If you’re considering solar power for your home, it helps to understand the process of installation. So, what happens after you sign the contract?
Each project is unique, but generally, a project coordinator is appointed to guide you every step of the way. The project coordinator will serve as your advocate within New Dawn Energy Solutions, updating you regularly and ensuring there are no surprises.
While not every residential solar system is the same, here is an outline of our process for going solar we follow at New Dawn Energy Solutions.
- Utility Approval : Once your contract is signed, we’ll submit a preliminary net metering application to your utility to start the approval process.
- Assessment : After utility approval, we conduct a site survey of your home. A New Dawn Energy Solutions representative will visit to evaluate your property’s condition, take measurements with a drone, and capture photos of your roof, electrical panel, and relevant subpanels. This step usually takes about two hours.
- Design : Our engineering team then reviews the initial design against your site assessment to ensure no additional work is needed, such as electrical upgrades or structural adjustments. If required, you can either have New Dawn Energy Solutions do the work or have another company take care of it. You also have the option not to move forward with solar panels if the additional work is not in your budget. At this stage, you’ll receive a final design for approval.
- Permitting : Once the design is confirmed, we’ll apply for the necessary construction permits and submit the final net metering connection application. Permitting timelines vary widely, from a couple of weeks to over six, depending on your area.
- Installation : After permit approval, we schedule your installation. Installation typically takes 1–3 days. If your system includes backup energy storage, expect brief power outages lasting up to 3-4 hours.
- Inspection and Activation : After installation, we coordinate an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority and city inspectors. Your coordinator will notify you in advance of the inspection date, which generally requires a two-hour window. Once the inspection is complete, we’ll request your utility to install a bi-directional meter, allowing you to turn on your solar system. This final step can take 5-20 business days, depending on your utility provider.
Switching to solar is exciting but requires a bit of time. The full process, from contract signing to activation, may take two to six months, depending on your local utility and permitting processes.
The best part? New Dawn Energy Solutions will be with you every step of the way, managing the paperwork and guiding you through each phase. All we need is occasional access to your property for our team and inspectors.
We’re always here to answer questions about solar, energy storage, EV charging, heat pumps, and other energy-saving solutions. If you’re interested in exploring solar options in your area, reach out to one of our consultants for more details or visit us here!.