Residential Solar Systems: The Installation Process

When considering residential solar systems, it’s important to understand the entire process of obtaining a solar energy system. It can be confusing and overwhelming when determining what system best suits your needs and what solar installers to contact.

With the right planning, residential solar power installation can be a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

But how do you know what system is right for you, and how do you find a residential solar system installer? Do you need to contact the utility company if you’re going solar? What do you need to know before contacting an installer?

We’re here to help with step-by-step instructions from the beginning of your solar journey to the final installation steps and beyond.

How to Choose a Solar Installer

Hopefully, you'll have a few local options when choosing your solar system installer. Some things to consider when deciding which installer to go with are:

Do they have good reviews on Google?
Can they provide recent, favorable references?
How long have they been in business?
Do they offer a variety of solar equipment choices?
Do they offer to finance if needed?
Does their business license have any complaints or sanctions against the State?
Will they be subcontracting out any of the work? If so, why, and what portion?
Do they have exceptional customer service?
Is their sales staff prompt and courteous?

It's also a good idea to ask friends and neighbors for referrals. If you're a member of any online community forums, you might also ask for referrals there.

Evaluating Your Home for a Solar System Installation

To kick off your solar system installation process, there are a variety of evaluations that will need to be completed. Most of these will be able to be completed by a residential solar system installer, so don’t think it’s all up to you to evaluate.

Your solar system installer may not even need a site visit to evaluate your home. If there is a clear satellite view on Google Earth of your roof, and the roof is not complex, an assessment and proposal can be prepared based on your zip code, power usage history, and overhead view.

Here are some top things to consider when evaluating solar power for your home. Your residential solar system installer should be able to answer these questions for you.

Do you live in a favorable area for solar?

The first thing to consider is if your home is in a location that will benefit from a residential solar system. Depending on your location, weather conditions, and trends in your area, and if you qualify for net metering incentives, you can determine if solar is right for you.

Will you qualify for net metering or other financial incentives?

Residential solar systems often provide a financial incentive that makes installing solar panels worthwhile. Incentives can come in various forms and can greatly reduce solar installation costs.

Federal tax credits are available for anyone who installs solar panels on their home before 2032. A Federal tax credit, also called the investment tax credit, or ITC, is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you owe based on the cost of your solar power system.
State tax credits vary between states, but most states have some form of tax credit available.
Rebates on solar panels may be offered by some solar companies if you install their solar panels.
Net metering incentives are available in many states and are a great way to offset your solar system cost.

How energy efficient is your home?

Understanding your home's energy efficiency will help determine what type of residential solar system you should use.

Your previous years' electricity bills will provide your total electricity usage. If you pair how much energy you used with the square footage of your home and geographic data, you should be able to determine your energy efficiency.

Your installer will request to see your monthly electric bill for this reason, so don't be surprised by this ask.

How much solar power can you generate?

Residential solar systems are not all the same. Some solar panels may produce more energy than others based on size, technology, and how the solar panels are installed. Always ask for the solar system's electricity output when considering your residential solar system.

Geographic location and the direction your roof's pitch faces will help determine how much power you can generate.

Your solar energy system installer can use a software program to determine the solar generation potential for your roof space. This report is based on 25 years of historical weather data in your region, the pitch and orientation of the roof sections, and solar panel wattage.

Does your roof have solar output limitations?

Sometimes even if you live in an ideal location to take advantage of solar electricity, rooftop solar panels may not work for you.

Your installer may be able to view your roof using Google Earth to determine any limitations that might hinder the installation of solar panels. Limitations could be things like shading from nearby trees or your roof pitch.

Learn about the warranty for product and workmanship offered

Residential solar systems are a long-term commitment. Be sure that the solar panel installation has a warranty and the solar panel system as a whole.

You should ask for references from your solar installer and read reviews on any solar energy systems you are considering. Solar panels cost a significant amount of money, so the warranty may be one of the most important things to consider when deciding what solar panels to purchase.

What Solar Electricity Options Do You Have?

Depending on location, climate, and roof type, you will likely have a few home solar system installation options.

Traditional grid-tied residential solar systems

Most residential solar systems are grid-tied systems. Using solar energy with grid-tied systems can significantly reduce electricity bills by utilizing net metering programs. A grid-tied system is a way to go if your energy consumption uses less energy than your solar panel system can generate.

