In the United States, more than one million homes have gone solar. Many more are looking into solar PV systems. You might be looking for solar energy and want to learn more about the process of installing solar panels. Between signing the contract and having your home powered by solar electricity, there are five steps. The majority of this is done behind the scenes. We have outlined a five-step guide to help you understand the typical solar installation process.
How does the Solar Photovoltaic System work?
Once you have installed solar panels, you can start harnessing the power of nature’s most abundant resource. How does this work?
After being installed, solar panels capture the sun’s energy and use it to produce DC electricity. The produced power can be stored in storage batteries to be used with DC devices.
Alternatively, you can convert the generated power to AC from the panels or the bank. It can then be used to power many appliances that only use AC electricity.
Solar panel installation: five main steps
Nevada Solar Group will usually follow five steps to install solar panels: an engineering site visit, finalizing permits, documentation, ordering the equipment, and finally approval and interconnection.
- Engineering site visit
- Documentation and permits
- Ordering equipment
- Solar panel installation
- Approval and interconnection
Home Energy Audit
No matter if you’re interested in solar energy or simply saving money on your electric bills, it’s a smart idea to ensure that your home is efficient. An energy audit of your home will reveal any issues that could make your home less energy efficient. You can reduce your home’s energy consumption by addressing these issues. It may be necessary to switch to energy-efficient lighting or appliances. Weatherizing your home might also be required.
It is always a good idea to get a general overview of solar panel installation, no matter what type it may be. Our new solar panels have allowed us to save $2,250 annually on their electricity bills and they will be able to break even in five years.
Step by step instructions on how to install solar panels
It takes time to install solar panels. There are steps that must be taken before your home can use solar electricity. It will usually take between one to three months from the moment you sign your contract. Then your panels will be connected to the grid and produce electricity for your home. Below is a breakdown of the five-step process for installing solar panels.
1. Visit to the engineering site: This is the first step in getting your solar system installed
After you have signed your solar contract with us, whether it is a loan, lease, or cash purchase, an engineer from Nevada Solar Group will visit your property to assess the electrical condition of your home, and make sure everything is compatible with your new solar system. Our engineer will work directly for the installer. After signing with Nevada Solar Group installer, you can expect to have the engineer visit the site.
The engineer will inspect your roof and make sure it is structurally sound. The engineer will inspect your basement’s electrical panel, which is the gray box that connects to your roof. This will help determine if it needs to be upgraded. Nevada Solar Group installers will tell you if they think your panel needs to be upgraded. This means your new solar panels will draw more current and your box’s ampere capacity will need to be increased.
If your system is old enough, it may need to be replaced.
This engineer visit is not the same as a general site inspection. It is when a Nevada Solar Group installer assesses your property to determine system size, angle, type of roof, shading, and other factors. Before any contract is signed. Typically, an engineer will visit, but in certain cases, the installer will take photos of your property and measure the roof. The engineer will then sign off without visiting.
2. Documents and permits: The logistical paperwork needed for your solar panel installation
Installing solar panels is a big financial decision. There is a lot of paperwork involved. Most of the paperwork is handled by the Nevada Solar Group installer. However, it is a good idea to know the details behind your solar installation. You will apply for state and federal incentives, such as the federal ITC and local solar programs.
You will also need to apply for incentives and fill out paperwork such as building permits, during the installation of solar panels. These permits will be specific to your area. Some states, for example, require that solar panels be installed within three feet of the roof. Other areas in the U.S. allow panels to be placed across the roof’s entire surface. The requirements and restrictions of each state will be known by Nevada Solar Group installers. They can also help you determine which permits are required. We will complete this paperwork for you.
This step will take you a while to complete. Nevada Solar Group will ensure that the installer won’t take long to submit it. You may be eager to have your panel system running as soon as possible. Make sure you follow up with your installer so they can keep track of the status of your paperwork.
3. Equipment ordering: selecting the panels and inverters, and scheduling your installation
Once you have all the paperwork in order, Nevada Solar Group installers can place an order through their primary distributor. You will already have decided what equipment you want in your system. This decision is made before the contract signing that details the total cost.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right equipment. Inverters and solar panels are the two main components that you will need to assess for your clean-energy system. Nevada Solar Group installer will most likely recommend one brand for each and may also offer several alternatives. The main factors homeowners use to compare brands are their durability, efficiency, and aesthetics.
