What is the process forgoing solar?
Whether you decide to go with a full-service provider or do more of the work yourself by subcontracting with a local installer, going solar typically takes 3–6 months from quote to installation.
Your complete solar installation roadmap
From your first analysis to flipping the switch — here's exactly what to expect at every stage of going solar.
Receive a home solar analysis
Enter your home address into My Solar Potential to estimate potential energy production and bill savings you could generate with rooftop solar.
Connect with solar providers and compare quotes
Contact one or more solar providers in your area. Getting multiple quotes helps you compare pricing, equipment, and warranties.
Contract with a provider
Finalize agreement with the provider you prefer. Review all terms carefully before signing, including warranties and performance guarantees.
Design system and obtain permit
Review and approve your system design so your solar provider can get permits from your local building department.
Install and inspect
Typical systems can be installed in a day or two. After installation local city and utility representatives will come out to your home to inspect the system.
Utility net metering agreement
Residential solar systems often generate more electricity than your home uses during daylight hours, so you'll need a net metering agreement with your utility.
Switch on and start saving!
Once approvals are granted, you can switch on your system and begin generating clean power. Your savings start from day one.
Ready to start your solar journey?
Start your process with a free home solar analysis. Enter your address and get an instant estimate in under 60 seconds.
How should you choose a solar provider?
Choosing to go solar is a valuable investment. Selecting the right solar provider is an important decision that can make for a smooth transition and impact overall system performance. From providing an initial quote and arranging financing, designing and installing the system, to maintaining it over time, there are many aspects that your provider manages.
Industry standard
25-year panel warranty + 10-year workmanship
Key factors in choosing a solar provider
Experience
How long a solar provider has been in business isn't the only sign of a good company. Look for years they've been in business and how many systems they've installed.
Customer Rating
Customer ratings sometimes don't tell the whole story, especially if the review is only about the sales process. Ratings and testimonials are good insights into overall customer service and response time.
Workmanship
Look for certifications, licenses, contractors, and photos of completed jobs to verify quality of installation work.
Final Solar Quote
A good solar provider will be transparent. Make sure they list all your estimated costs with projected savings, system installation, and maintenance costs, as well as product warranties to help protect your investment.
System Components
Look up what panels and inverters they offer. Some providers have a wide range of types to suit different budgets and roof types.
Timing
It's a good idea to look at a solar provider's average wait time for installation. Ask when they would schedule your installation.
Guarantees
Make sure they provide product and performance warranties. Look for length in coverage. The standard is 25 year warranty for solar panels, which leaves you worry-free for the duration of your lease or loan or purchase.
Which solar panels should you use?
When selecting solar panels, review the following details with your solar provider to ensure you get the best system for your home and budget.
Best value for targeted savings
Depends on how much usable roof space you have, panel power production, and cost. Higher efficiency panels cost more but produce more power per square foot.
Aesthetics
Panel and mounting systems can be beautifully designed to integrate well with your architecture. All-black panels are popular for a sleek, modern look.
Panel manufacturer quality and warranties
Protect your investment by picking high-quality panels backed by 20–25 year performance warranties. Look for Tier 1 manufacturers with proven track records.
Top Tier 1 Panel Manufacturers
Industry-leading efficiency and warranty coverage
Efficiency
22.8%
Warranty
25 yr
Efficiency
21.7%
Warranty
25 yr
Efficiency
21.2%
Warranty
25 yr
Efficiency
21.0%
Warranty
25 yr
Efficiency
20.6%
Warranty
25 yr
Efficiency
20.3%
Warranty
25 yr
Which solar inverter should you choose?
Inverters transform the solar electricity generated by panels (DC power) into useable electricity (AC power) for your home. Typically installed near your home's electric panel, the inverter you choose should be determined based on how much shade your roof gets.
Advantages
- Lower upfront cost
- Simple maintenance
- Proven technology
- Easy monitoring
Considerations
- Performance affected by shading
- Single point of failure
- Less granular monitoring
Best for: Roofs with no shading and simple layouts
When selecting solar panels, review the following with your solar provider
Inverter manufacturer track record and warranties
String inverters typically carry a 10-year warranty and may need to be replaced during the life of your solar system. Microinverters often carry 25-year warranties.
Best fit for your solar installation
The choice of string or microinverter often depends on how much shade your roof gets and which solar inverter makes the most sense for your situation.
How can you track the performance of your system?
To maximize your solar installation performance and savings over time, most providers include ongoing monitoring as well as maintenance services, in case something goes wrong with your system.
Most modern solar systems come with a monitoring app that shows you real-time and historical production data. If your system ever underperforms, your installer should be notified automatically.
Average system uptime
99.6% — monitored 24/7 automatically
Real-time production tracking
Monitor how much electricity your panels are generating at any moment through your provider's app or web portal.
Fault detection & alerts
Get notified immediately if a panel or inverter underperforms, so issues are caught and fixed before they cost you money.
Historical performance data
Track monthly and annual production trends to verify your system is performing as promised in your original quote.
Environmental impact
See your cumulative CO₂ offset, equivalent trees planted, and miles of driving avoided — your green impact in real numbers.
Popular monitoring platforms by inverter brand
Ask your installer which monitoring system comes with your inverter
SolarEdge
String + Optimizers
mySolarEdgeEnphase
Microinverters
EnlightenSMA
String Inverters
Sunny PortalFronius
String Inverters
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