Solar Installers

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 to…

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 installers.

DENIS K

“I’ve had Solar by CIR do 2 solar roof installs, install a charger for my electric car, and also repair a broken anchor connection to the utility. The sales folks are LOW and NO pressure, which I really appreciated after talking to other solar providers. Their prices are always reasonable (when I call around to compare prices… theirs are the best) and the folks that do the work are efficient and friendly to deal with. CIR is always my first call for any electric work and will continue to be.”

David

“The team at CIR was fantastic and professional. From the sales rep showing up to give us a quote and talk us through the system and answering all of our questions, to the engineer coming out to check everything ahead of time, to the team that came and did the install, everyone at CIR is respectful, professional and super helpful. This has been a great experience and I will always recommend CIR to friends and family in the future. Happy to finally turn our system on today and start producing energy!”

Mark

“Highly recommended company. Solar by CIR installed my panels on my house and garage in Rochester, NY. Fantastic company. The consult is professional, thorough, and tailored to each situation. The installation crew is hard working, cleaned up after themselves. The office is incredibly responsive and helpful with any question/concerns. I’m glad I found them.”

Sid

“Solar by CIR installed 28 Panasonic panels on my roof over the course of two days. They were professional, efficient, and detail-oriented. They kept me in the loop every step of the process and were an absolute pleasure to work with. I whole-heartedly recommend them.”

Brian

“Solar by CIR has been a wonderful company to work with! They have been, by far, the best contractor company to deal with my wife and I have experienced. Their sales and installer crew were professional, helpful and answered ALL of our questions before, during and after the installation. They showed up on time and worked tirelessly to get our install done in a day and a half of install time. Kevin and Kyle and their crew were fantastic and cleaned up totally upon completion of their work. Their work was very professional, expert and cutting edge. We look forward to saving much on our future electrical usage and helping our environment and planet too. Thinking about solar or general electrical work in your home or business? Go with Solar by CIR. You will not regret it! Years of expertise in both areas.”

Joanne

“Having recently bought a home with a solar panel system and without the benefit of any literature having been left behind by the seller, I felt really stuck after learning the company that did the installation had folded. After cold calling several outfits, CIR was most responsive. They promptly sent a technician, Kenny, to get the system up and running. Kenny was extremely pleasant, professional and knowledgeable. In minutes he had me thoroughly understanding the system that is now fully operational. Great company.”

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