How It Works

From design to installation, here's exactly what to expect when you go solar with professional guidance

5,000+ homeowners have successfully completed this process

Going solar is easier than you think. We've streamlined the process into four simple steps, providing professional engineering support at each stage while you maintain control and save thousands. Here's exactly how it works.

4-Step Process Overview

Total Timeline: 6-12 weeks from consultation to system activation

1

Consultation

30-60 minutes

Free

2

Design

5-7 days

Starting at $XXX

3

Permitting

2-6 weeks

Included

4

Support

Throughout

Included

Step 1

Consultation & Assessment

30-60 minutesFree

In this initial phase, we learn about your property, energy usage, goals, and answer all your questions.

You Provide:

  • Recent electric bills (12 months ideal, 3 months minimum)
  • Property address for solar resource assessment
  • Photos of roof and electrical panel
  • Basic property information (roof type, age, shading)
  • Your energy goals and budget

We Provide:

  • Free consultation call or email exchange
  • Solar feasibility assessment
  • Preliminary system size estimate
  • Ballpark cost estimates (DIY vs. professional)
  • Answer all your questions about DIY solar
  • Service options and pricing
  • Timeline expectations

What You'll Learn:

  • Is solar feasible for your property?
  • Approximate system size needed
  • Estimated costs and savings
  • Whether DIY is right for you
  • What services you need
  • Next steps

Typical Questions We Answer:

"How much will this cost?"

"Can I really do this myself?"

"What's the ROI in my area?"

"Do I need batteries?"

"What equipment is best for my situation?"

"How difficult is the installation?"

Step 2

Professional Design

5-7 business daysStarting at $XXX

Our licensed Professional Engineers create a complete, customized solar system design tailored to your property, energy needs, and goals.

Phase 2A

Information Gathering

Day 1-2

We Collect:

  • Detailed property information
  • Energy usage data (12-month bills)
  • Site photos and documentation
  • Roof dimensions
  • Electrical service details
  • Equipment preferences
  • Local code requirements

We Research:

  • Local building codes
  • AHJ-specific requirements
  • Utility interconnection standards
  • Solar resource data
  • Shading analysis
  • Available incentives
Phase 2B

Engineering & Design

Day 2-6

Our Engineers:

Size system for optimal production and ROI
Design panel layout for maximum efficiency
Select appropriate equipment
Calculate string sizing and electrical loads
Perform structural analysis
Create detailed electrical diagrams
Model production and financial returns
Ensure code compliance

Design Optimization

We optimize for:

Maximum energy productionCost-effectivenessAesthetic appealEase of DIY installationLong-term reliabilityCode compliance
Phase 2C

Review & Delivery

Day 7

Complete Design Package Includes:

1. Site Plan & Layout
  • Roof plan with panel placement
  • Dimensions and measurements
  • Setbacks and clearances
2. Electrical Diagrams
  • Single-line diagram
  • Three-line diagram
  • String sizing
  • Grounding details
3. Equipment Specifications
  • Complete bill of materials
  • Panel & inverter specs
  • All manufacturer datasheets
4. Production Analysis
  • Monthly/annual estimates
  • 25-year projections
  • ROI calculations
5. Installation Guidelines
  • Step-by-step overview
  • Mounting instructions
  • Safety requirements
6. Permit-Ready Planset
  • PE-stamped drawings
  • Structural calculations
  • Code compliance docs

98% First-Time Approval Rate

Our conservative engineering approach and thorough documentation ensure your permit sails through approval. Minor revisions included at no charge.

Step 3

Permitting & Approval

2-6 weeksIncluded in Design

We prepare permit-ready documentation, you submit to building department, and we support you through approval.

Phase 3A

Permit Package Preparation

We create complete, AHJ-specific permit documentation with PE stamp.

PE-stamped engineering drawings
Electrical diagrams to code
Structural calculations
Equipment specifications
Site plan integration
Code compliance documentation
AHJ-specific forms
Rapid shutdown design
Fire setback calculations
Phase 3B

Permit Submission (You)

Your Responsibilities:

  1. 1.Download permit package
  2. 2.Complete jurisdiction's permit application
  3. 3.Pay permit fees (typically $50-$500)
  4. 4.Submit to building department
  5. 5.Provide proof of homeownership

We Provide:

  • Instructions for your jurisdiction
  • List of required forms
  • Guidance on submission process
  • Expected fees
  • Building department contact info
Phase 3C

Plan Review (Building Department)

Approved

98% of our designs

Permit issued, begin installation

📝

Corrections

Rare, minor changes

We handle at no charge

🔄

Rejected

Very rare

We revise until approved

Free Revision Support

We provide unlimited revisions for AHJ-requested changes at no additional charge. Our 98% first-time approval rate means this is rarely needed.

Step 4

Installation Support & Activation

1-5 days installation | 1-4 weeks activationSupport Included

You install the system (with our guidance), pass inspection, and get utility permission to operate.

