Solar Panel Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
DISCOVERY & DESIGN
The first step to going solar is the discovery and design process. We will analyze your PG&E electrical usage history, perform a site visit at your home, and discuss with you your goals for going solar. Using our proprietary and best-in-class software analytics, enables us to create a custom design giving you and your family the most efficient, cost effective and profitable solar system possible.
SIGN PG&E CONSUMER DOCS
& SOLAR CONTRACT
Once you make the decision to go solar with us, we then need to get your signatures on two sets of documents.
PG&E Solar Consumer Protection Guide & Disclosures
As of Jan 1st 2020, PG&E requires all solar customers to sign their “Solar Consumer Protection Guide” and “Solar Energy System Disclosure Document”. PG&E created these documents to inform CA residents of their consumer rights and to ensure Solar Contractors are correctly informing customers of the costs of going solar.
Taylor Energy Solar Contract
This is your solar contract which details the scope of work and related agreements between you and Taylor Energy.
COLLECT DEPOSIT / START DESIGN & PERMITTING WORK
Once you have signed your PG&E and Solar Contract docs, we will then need to collect the initial payment. Once the initial payment is received, we will begin drafting of your solar plan set and permitting documents. Once complete we will submit your documents to the local building department. As soon as the building department issues the permit, we will contact you to schedule your solar installation; generally 6-8 week after contract signing. See below for phased payment details.
Payment Schedule (approximate)
10% - Due at contract signing
70% - Due at delivery of equipment to job site
20% - Due at completion of final inspections
Install Solar System
Installation of your solar system usually takes between 1-3 days. Your “equipment delivery” payment (70%) will be on the first day of the installation.
Please Note
Your “Equipment Delivery” payment (70%) will be on the 1st day of the installation.
LOCAL INSPECTIONS
After completing your installation, we will schedule and manage your local building department inspections. Inspections usually occur within 1-5 days after completion of installation.
Please Note
Your “Final” payment (20%) will de due upon successful completion of your inspection.
PG&E SOLAR NEM APPLICATION
After completing your local Building Department inspections, we then submit your solar plan set and permit paperwork to PG&E who will then take approximately 1-3 weeks to review and approve your project. Until you receive your approval from PG&E you must leave your system off per PG&E requirements.
TURN YOUR SYSTEM ON!
Once we complete your PG&E Solar NEM Application it takes about 1-3 weeks to receive your “Permission to Operate” (PTO) notification at which time you may turn on your system and start receiving credit for your solar energy. Enjoy the savings!
POST INSTALLATION E-MAIL – PROJECT DOCS & MONITORING
After turning your system on, we take a few days to review and audit your system performance via your new cellular monitoring system. Once we complete this audit, we will forward you our “Post Installation” e-mail which will contain digital copies of your project, permitting, PG&E and warranty documents and an invite to register for your system monitoring which you can access via your mobile phone or on any device with an internet connection.
Project Gallery
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#1. I feel that I can trust Sean Taylor. #2. Installation took about 2 days. #3. Sean explained everything to me. #4. We discussed the size of the project. I wanted a slightly larger system to accommodate an electric car charger. #5. Installer performed the job in a neat manner (routing the wires neatly and under the panels). #6. Inverter install looked professional. #7. Any questions Sean was happy to answer. #8. My energy output was actually 12% greater than estimated for the year. #9. I’ve had the system for just over a year and I have had absolutely no problems. #10. In the course of the year, I estimate that my panels generated about 1,500 kWh’s in excess of the energy that I have used. I can now use my a/c more frequently and can charge my EV with the goal of 0 kWh net usage. #11. I am completely satisfied with the installation of the panels and how they are performing. #12. I feel that the cost of the solar panel installation was on par with other companies.
- Norman On (Cloverdale)
