After the planning is complete and permits are obtained, the installation starts: workers mount your panels on a roof and wire them together. The preparation process lasts for 1-2 weeks. The actual installation takes only a day or two. All work takes place outside so you can go on with your life as usual.
After the installation, a utility representative might have to come over to install an electric meter. If Net Metering is available, the meter will spin backward when you sell solar energy into the grid.
And there you have it — your own home solar system! Even though an installer makes it easier, you don’t have to look for one if you’re confident in your skills. If you want to design your own PV system from scratch, read an article on how to compose a
DIY solar kit. Use our
solar calculator to size a system and evaluate your potential savings from it in the future.