Phase 4A

Equipment Procurement

Week 0-3

Equipment Checklist:

Solar panels
Inverter(s)
Mounting system
Flashings
AC disconnect
Wire & conduit
Breakers
Labels & placards
Grounding equipment
Rapid shutdown

Sourcing Options:

Through Us

Competitive pricing, verified compatibility

Self-Source

Use our BOM, we verify specs

Phase 4B

Installation

1-5 Days

Typical Installation Sequence:

1
Roof Mounting
Install flashingsAlign railsWaterproof penetrations
2
Panel Installation
Attach panelsWire stringsInstall rapid shutdown
3
Inverter & Electrical
Mount inverterRun conduitInstall disconnects
4-5
Interconnection
Connect to panelSystem testingInstall labels

✅ Typically DIY:

  • Roof mounting
  • Panel installation
  • DC wiring
  • Conduit running
  • Inverter mounting
  • Labeling

🤝 Consider Hiring:

  • • Roof mounting: $1,000-$2,500
  • • AC interconnection: $500-$1,500
  • • Complex electrical work
  • Still save $10K-$15K total!
Phase 4C

Building Inspection

Week 1-2

Inspection Process:

  1. 1.Schedule inspection
  2. 2.Inspector visits property
  3. 3.Verifies code compliance
  4. 4.Issues approval or notes corrections

Inspector Checks:

  • Structural attachments
  • Electrical connections
  • Grounding & bonding
  • Rapid shutdown
  • Labeling & placards
  • Fire setbacks
Phase 4D

Utility Interconnection

Week 2-4
📝
Submit

Interconnection application

🔍
Review

Utility reviews system

PTO

Permission to Operate!

Net Metering Setup

Bi-directional meter tracks production and consumption, crediting you for excess solar energy. We help with net metering agreement setup.

System Activation & Celebration! 🎉

First Day:

  • ✓ Turn system on
  • ✓ Verify production
  • ✓ Set up monitoring
  • ✓ Document performance

You're Now:

  • ⚡ Producing clean energy
  • 💰 Generating savings
  • 🌍 Reducing carbon footprint
  • 🎯 25+ years of production ahead!

Complete Timeline Summary

PhaseDurationYour TimeOur Time
Consultation1 day30-60 min30-60 min
Design5-7 days1-2 hours20-30 hours
Permitting2-6 weeks2-3 hoursAs needed
Equipment1-3 weeksVariesIf sourcing
Installation1-5 days2-5 daysSupport
Inspection1-2 weeks2-3 hoursSupport
Interconnection2-4 weeks1-2 hoursSupport
Total6-12 weeks~1 week workFull support

Most of the timeline is waiting (permits, equipment, utility) — not active work on your part

What You Can Expect at Each Stage

💬

Communication

  • Prompt email responses (24-48 hours)
  • Scheduled phone calls when needed
  • Proactive updates on progress
  • Clear, jargon-free explanations

Quality

  • Professional engineering
  • Code-compliant designs
  • Detailed documentation
  • Peer-reviewed work
🤝

Support

  • Questions answered thoroughly
  • Patient, educational approach
  • Troubleshooting assistance
  • We're here until you succeed
🔍

Transparency

  • Honest timelines
  • Clear pricing
  • No hidden fees
  • Realistic projections

Real DIY Solar Success Stories

Homeowners just like you who successfully went solar with our guidance

John M.

Texas

📊 8.5kW residential

⏱️ 8 weeks total

Approach:

Mostly DIY, hired electrician for final connection

DIY Cost:

$11,200

Pro Quote:

$24,000

Saved: $12,800 (53%)

"The design was incredibly detailed. Permit approved first try. System producing exactly as projected."

Sarah L.

Colorado

📊 12kW + Tesla Powerwall

⏱️ 10 weeks

Approach:

DIY with roofer for mounting

DIY Cost:

$26,500

Pro Quote:

$48,000

Saved: $21,500 (45%)

"Best investment we've made. The process was smoother than expected, and support was excellent."

Mike R.

Florida

📊 10kW residential

⏱️ 7 weeks (expedited design)

Approach:

100% DIY

DIY Cost:

$13,800

Pro Quote:

$30,000

Saved: $16,200 (54%)

"I'm not particularly handy, but the instructions were clear. Took my time over three weekends. Worth it!"

Common Concerns Addressed

Q:I'm not an electrician - can I really do this?

A:Many of our clients aren't electricians. Modern solar equipment (especially microinverters) is designed for easier installation. Plus, you can hire an electrician for final connections and still save 30-40%.

Q:What if I make a mistake?

A:Our designs ensure you have the right plan. Most "mistakes" are easily corrected. We're here to support troubleshooting. Plus, inspections catch issues before system goes live.

Q:I don't have time for a long project.

A:Actual installation is typically 2-5 days of work (spread over weekends if needed). Most of the timeline is waiting (permits, equipment, utility) - not active work.

Q:What if it doesn't work after I install it?

A:We help troubleshoot until your system is operational. Our designs are proven. If equipment is defective, warranties cover replacement.

Q:I'm worried about damaging my roof.

A:Proper flashing techniques prevent leaks. Many DIY'ers hire roofers just for mounting ($1,000-$2,500) and do the rest themselves. Still save substantially.

Ready to Begin Your Solar Journey?

Join thousands of homeowners who've successfully gone solar with our guidance

98% approval rate
5-7 day design
Licensed PE engineers