Steps Of Installing A Solar Panel PV System [Video]

SolarDave: Take me through the steps of installing a solar panel system.

Eric Van Orden: It starts with your decision to use solar for your home. We work with you on the sizing of the system to meet your budget and to also meet your electrical needs you don’t need to necessary offset 100% of your electricity, you can offset 75% because it is tied in to the grid.

We schedule 4 to 6 weeks out for the installation. Takes about 1 to 3 days for a residential installation. We schedule a 1 to 1.5 months out so we can get engineering, applying got the permit and applying for the Xcel rebate.

SolarDave: Do you require a deposit?

Eric Van Orden: We usually request 50% down - that is 50% of the difference between the actual system value and the rebate value. We carry the rebate which reduces your outlay a lot. We wait for that rebate that can be 30 days sometimes.

Once you sign a contract and we move forward we would have some preliminary engineering done as well as a digital rendering of your home to make sure we can fit the panels on your roof and helps with any shading issues.

We continue with the line diagrams and further engineering and that goes to the city or the county permitting district - and they approve it or don’t. They usually do because we have it right.

That could be over the counter or a week or two - there is some legislation going through to standardize the costs of the permits and the time to get the permit back.

Then the approved diagrams go to Xcel - to apply for the rebate and let them know we will be tying in to their electric grid and have them approve it which involves the interconnection agreement.

During that time paperwork goes around between us Xcel and client. Sign the agreement.

At that time we schedule a good time to be on your roof and install the panels.

The inspector will come out to confirm that the system is functioning properly and passes code.

Xcel comes out within 30 days - usually less to install the net meter.

Once the net meter is installed turn the inverter on and start watching the meter turn backwards.