You can be sure that you have the right equipment for your system by researching microinverters, string inverters, power optimizers, and the top-rated solar panels available. You can evaluate your options to help you prepare for the ordering and shipping stages of the installation process.
After the equipment ordering process has been completed, your property will be added to Nevada Solar Group installer’s list. The equipment (panels or inverters) you order will arrive the day after your paperwork has been approved. This usually happens within one to two weeks. The number of projects in the queue will also affect the time it takes to install. Try to schedule your solar installation for winter.
4. Solar installation
Every solar homeowner who is looking to use renewable energy should be excited about the actual installation of their Solar Panel from Nevada Solar Group. The actual installation day involves several steps.
- The Nevada Solar Group solar installer will begin by preparing your roof and attaching the tiles or shingles correctly.
- They then install electrical wiring to connect your panel and the general power system.
- Once the electrical wiring has been completed, the installers will attach racking to your roof.
- After the racking has been leveled and secured, the panels can be placed on the rack.
- Your inverter(s), which convert direct current energy (DC) into alternating current energy (AC) is connected to the panels. This energy can be used in your homes or on the electric grid.
Depending on the size and complexity of your system, the time it takes to install the equipment will vary from one day to three days. Installing a power meter to net meter your system can also add to the installation time. Installing a power meter will take a little more time to complete your solar panel installation.
Nevada Solar Group, top solar companies, is reputable and can go through the steps without any problems. That’s why we make sure that the installers are experienced and provide excellent service. The final step of solar panel installation is the inspection and final approval. This can show if your installer has cut corners.
5. Approval and interconnection
Flipping the switch, or formally generating power from your rooftop, is the final step in going solar. Before your panels can be connected to the grid, a representative of your local government must inspect them and approve their installation. The representative will inspect your installation and give approval. The representative will inspect the installation to ensure that all electrical wiring is correct, mounting was securely and safely attached, and that it meets the standard for roof and electrical setback codes.
After this inspection, you are ready to go for official grid interconnection. Nevada Solar Group representatives will visit your solar panel system to conduct their final inspection. Your panels will be connected to the grid as soon as they give the OK. It will take between two and a month to get the town approvals and utility approvals, and then interconnection can go live.
What is the cost of solar panels in 2022?
After taking into consideration the federal solar tax credit, the cost of installing a solar panel in 2022 is $17,538 to $203,458. A single solar panel can cost between $200 and $250. After taking into consideration the federal solar tax credit ($27,000.00 before the credit), a 10 kW solar panel installation will cost $20,498. Solar panel prices in 2022 will average $2.77/W on a cost-per-watt ($/W).
Solar panels are an individual product. Prices for solar panels can vary depending on where you live and what manufacturer you choose. These are the key factors that affect solar installations and solar panel pricing.
System size: The larger your solar panel system is, the more expensive it will be. The average price per unit for solar drops with increasing system size.
Location: Prices vary by state due to both local quoting trends as well as system size differences. States with a larger system size will naturally have lower average solar costs.
Brand and quality of the panel: Just like any other product, solar panels can come in different qualities.
Roof characteristics: A solar panel installation costs more than just the equipment. The difficulty of installation will be charged by your solar installer. A complex roof may increase the cost of your system.
Labor: Each solar company charges a different labor rate for their work. It is possible to choose to pay more to get a company with higher reviews and a faster installation time.
Permitting and interconnection. While not a significant factor, the cost of permits and the interconnection fee will increase the total price of your solar installation.
The Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
A solar power system can be a smart decision for many reasons.
Solar Panels are clean, renewable and sustainable, which means it benefits the environment.
You are also investing in a sustainable, renewable and affordable energy resource that can be commodified to increase economic stability. You can sell excess electricity to your grid. You can earn while ensuring that electricity is always available.
Solar Panels installation is a viable option to reduce the rising cost of traditional energy sources. You don’t need to rely on electricity from the grid which can be costly.
Solar panels can be installed now to start saving money
Why spend the three-month installation process to get a solar energy system in your home? Nevada Solar Group estimates that the average solar shopper will offset approximately 95% of their electricity consumption by installing solar and will be able to pay for their solar system in less than 8 years. Use our Solar Calculator to find out how much you could save. Get an instant estimate using offers from your local area. Register your property on Nevada Solar Group Marketplace to get quotes from qualified installers in your region.