Solar Panel Installation Process

Our Solar Installation Process

Here’s what you can expect to happen when you decide to go solar with us.

Step 1: Get Your Electric Bill

Collect your most recent electric bill from your utility company.

Step 2: Take the Solar Quiz

Take this short quiz to see if your home or business is right for a solar installation or community solar. In the quiz, we’ll ask you to provide info like the age of your roof, whether you own or rent, and your average monthly energy bill.

Step 3: Site Inspection

If your home or business is a good candidate for solar, we’ll perform a site inspection and work with you to determine your best installation and financing options.

Step 4: Finalize Design and Permits

From the beginning of this phase to the completed install typically takes 10-14 weeks, although not all steps outlined below will apply to all installations. This phase of the project includes:

Final design

Our team will first review the components of the proposed system and ensure each element is optimally placed and configured.

Engineering

Using the information collected at the site inspection, we’ll complete a detailed analysis and create plan sets for the structural engineering and electrical engineering teams. This step ensures the safety and longevity of the installed components and the mechanical and electrical foundation on which they are built.

Final Review

We carefully review the data from the site visit along with any electrical, mechanical, or structural considerations noted by our engineering departments. If any concerns are brought to light we will address them with you to find the best solution. Normally issues don’t arise at this safeguard step, and we simply move forward.

NYSERDA Review

After a contract has been signed we submit an incentive request to NYSERDA’s NY-Sun Team for financing, and then wait to hear that it has been approved and sent to NYSERDA’s finance office for processing.

Local Permits

We’ll apply for all required permits from your local municipality using the final plans and design parameters.

Scheduling

Our planning team will reach out to let you know when all necessary steps are complete and will arrange a good time for our team to install your new solar system.

Step 5: Installation

A system installation typically takes between two to four days. Each system is installed by knowledgeable crew members according to National Electric Code, NABCEP, and NYSERDA guidelines. We’ll also schedule and follow up on all necessary permitting inspections, plus the net-meter change with the utility company.

Step 6: System and Monitoring Switched On

Once your electric utility company has installed your new meter, we’ll remotely switch on your system and it will begin producing power. Congratulations!

We will schedule a time to walk through the whole system with you, and set up your monitoring application so that you can keep track of your new system’s production and consumption. You’ll also be provided with an owner’s manual, which includes a copy of all warranties, jurisdictional paperwork, incentive paperwork, and technical data sheets of system components.

Solar by CIR Reviews

See what customers in Western New York have to say about our solar installation process in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

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