Off-grid systems

Some people may want an off-grid capable system with a battery backup or a completely off-grid solar energy system. An off-grid capable system may still be tied into the electric grid but also offers backup power in case of a power outage.

Community solar

Another option that is becoming more popular is community solar. This allows multiple residences and/or businesses within a geographic area to collectively purchase and install a solar array that everyone on the solar grid can benefit from. Rooftop solar installed on an apartment or condo is also considered community solar.

Planning Your Residential Solar Installation

Once you’ve determined what solar panel system is right for your home, your installer can move forward with planning your residential solar installation.

Solar prices vary depending on the solar company supplying the solar panels, how many solar panels you need, and the requirements for installing the solar system.

Review site assessments and installation bids

Your solar installer might not even have to come on-site to conduct an assessment and give you a bid. This makes getting multiple solar installers' bids easier so you can decide who you want to install your solar energy system.

Obtain required permits

Each state and municipality may require different permits for installing solar energy systems. Your solar system installer will be the one to ensure you have the needed permits for your solar system.

Review financing options

Did you know multiple financing options are available, making residential solar systems accessible to even more people?

Solar loans are somewhat like home loans. Since solar panels add value to your home, you may qualify for a solar loan.
PACE, or the Property Assessed Clean Energy program, can reduce the up-front cost of a solar system installation. If approved, homeowners pay back the solar costs over time, much like a solar lease. PACE is only available in California, Florida, and Missouri.
Solar leases, or a power purchase agreement, is another option for someone who doesn't want the initial expense of purchasing approved types of solar residential systems. Although more expensive over time than a loan, solar leases have the additional benefit of maintenance, insurance coverage, system repairs, and even equipment replacement if needed.
If you can, the best option will always be to immediately pay off your solar panel system. This will instantly add more value to your home without having the overhead of having to make payments on a loan or lease.

Installing a Residential Solar System

Now that you've chosen your residential solar system, reviewed solar incentives, and determined how you will pay for your system, it's time to start the solar installation process!

How long does a solar system installation take?

The time it takes to install residential solar systems will depend on the solar system, the type of solar panels, and if battery backup is being incorporated into the system installed.

Some home solar panels can be installed in a few days, while other solar energy systems may take weeks or even months to complete.

When is my solar system installation officially complete?

If your solar power system is tied to the grid, the final steps will be coordinated by your installer. Someone from your utility company will need to give the final approval after net-metering agreements (if applicable) are finalized.

Once your utility company approves the system installation, your installer can connect your solar array to the grid, and you can start using clean energy for your home!

Can I install a residential solar system myself?

You may be a handy person or have experience with construction and electrical systems. If so, you've probably looked into the DIY solar power installation process. You might not think it's difficult to install solar panels, but

Solar energy systems can be a delicate technology, and a professional must install your solar panels to ensure your home solar panels work properly.

Installing a residential solar system yourself is not recommended, as it may void your product's warranty. Your utility company might not authorize a final connection to the grid if a professional installer did not install your system.

Solar System Maintenance

There are not usually any moving parts in residential solar systems, so that minimal maintenance will be needed.

You'll want to clean your solar panels occasionally to ensure they are always at peak performance. Ask your installer for cleaning recommendations, as various solar panel types may require different cleaning techniques.

More frequent cleaning of your solar panels may be necessary if you are in an area with heavy smog, dust, or birds.

The electrical connections should be checked every few years, or if you see a significant drop in the amount of electricity generated.

Is Solar Power Worth it?

After reading all this, you might wonder, "Is installing solar panels worth it?" Absolutely! Solar panels provide renewable energy, lower your monthly electricity bill, and even allow you to route excess energy back into the grid for others to use.

You can also store excess energy in a battery bank for later use for off-grid systems. Excess electricity produced routes into an off-grid system, allowing you to save money even when you cannot generate power from the sunlight.

Array Can Help with Your Residential Solar System Installation

We at Array have an extensive network of qualified solar energy installers. Our customer service team has many, many years of combined experience within the solar energy industry.

If you're just looking for a second opinion or want to partner for your entire residential solar installation project, we're here to help!

You can self-evaluate your roof to determine if our solar panels are right for you.