Going Solar: What Happens After You Have Signed the Solar Contract?

In recent years, solar energy has increasingly become a more viable and affordable option for reducing electricity costs and lowering our carbon footprint. In deciding to go solar, there are many questions that come to mind when trying to visualize the process of solar installation from start to finish. One question many people ask is, Why does the process take as long as it does from start to finish? What happens after a solar contract has been signed?

There are many specific stages in the process of going solar which Eagle Point Solar, as well as other reputable solar energy companies follow. These stages ensure a project goes smoothly, stays within budget and is correctly built to meet requirements and the energy needs of the client. Each stage along the process requires various tasks to be completed before moving forward. An overview of these tasks includes filing of documentation, site review, final design and engineering construction documents, equipment ordering, submission of utility interconnection agreement, construction permitting, scheduling installation, project inspection, utility permission to operate, and completion and submission of tax incentive paperwork… just to name a few. But what does all this mean? What is happening behind the scenes before you can finally enjoy your clean and cost-effective solar energy solution? Let’s unpack some of these stages.

Documentation

Once there is a signed agreement and down payment received, documentation for the build must make its way to the proper personnel to begin planning for the project. This is where a documentation specialist or a dedicated staff member can help to organize the various behind-the-scenes tasks to improve efficiency and ensure communication for the build is shared with all necessary stakeholders. Documents for the solar project are reviewed for accuracy and submitted internally to various departments such as accounting, operations, design & engineering, and construction to begin planning for the build, ordering equipment, and completing all required paperwork.

Interconnection & Permits

A very important step in the process of planning for the installation of your solar array is the submission and approval of the utility interconnection agreement and construction permits. An interconnection agreement gives permission for the solar company to connect your system to the utility’s electrical grid. In many cases, a net metering agreement is also submitted for utility approval. Simply put, this is a billing agreement allowing the customer to receive credit on their monthly electric bill for excess power the utility consumed for their benefit. Lastly, before moving forward with your build, approval of local jurisdiction building, zoning and electrical permits must be granted.

Once all proper permitting and documentation have been completed and approved, the project moves one step closer to construction. Keep in mind, these approvals are not controlled by your solar company. Depending on location, size, utility, and local codes, a significant amount of time may pass before all necessary approvals and permits are granted to move forward with building your array.

Project Ordering

Each solar project is unique and specific parts and materials will need to be ordered in preparation for your solar installation. Professional, reputable installers will not provide a cookie-cutter approach, but rather design and build a custom solar energy solution with premium equipment. There are many equipment manufacturers across the globe supplying the solar industry.

Behind the scenes, a team is orchestrating the delivery of goods from multiple manufacturers, both foreign and domestic. Equipment procurement requires precise logistics and a network of trusted distributor partnerships to ensure timely delivery and meet tight construction deadlines. To increase efficiency, materials are often delivered to the construction site from the supplier(s) to a predetermined staging area.

Project Management

After the contract is signed, communication between the new solar client and the solar company is vital to keeping all parties informed as the project moves through the construction stages. Often, a solar company may call, email, or utilize a texting application to send updates as the project moves through various milestones. After permit approvals are received and documented, equipment is ordered and various teams such as construction, electrical, and communications begin to plan and prepare for your build.

Installation

After documentation and permitting, equipment ordering and construction scheduling are complete, the installation of your array can begin. This is the exciting time when your construction date is established and the road to generating clean, renewable, sustainable energy is within sight. In tandem, specialized teams begin the process of the physical construction, electrical work, inspection, and setup of monitoring components. These teams work in harmony with each other to make quick work of professionally installing your solar array.  

Post-Installation Inspection

Once installation of your new solar array has been completed, electrical and building inspections will follow. Often there are specific codes and required standards that your array must meet. A thorough inspection will ensure everything meets requirements and your array is ready to begin producing power. When your array has passed inspection, another document will be submitted by the solar company to your utility. The Certificate of Completion, (COC), is a document that will need a signature by the utility giving the solar owner, as well as the solar company, Permission to Operate, (PTO). Once permission has been granted by the utility, the array can now be turned on to begin generating electricity. 

Final Paperwork

Now that your array is built and generating power from the sun, the last step is to complete and submit any additional paperwork which may be required to obtain any grants or incentives associated with your project. Behind the scenes, some solar installers will complete and submit this paperwork on your behalf. Be sure to check with your installer so you are not left out of any local, state, or federal programs which may be beneficial for going solar.

Begin Enjoying Energy from the Sun

While going solar can certainly be a process of many phases, it is well worth the wait. Be wary of solar companies promising quick installations with minimal paperwork or limited communication. It should be a red flag that steps may be skipped and cost you in the long run. The many behind-the-scenes tasks being completed by a reputable solar company helps to ensure you can enjoy all the amazing financial and environmental benefits of your new solar array for decades to come.