By 2025, the amount of solar energy installed worldwide will have tripled over the previous 100 years. This quick growth is not unexpected, given that the number of rooftop solar installations has been breaking records over the past few years.
Although many are switching to solar energy, doing so can take some time. Making sure your property is a good fit, locating a reputable solar energy provider, and comparing prices are necessary before signing a contract.
Once that is done, someone else will handle getting the necessary permits, installing the panels, and approving the project.
The time it takes to get your solar panels operational may seem like a minor nuisance, but it can significantly influence your financial returns.
Despite the recent increase and extension of the federal solar tax credit, net metering schemes and many other incentives are being reevaluated throughout the country.
Knowing how long the full installation procedure takes might help guide your choices when working under pressure from one of these deadlines. In this post, we will acknowledge how long it takes to install a solar panel.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Solar Panel?
When considering a solar energy transition, installation is only one factor. It will take between 2 and 6 months to finish installing solar panels.
Professionals can install a domestic solar system in as little as 6 hours. The time it takes to get the necessary permits could take up to two months.
After the installation is complete, you’ll have to wait anywhere from one to 6 weeks for inspection and approval from the city and the utility. Saving thousands of dollars on electricity costs over 25 years is well worth waiting for the installation to be finished.
Choosing a Solar Installer: 1 Day – 2 Weeks
Selecting a solar installer is the first and most crucial step on your solar journey. Which business you go with will impact not just the final cost but also the efficiency and timeliness of your installation.
Choose with care and make sure they have been around for at least 5 years, that their installer is NABCEP certified, and that they have had rave feedback from their previous clients.
Finding a few installers you like and getting bids from them is a simple step that can be completed in a few hours. When hiring a business, you should take your time with due diligence.
Local Permitting: 6 Weeks
Like any other construction project, installing solar panels requires the necessary approvals from the local authorities.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) may wish to be kept in the loop when major renovations are planned for a member’s house and may even require their consent before work can begin.
The permits you need and the time it will take to obtain them will vary according to the jurisdiction in which you reside. Construction permission, an electrical permit, and a photovoltaic (PV) permit may all be required.
If you need to go through the proper administration channels, this process may take up to 6 weeks.
System Design: 2–3 weeks
If your roof meets the requirements for solar panels, an engineer will begin planning your solar array. The system is custom-made to meet your energy consumption, roof type, local construction codes, and utility requirements.
Your roof’s complexity will increase the average design time from 2 to 3 weeks. Nonetheless, more than 4 weeks will likely be needed to finish the planning stage, even for complex systems.
Ordering Equipment: 1-4 Weeks
Once the necessary permissions are granted, your organization may begin working to implement the system. Some installers already have the necessary tools in stock to get to work on your job without delay.
With the current solar industry supply chain challenges, it could take a few weeks for your installer to receive all the materials they need if they still need to get them on hand.
Rather than waiting for equipment to arrive, your only delay will be getting an installation appointment. Therefore, we recommend allocating at least a week for this phase.
Installation: 1-2 days
Most consumers are surprised to learn that this is the quickest step once their installation has been booked. It usually takes 1-2 days for a solar firm to install a system.
The installers will show up at your home with everything they need to get to work. First, they’ll install the necessary wiring and then install the solar panels.
This process typically takes one to two days, though it might be longer based on the size of your solar array and roof. Depending on the size and complexity of your roof, the job may take more than a day to complete.
Inspection: 1 Week
After mounting your solar array, there is still some downtime before you can begin power generation. An inspection by a local official is required to ensure the solar panels are placed properly and follow building codes.
This check is in place to ensure everything is secure before power generation begins. This phase can take up to a week, depending on your location and how quickly the inspector can get to you.
This phase can change based on the season and the number of inspections waiting to be completed.
Utility Connection: 2 Weeks
You’ve almost made it! To finish up, apply to your utility company to have them activate your system.
An energy meter installed by the utility company records the power generated by your home. This final step’s duration depends on how long it takes to complete the application and get it installed.
Depending on your utility provider, this process could take up to two weeks. This is where many consumers start to worry but are assured that the solar panels will be well worth it.
A solar energy system installation can be finished in as little as a few weeks or as long as several months. Keep the length of this timeline from dissuading you from installing solar panels. You may become more energy independent and lessen your environmental impact by installing a solar energy system.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels into a building is a multi-step procedure that can last up to three months. However, once operational, your system will provide you & your family with sustainable energy for many years.
Installing solar panels as soon as possible allows you to reap the benefits of lower electricity bills, greater energy autonomy, and security from future energy price increases.
Contact a local solar installation company if you’re thinking about going solar and want to learn more about the installation process and what to expect. We hope you must have acknowledged everything regarding how long it takes to install a solar panel.
