How does My Solar Potential calculate my solar savings?

My Solar Potential uses the Google Solar API to analyze your rooftop via satellite imagery. It calculates your roof's solar irradiance, usable panel area, and local electricity rates to estimate your annual savings, system size, and payback period.

Is the solar savings calculator free to use?

Yes, the My Solar Potential calculator is completely free. Enter your home address and get an instant solar savings estimate in under 60 seconds — no credit card or account required.

What states does My Solar Potential serve?

My Solar Potential provides solar estimates for homeowners across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Ohio.

Did the federal solar tax credit expire?

Yes. The 30% federal residential solar Investment Tax Credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025. However, strong state-level incentives remain in the Northeast, including New Jersey's SREC-II program, New York's state tax credit, and Massachusetts' SMART program.

How many solar panels does my home need?

The number of solar panels depends on your annual energy usage, local sun hours, and panel wattage. An average Northeast home using 10,500 kWh/year typically needs 18–24 panels (a 7–10 kW system). Use our free calculator to get a precise estimate for your specific address.

The Solar Installation Process: What Happens After You Sign the Contract

Sarah Okonkwo

Residential Solar Engineer

January 10, 2026

7 min read

Most homeowners are surprised by how long installation takes. Here's the real timeline — from site survey to first power generation — and what to expect at each step.

The Typical Timeline: 6–12 Weeks

Signing a solar contract is just the beginning. Here's what the next few months look like:

Week 1–2: Site Survey & System Design

A certified solar designer visits your home to:

Measure roof dimensions and pitch
Assess shading from trees and structures
Inspect your electrical panel (200A panel often required for larger systems)
Confirm structural integrity

They'll use this data to finalize your system design and equipment selection.

Week 2–4: Permitting

Your installer submits permit applications to your local municipality and utility company. This is often the longest step — some towns take 2–4 weeks to approve.

Permits required typically include:

Building permit
Electrical permit
Utility interconnection application

Week 4–6: Equipment Ordering & Delivery

Once permits are approved, your installer orders panels, inverters, and mounting hardware. Lead times are typically 1–2 weeks. In 2026, supply chains have normalized — delays are rare.

Week 6–8: Installation Day

The actual installation usually takes 1–3 days for a typical residential system:

Day 1: Roof mounting hardware, conduit runs, electrical work

Day 2: Panel installation, inverter mounting, wiring

Day 3 (if needed): Final connections, system testing, cleanup

Week 8–10: Inspection & Utility Approval

A municipal inspector visits to verify the installation meets code. Then your utility company installs a new bidirectional meter and grants Permission to Operate (PTO).

Week 10–12: System Activation

You get the green light to flip the switch. Your installer walks you through the monitoring app and you start generating clean energy.

Pro Tips for 2026

Ask your installer for weekly status updates
Take photos of your roof before installation
Make sure your homeowner's insurance is updated to cover the system
Download your utility's app to track net metering credits
If your panel is older than 15 years, budget $1,500–$3,000 for a panel upgrade — many installers require 200A service for modern systems

#installation#solar process#permitting#timeline#what to expect

Installation

Solar Panel Maintenance: What You Actually Need to Do (Spoiler: Not Much)

5 min read

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