How Long Does a Solar Panel Installation Take Place?

Solar panel installations install in a single day or a week at most. However, we’re only talking about the installation process. The entire process of purchasing and installing solar panels consumes more time depending on the manufacturer and contractor you work with.

Contract Signing

Once you find a trustworthy solar panel manufacturer, you can sign a contract and finalize your legal details with them. In doing so, the manufacturer can get started in designing and building your solar panel system from scratch, which is especially useful for roofs with wide square footage.

Design and Machining

Solar panels require designing because manufacturers only have the core solar panel functionality and technology as their base. Every roof in Golden, CO, has unique properties, such as sunlight angle, power generation, foundation and structure, and more.

Permits and Documents

Your solar panel manufacturer and solar panel installation team are responsible for assessing and submitting all the permits and documents required to install your solar panels. Because reputable manufacturers always comply with safety standards, this process may be shorter or longer depending on your local government’s processing speed.

Actual Solar Panel Installations

The actual solar panel installation takes place within a single day to a week. The solar panel installation team you work with will bring the equipment and labor necessary to accomplish the project within the agreed-upon timeline.

Post Inspections

After installation, the solar panel installation team will perform inspections afterwards, ensuring that your solar panels operate ideally as possible.

EverSource has an excellent sample timeline that most solar panel installation teams adhere to. Learn more below.

STEP 1: FIND A CONTRACTOR (2 TO 4 WEEKS)

Once you decide to go solar, you need to find a contractor to install the panels. Contractors who made it on your short list should conduct a site visit and evaluate your usage to determine the appropriate system size and initial design. This step could take anywhere from a week to a month or longer depending on how busy the contractors are when you call to schedule site visits.

STEP 2: SYSTEM DESIGN (UP TO 8 WEEKS)

After you choose a solar installer, the formal design process begins. This includes detailed layouts of where each panel will go on the house, how they are tied in and more. It’s also possible that your roof or electrical panel will need to be upgraded. Your contractor will apply for building permits with the appropriate local authority and for interconnection and net metering with Eversource.

STEP 3: INSTALLATION (1 TO 2 WEEKS)

A typical residential job takes one to two days to install the panels, inverter, racking system and wiring. However, scheduling your installation may take six to eight weeks, depending on the backlog. Once plans are approved, the installer will order your panels and mounting equipment and schedule your installation. On installation day, racks are mounted on the roof to hold the panels, followed by the inverter, meter and electrical disconnects. The panels are then attached to the racks. (Continue reading here to learn more)

Roper Roofing and Solar can do the hard part of solar panel installations in Golden, CO, with labor warranties and long-term warranties from our partner manufacturers. Learn more about what we can do for you today.