The Powerfully Green Process
The solar installation process requires us to work hand in hand with your city and energy provider. Powerfully Green Solar is dedicated to moving you through this process with ease and efficiency at every turn.
What to Know First
Solar installation typically takes more time than homeowners expect and can seem overly complex. While the actual installation of solar can occur in as little as 1-2 days, it typically takes 1-3 months to secure the approvals required to proceed with installation.
Some installers will offer an overly optimistic estimate of this process but we have found that this approach only creates frustration as expectations are inevitably missed.
Solar installation typically takes more time than homeowners expect and can seem overly complex. While the actual installation of solar can occur in as little as 1-2 days, it typically takes 1-3 months to secure the approvals required to proceed with installation.
Almost all residential solar projects require the coordination and exchange of information from 5 parties (homeowner, solar contractor, electrical inspector, building inspector, and the local utility). If the process is not managed competently and closely things can get tangled up quickly resulting in delays and frustration on all sides.
Some installers will offer an overly optimistic estimate of this process but we have found that this approach only creates frustration as expectations are inevitably missed.
Almost all residential solar projects require the coordination and exchange of information from 5 parties (homeowner, solar contractor, electrical inspector, building inspector, and the local utility). If the process is not managed competently and closely things can get tangled up quickly resulting in delays and frustration on all sides.
The Steps
- Plan Creation & Site Survey
- Interconnection Application & Permitting
- Installation
- Electrical Inspection and Signing the COC
- Witness Test & Meter Installation
- Set Up Monitoring
- Building Inspection
Plan Creation & Site Survey
Once you have signed the solar contract we get right to work on formalizing the design details required to apply for utility interconnection permits.
During this process we may request a visit to your home to complete a site survey.
During the Site Survey We Will Request the Following Information:
- Recent utility bill (all pages) and a copy of the declarations page of your homeowners insurance
- Clear access to your attic to take photos and measurements
- Access to your roof to take photos and measurements
- Access to your main electric service panel to take photos
- Access to the entire outside of the home to take photos and measurements
- Any information you may have on the age and condition of your roof
- Access to the inside and outside of any other building or structure where solar will be installed
Interconnection Application
Interconnection is the most critical step in your solar installation process. It is the process used by your electric utility provider to evaluate the solar equipment and capacity you intend to install and confirm it meets the utilities safety standards.
The interconnection process will also confirm that your local grid has the capacity to accept surplus energy produced by your solar energy system.
It typically takes about 5-7 weeks to complete the Xcel interconnection process. However, it can take significantly longer is Xcel determines additional engineering analyses are required.
Following are the 3 key milestones we will need to complete to receive interconnection approval.
- Please note Xcel will be requesting your signature at the end of the first milestone. A timely response to their request will keep your application moving through the process.
| Milestone | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| Application Completeness Review | 1 Week from application submission [Customer signature is required] |
| Xcel Application Initial Review | 10 Business days from application acceptance. This Process starts AFTER customer signature is received |
| Engineering Review & Approval | 20 Business days after completion of initial review |
Permitting
Electrical and building permits are required. We apply for permits in concert with the interconnection application process. We typically receive permit approvals prior to receiving interconnection approval.
Installation Process
Material Delivery
Materials are typically delivered by our distributor within a week of your installation date. Our operations team will coordinate the delivery date and specific location with you.
While we try to ensure the materials are placed in a safe and convenient location (typically close to your driveway) we have limited control over the delivery driver. Please notify us if your materials are placed in a location that causes any concern.
Installation usually takes 1-3 days depending on the size and complexity of your project. Seasonal weather conditions and other factors may cause your installation to take a bit longer. We generally ask homeowners to be home for the first 2 hours after our crew arrives, but it is not always necessary.
Please be extremely cautions during the installation period as there may be items that fall off the roof. We ask that homeowners refrain from walking close to the house while we are working on the roof and keep children and pets at least 20 feet away from the house perimeter at all times.
During the Installation Process Our Crew Will Require
- Your WIFI name and password
- A clear path/access to your attic
- A clear path/access to your main electrical service panel
- A work area adjacent to your home (typically the driveway free from vehicles)
- A working power outlet (outside the home or in the garage is preferred but not essential)
Electrical Inspection & Signing COC
Typically occurs within a week after installation is complete depending on the inspectors schedule.
Through this process we close the electrical permit and provide the utility company with proof that your project has been installed safely and in a code compliant manner.
We may ask you to take a photo of the signed COC (certificate of completion) if the inspector leaves it on site
Witness Test & Meter Installation
Typically occurs within 2 weeks after receipt of signed COC.
Through this process your utility confirms the new solar installation is compliant with their engineering standards and provides permission to operate [PTO].
After a successful witness test your solar array is active and producing power!
System Monitoring
This is the last step in the solar installation process!
Within 48 hours of your system passing the witness test a member of Powerfully Green Solar, will contact you on how to monitor your solar production.
Once you understand system monitoring, it’s smooth sailing from here on out and you can sit back, relax and let the sun power your home!
Building Inspection
The last step in the process. Typically scheduled within a week of meter installation
We leave this step until the very end because it cannot be scheduled until your electrical permit has been closed and it will not delay activation of your system!