How Long Does It Really Take to Go Solar? A Week-by-Week Timeline
Installing home solar panels is a much faster and easier process than you might think. With Taylor Energy, it usually takes just 6 to 8 weeks from signing your contract to system activation.
We’ve honed our solar installation process over 14 years and 950+ installs across Sonoma County. Our approach is efficient but thorough, and we provide regular updates throughout so you always know where we are in the process.
Here’s what you can expect at each stage of your solar journey.
Before Installation
Free Assessment & Initial Proposal: One Week
The first step is a free, virtual assessment to make sure your house is a good fit for solar panels. We use satellite imagery to evaluate your roof and will ask for a copy of your electric bill to analyze your electricity usage.
From there, we’ll create a preliminary design and estimate your cost and return on investment. This early proposal helps you decide if solar is a good fit without anyone stepping foot on your roof yet.
Site Visit & Final Proposal: 1-2 Weeks
If you like what you see in the proposal, we’ll come out to assess your roof in person. We dive deep on this visit, analyzing your roof, electrical panel, shading, and more. We’ll use this information to fine-tune our design and make sure it’s the perfect fit for your home.
A few days after your site visit, you’ll receive a final proposal with the updated design and locked-in pricing. What we quote is what you’ll pay—we don’t make changes after this point. At this point, you’ll sign your contract and a few documents from PG&E, and we’ll get to work.
Permitting: One Week
Permitting in most Sonoma County jurisdictions is straightforward. Most of the time, we receive approval within about a week, although this process can take longer depending on how backed up it is. Our familiarity with local codes and agencies helps us move quickly so we can install your solar panels faster.
As soon as we have your permit, we’ll schedule your installation. We typically have availability within just 6-8 weeks after you sign your contract. In the meantime, we’ll order the necessary equipment and get everything ready for installation day.
Installation: 1-3 Days
Installation is the fastest step! We complete most residential solar installations in just one day. However, more complex projects can take a little longer.
After Installation
City Inspections: 5-7 days after installation
Your local building department has to inspect your solar system and give its approval before we can turn it on. The inspection itself only takes about an hour. We’ll schedule your inspection for as soon as possible after your installation is complete, usually within 5-7 days.
PG&E Approval: 1-3 Weeks
PG&E must approve your Net Energy Metering application and give you “Permission to Operate” before we can turn your system on. This usually takes about one to three weeks after your solar panels are installed.
System Activation & Monitoring: 1-7 days
As soon as we receive Permission to Operate from PG&E, we will activate your system, and you’ll be generating your own electricity!
For the first few days, we’ll monitor your system closely to make sure everything is working properly. We’ll also set you up with monitoring access so you can keep an eye on your system from your smartphone or on any device with an internet connection.
Factors That May Affect Your Solar Installation Timeline
We work hard to install your solar panel system quickly so you can start generating clean energy right away. But there are a few factors that are, unfortunately, out of are hands and can potentially slow down the schedule:
Permit Delays: Permitting only takes about a week in most jurisdictions, but building departments can sometimes get backed up, causing delays.
Utility Approval: PG&E's review and approval times can sometimes take longer than we anticipate.
Supply Chain Issues: We don’t run into a lot of supply chain issues, but they can happen.
How We Keep Your Project On Track
At Taylor Energy, we do everything in our power to keep your project on track.
With over 16 years of experience, we know the local building codes, permitting requirements, and utility processes inside and out and can move through the process quickly.
We turn around your custom proposal and contract quickly, so you can move forward without waiting.
And once you sign your contract, the price is locked in. We won’t hit you with changes or price increases after we get started.
Ready to get started? Call (707) 640-3340 or contact us today for a free solar assessment and estimate.
Residential Solar
Get a free estimate for residential solar panel installation in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, and surrounding areas. We are a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer!
Rebates & Incentives
Save on your solar panel and solar battery installation with California solar incentives. Schedule a free solar consultation with Taylor Energy to learn more about the incentives you’re eligible for.
Commercial Solar
Cut operating costs and increase profit margins with commercial solar panels. Schedule your free commercial solar consultation with Taylor Energy today. We can help you find a solar solution that works for your business.