we provide an overview of the system, including how to monitor performance and report any issues.
Learn more about what to expect during solar installation here: SolarReviews – Installation Process
Step 7: Inspection
After installation, your solar system undergoes a thorough inspection by local authorities to ensure it meets all building and safety codes. This is a necessary step to confirm that the system is installed correctly and is ready for grid interconnection.
Why It Matters: Passing inspection ensures that your solar system complies with regulations, giving you peace of mind that it’s safe and reliable.
What Happens During the Inspection
- Code Compliance: Inspectors verify that the installation meets local building and electrical codes.
- Safety Checks: Systems are reviewed for proper grounding, wiring, and overall safety.
- Sunwise Presence: A Sunwise technician is present during the inspection to answer questions and provide documentation.
- Approval Sign-Off: Once the inspection is complete, the inspector provides the necessary approvals for the next steps.
Step 8: Interconnection (Part 2)
After passing the inspection, your solar system must be connected to the utility grid. This step involves setting up a bi-directional meter that tracks energy flowing to and from the grid.
Why It Matters: Grid interconnection allows you to take full advantage of net metering, enabling you to offset your energy bills by selling excess energy back to the utility company.
What We Handle During Interconnection
- Meter Installation: Your utility installs a special meter that tracks energy usage and credits surplus power.
- Final Connections: Ensuring your system is properly linked to the grid.
- Testing: Running final tests to confirm seamless operation between your home and the grid.
Learn more about interconnection here: EnergySage – Interconnection
Step 9: Permission to Operate (PTO)
PTO is the official green light from your utility company to activate your solar system. Once you receive PTO, your panels can start producing energy for your home.
Why It Matters: PTO marks the moment your investment begins paying off, as you start generating clean, renewable energy.
What Happens After PTO
- System Activation: We walk you through turning on your system and monitoring energy production.
- Customer Support: Our team answers any final questions and ensures you’re comfortable operating the system.
- Celebration: Congratulations—you’re officially a solar-powered homeowner!
Step 10: Accessing Your SRECs & Net Metering
Once your system is live, you can start reaping the financial benefits of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) and net metering. These programs are designed to maximize your savings and reward you for generating clean energy.
Why It Matters: SRECs and net metering significantly enhance the financial return on your solar investment, making it even more rewarding.
How It Works
- SRECs: For every megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean energy your system produces, you earn certificates that can be sold to utility companies, generating additional income.
- Net Metering: When your system produces more energy than your home uses, the surplus is sent to the grid, and you receive credits on your utility bill.
- Tracking Performance: Use your system’s monitoring app to track energy production and ensure you’re maximizing benefits.
Learn more about SRECs and net metering here:EnergySage – SRECs
Step 11: Enjoy Your Savings!
With your system fully operational, it’s time to enjoy the rewards of going solar. From lower electricity bills to reduced carbon emissions, the benefits of solar energy are immediate and long-lasting.
Why It Matters: Solar energy doesn’t just save you money—it gives you energy independence and helps protect the environment.
What You’ll Experience
- Lower Bills: Significant reductions in your monthly energy costs.
- Sustainable Living: Reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint.
- Increased Home Value: Solar panels can boost your property’s resale value.
- Ongoing Support: Sunwise Energy’s customer service team is always available to assist with any questions or maintenance needs.
Why Choose Sunwise Energy?
- Everything In-House: From consultation to PTO, every step is handled internally for maximum efficiency and quality.
- Customer Check-Ins: Regular updates and support throughout the process to ensure your peace of mind.
- Salary-Based Experts: No commission-driven sales, just honest recommendations tailored to your needs.
- Local Expertise: Specializing in solar solutions for homes in PA, NJ, and DE.
Contact Sunwise Energy to Begin Your Solar Journey
Ready to take the first step toward energy independence and long-term savings? Contact Sunwise Energy to learn how we can simplify your switch to solar. Call us at (609) 400-0059 to speak with a solar consultant. Prefer to book online? Schedule your consultation today.
