Welcome To Solar 101

Welcome to our Solar 101 Series, where we answer the question: "I've heard a lot about solar, but where do I start?". Dive in with us as we help you navigate a clean and surprisingly affordable energy choice that's becoming more accessible to every home and business nationwide.

Installing solar panels on your roof is a smart choice for many reasons, from reducing your energy bills to reducing your carbon footprint. However, installing solar panels can be overwhelming, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the process. In this article, we'll walk you through all the steps to install solar panels on your roof. We'll cover assessing your home's solar potential, designing your solar energy system, obtaining permits and approvals, installing your solar panels, and connecting to the grid. Let's get started!

Assessing Your Home's Solar Potential

Before installing solar panels, assessing your home's solar potential is important to decide if solar is a good fit. Several factors can affect your home's solar potential, including your roof's orientation, shading, and pitch, as well as your location's climate and average sunlight hours.

Several online tools and resources can help you assess your home's solar potential, including solar calculators and satellite imagery tools like Project Sunroof. In addition, we recommend consulting with a solar professional who can supply a more detailed analysis of your home's solar potential and energy needs.

Assessing your home's solar potential is a critical step in the solar panel installation process. First, it helps you decide the size and type of your home’s solar system. Then, when you accurately assess the solar potential on your roof, you can make sure that you're getting the most out of your solar panel investment.

Designing Your Solar Energy System

Once you've assessed your home's solar potential, the next step is to design your solar energy system. This involves deciding the number of solar panels needed, the type, and the type of inverter needed to convert solar energy into usable electricity.

Several factors to consider when designing your solar energy system include your home's energy needs, budget, and available roof space. A solar professional can help you create a system that meets your needs and budget and ensure the solar panels are correctly installed and aligned for maximum efficiency.

During the design phase, you'll also need to decide the best location for the solar panels on your roof. This will depend on several factors, including the roof's orientation, shading, and available space. Again, a solar professional can help you decide the best location for your solar panels and ensure they're correctly installed for best performance.

Designing your solar energy system is an important step in installing solar panels. This lets you get the most efficient and cost-effective solar energy system for your home.

Obtaining Permits and Approvals

Before installation begins, you must obtain permits and approvals from your local government and utility company. This process can take several weeks, even months sometimes, so starting as soon as possible is vital to avoid delays in your solar panel installation.

Building permits: You must obtain a building permit from your local government before installing solar panels on your roof. This permit ensures that the installation meets local building codes and safety regulations. Your solar panel installer should be able to help you with obtaining this permit.
Homeowner association approvals: If you live in a community with a homeowner association (HOA), you typically need to obtain permission from the HOA before installing solar panels on your roof. Some HOAs may have specific guidelines or restrictions for solar panel installations, so reviewing your HOA's policies before starting the installation process is important. (Note: More and more states are overiding HOAs and allowing solar panel installations. Check your local laws if you run into HOA resistance.)
Utility company approvals: You will also need approval from your utility company before installing solar panels on your roof. This approval is called permission to operate (PTO) and ensures that your solar energy system meets the utility's interconnection requirements. PTO typically happens after the installation.

Your solar panel installer should be able to help you with obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for your installation. Be sure to communicate with your installer about any specific requirements or restrictions in your area to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Installing Your Solar Panels

Once you have obtained the necessary permits and approvals, installing your solar panels is time. Here's what you can expect during the installation process:

Pre-installation: Before installing your solar panels, your installer will conduct a site survey to assess your roof's condition and decide the best placement for your solar panels. They will also make necessary preparations, such as cleaning and recommending if you need to reinforce your roof.
Installing the racking system: The racking system holds your solar panels in place on your roof. Your installer will install the racking system onto your roof, using lag bolts to secure it to the rafters.
Installing the solar panels: Once the racking system is in place, your installer will begin installing the solar panels onto the racking system. They wire the panels together and attach them to the inverter.
Connecting to the electrical system: Once the solar panels are installed, your installer will connect the solar energy system to your home's electrical system. This includes installing a new electrical panel or upgrading your existing panel to accommodate the solar system if needed.
Final inspection: After the installation is complete, depending on your state, county, or local jurisdiction, someone will conduct a final inspection to ensure that everything is working correctly and safely. If any changes are needed, they will supply all the necessary information to your installer so they can make those adjustments.

Choosing a reputable and experienced solar panel installer is important to ensure your installation is done correctly and safely. Be sure to communicate with your installer throughout the installation process to address any questions or concerns.

Permission to Operate (PTO)

Once the solar panels are installed and connected to the grid, you must obtain permission to operate (PTO) from your local utility company. This is the final step before your system can start generating power. Once connected and if your utility supports net metering, you can begin receiving credits for any excess energy your system produces.

To obtain PTO, you need to contact your utility company and provide them with documentation showing that your system was installed correctly and is up to code. Your installer should be able to provide you with this documentation, including proof of insurance and any necessary permits and approvals.

The process for obtaining PTO can vary depending on your location and utility company. This process typically involves a review of your documentation and a site inspection to ensure that your system is working correctly and meets all safety requirements. Once your system passes inspection, your utility company will give you permission to operate, and you can start enjoying the benefits of solar energy.

It is important to note that the timeline for obtaining PTO can vary. You may experience delays due to high demand or changes in your utility company or local jurisdiction's policies. It is always a good idea to plan and work closely with your installer and utility company to ensure that you clearly understand the timeline and any potential issues that may arise.

How It All Comes Together

Installing solar panels on your roof can be a great investment that offers many benefits, including lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. However, it is important to approach the process carefully and work with qualified professionals to ensure your system is installed correctly and safely.

Remember to do your research, choose a reputable installer, obtain the necessary permits and approvals, and work closely with your utility company throughout the process. With the right preparation and guidance, switching to solar energy helps you take an important step towards a more sustainable future.

If you're interested in exploring solar energy further or want to discuss solar panel installation for your home, check out our other Solar 101 articles. Are you interested in solar? Don't hesitate to contact us with questions.

Are you a utility looking to offer a better solar experience for your customers? Check out our Solar Navigator Program.

Solar 101: Getting Solar Panels Installed on Your Roof