Due to many factors, the time for installing solar panels is not fixed, and solar panels can be installed in as little as a few weeks or as long as six months. From most case studies, the average time from signing the contract to using the panels is about three months. The main considerations are as follows.
1. Choosing the right installation company
According to your electricity demand and financial situation, choose a suitable solar panel installation company through internet inquiry and relevant introduction, which will affect your experience of the whole installation process. Factors such as the number of personnel of the installation company, how busy they are and the positive feedback from customers will affect the length of the installation time. The process usually lasts for a few days or weeks and depends largely on the progress of the individual’s choice.
2. Site visit
After selecting a satisfactory installer, a site visit will be conducted by company personnel to ensure that the site is prepared and the solar panels can be safely installed. Company personnel will determine the weight of the panels that the roof can support, check the condition, size, orientation and sunlight of the roof to determine the appropriate number and types of solar panels. Depending on your target power production, consider whether to maintain or upgrade the panels. The actual inspection process takes only a few hours.
3.Solar System Design
Solar System design is primarily the responsibility of an engineer. Depending on the site visit and the requirements of the homeowner, the main conditions to be considered are electricity consumption, inverter, panel wiring and building code requirements, as well as ensuring that the system meets the guidelines set by the local city. If the roof structure is complex, the system design can take longer than expected. 2 to 3 weeks for short periods and up to 4 weeks for complex conditions.
4. License Application
Once the system design is complete, it needs to be sent to the local government for approval to ensure that your installation meets local safety guidelines and regulatory standards. While many cities have streamlined the application process, the time it takes to obtain a permit can vary depending on local regulations, and you must be prepared for a long wait. In most cases, a solar PV license and an electrical permit are required, and the typical wait time is 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Solar Panel Installation
Installing the panels is the fastest process and ideally the installation company will complete the installation in as little as one day. Depending on other factors, such as a lack of manpower due to a busy business schedule, a complex housing structure that makes installation more difficult, or poor weather conditions, the installation time will inevitably be extended by a few days in order to ensure the safety and quality of the panels.
6. Final Inspection and Municipal Approval
Once the solar panels have been installed, a final inspection by the municipality is required to ensure that your system is safe and properly installed, and that the equipment complies with the municipality’s regulations and approved engineering plans. After the technician’s inspection, corrections may be needed and must be addressed immediately. The inspection phase may vary depending on the season and the inspection, and this step can take up to 1 week.
7. Utility Grid Interconnection
If a grid-tied system is installed, the installed solar panels cannot begin to be used immediately and the system needs to be interconnected to the utility grid. After notifying the utility company of the installation, they will inspect the system, install a new meter, and grant an operating permit. The timeframe for this process depends on the utility company’s policies and schedule.
To summarize
Installing solar panels can take months, but working with a competent, reputable solar installation company is the best way to ensure that your solar panel installation is completed as quickly as possible. The installation company will endeavour to keep you informed of every step of the installation process and notify you of any progress or delays as they occur. It is also vital to keep up to date with information about local municipal government policies.
