What’s behind your scenes for your installation paperwork

There is lots of paperwork involved when you get a solar system. The good thing is that most of the process is painless, and your installation company can help guide you through the whole thing. The best way to make sure everyone is on the same page in the solar panel process is to use paperwork so everything is done right. As with any big financial decision, installing solar panels involves a lot of paperwork. Luckily, most of this paperwork is dealt with by the installer. It is still important to know what’s going on behind the scenes of your solar installation.
 

The process

The process begins with the first contractor inspection, which should occur after signing the solar contract, whether you’re getting a PPA, financing, leasing, loaning or purchasing the system outright. During that inspection your contractor sends someone, usually one of their employees, to physically evaluate your home for solar.

They’ll inspect your electric panel to assess if it can handle the solar installation or whether it needs to be upgraded. They’ll determine where the system will be located on your home, inspect the roof inside and out to make sure its sound enough for the solar panels and racking systems and where additional equipment.

Permitting process

Your solar contractor should handle getting you most of the permits and paperwork needed for the solar system. You’ll have to sign them but they’ll usually submit the documents to the local agencies and utility for approval. They’ll help you sign up for federal investment tax credit (ITC) and any local incentives like net-metering and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs).

Depending on where you live and whats required, this process can take up to several months. Certain areas have been designated as Solar Friendly Communities that take additional steps to make the permitting process quicker and smoother. Your solar installer should tell you how long the process should take.

One of the main things you’ll be applying for will be state and federal solar incentives such as the federal tax credit, local solar programs, clean energy financing initiatives like PACE loans, government rebates, and solar renewable energy certificates. Each state and city have different regulations, so it is better to check with your installer to see what rebates are available.

In addition to applying for incentives, you will need to fill out other paperwork like building permits. These permits are specific to where you live. For example, certain states require that a roof has three feet of clear space surrounding the solar panels, whereas other areas of the U.S. will allow you to install panels across the entire surface of your roof.
 

Your installer will know the restrictions and requirements of the states in which they operate, and can help you figure out which permits are needed. Usually, your installer helps you fill all this out. The time frame for this step is mainly dependent on how long it takes your installer to get it all finished and submitted. If you’re eager to get your panel system up and running immediately, just make sure to follow up with your installer to check on the progress of your paperwork.

For more information, please check out the links below. Please check out this top blog. 

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