Solar energy is a modern technology to meet energy deficits. In the USA, we see a lot of people setting the trend of installing solar panels. So, in such a situation, everyone is curious to know: how long does solar installation take?
The installation of solar panels takes a minimum of a few hours and a maximum of a day. However, the process attached to this project can take a longer period, that is to say, maybe 4 months.
Let’s discuss this installation period in detail:
Reliable installer:
A well-trained and reliable installer can save you from a lot of trouble. So, just contact only professionals. This hunting requires a certain amount of time; maybe a week or two.
Site assessment:
Before the installation of the panel, the installers need to assess the site for the feasibility of the solar unit.
This assessment gives installers a roadmap for the design and fixation of the panel.
The assessment report also explains the capacity of the place, the roof’s structure, and modifications if required. Moreover, what direction would suit the panel to produce the desired results?
Time for assessment:
Although assessment only takes a few hours, the appointment for assessment usually takes a week.
System design:
After the assessment report, the engineers of the installation company make a design of the plan. This site plan contains information about the roof’s potential, electricity connections, and utility requirements.
Time required for design formation:
Designing requires a thorough process in which the durability of the system is ensured. This takes 2 to 3 weeks. But it can vary; if the structure of the roof is complex, it may take a month.
Application for solar permits:
This part of the procedure takes most of the time. Installation is a modification to an already-constructed structure, so it requires a permit.
Installer companies handle this issue with paperwork, so that’s not a problem for you to worry about.
Time period for the permit:
This varies from state to state and from municipality to municipality. In a few states, it takes just two weeks to grant permission, whereas in other states, it might take a month or two.
Purchase of equipment:
After successfully getting the permit, installers purchase the equipment, such as batteries, inverters, wires, racking, and so on.
Time duration for such a purchase:
It usually takes two weeks to gather all the equipment regarding the solar panel.
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Installation of the panel:
This is the shortest timeframe in the whole process. If the design is simple, then it will take 4 to 6 hours to complete installation; if the design is complex, it might take more time than usual for installation.
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Inspection:
After the system has been installed, the next step is to apply for an inspection. The inspector comes and checks the nitty-gritty of the panel and its reliability. Moreover, he examines all electric connections.
After he is satisfied with the installation process, he gives it the go-ahead.
Time for inspection:
Inspections can be done in a few hours, but the real problem is getting an early appointment with the inspector. Because inspectors don’t work for any solar installation company, it requires a special appointment procedure for them. It usually takes a week to get an appointment.
Final permission to operate a solar panel:
The utility company will now connect your panel to the grid and permit you to finally start the system. The meter is installed after a recommendation from the utility officer.
Time for the utility to give final permission:
Interconnectivity to the grid may take a few more weeks to give you final permission to start your machine.
So, the gist of the discussion suggests that it takes 3 to 4 months to finally bring the system into a running position where you can have electricity access.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, we explained the subject, “how long does solar installation take?”. Approximately 4% of the total energy is solar energy in the United States. The graph of solar energy users has been rising for the past few years. That’s why installation takes 3 to 4 months to become properly functional. Just keep your plates clean, and you will never face maintenance issues.
FAQs
Q1: Does a solar panel require maintenance?
Ans: Normally, a solar panel doesn’t have anything in a moving state, so it doesn’t require regular maintenance. But the efficiency of your system largely depends on the cleaning of plates. The rainy season is useful in this scenario because rain can keep washing those plates for you.
Q2: Do you need a permit to install solar panels?
As a matter of fact, yes, you need a permit to install a solar panel. Well, your solar system is connected with electricity, to make sure all connections are secured and the panel is on the right footing, you need a solar panel permit.