If you’re thinking about adding solar panels to your home, one of your first questions is probably: What does the installation process look like, and how long will it take?
They’re smart questions to ask, especially with the 30% federal tax credit expected to expire at the end of 2025. Solar isn’t something you can install overnight, and you need to act soon if you want to claim those savings.
At Six Rivers Solar, we make it easy. We work efficiently, handle the entire process for you, and keep you updated throughout. Here’s what you can expect during the solar panel installation process from start to finish.
Solar Panel Installation Timeline
Step One: Free Consultation
Your solar panel installation starts with a free consultation and estimate.
This is a no-pressure opportunity to ask questions, learn more about your options, and get to know our team. We’ll ask you about your energy usage, review your financing and incentive options, and help you decide whether solar makes sense for your home.
This phase of your project is completed in under an hour.
Step Two: Site Assessment
If you’re ready to move forward, the next step is a thorough site assessment.
One of our solar experts will visit your property to evaluate your roof and electrical system. This in-person visit ensures we have the technical information needed to design a safe, effective solar system customized to your home.
Site assessments can be scheduled at any point following your initial consultation, usually within a few days. The assessment itself only takes 1-2 hours.
Step Three: System Design
With your site data in hand, our team will create a custom solar energy system tailored to your needs. You’ll receive a detailed proposal that includes:
- Projected energy production and savings
- Final cost and financing details
- Timeline to completion
This phase of the process typically takes about 1-3 weeks to complete.
Step Four: Permitting
You need a few different permits to install solar panels in California.
- Building and electrical permits from your local jurisdiction
- Interconnection applications with your utility (not required for off-grid solar panels)
Permitting timelines vary by city and county. This step can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or longer.
The good news is that you don’t have to do anything during this phase. We’ll handle all the paperwork and provide regular updates through our tracking app, so you’ll never be in the dark about where things stand.
Step Five: Installation
Once we have permit approval and your equipment has arrived, we’ll schedule your installation. We complete most residential solar installations in just one day. Complex installations can take slightly longer, but rarely more than 1-3 days.
Our installers are licensed, insured, and highly experienced. We treat your property with respect, work efficiently, and make sure everything is installed to code and manufacturer standards.
Step Six: Inspections & Approvals
At this stage, you’re just one step away from powering your home with clean solar energy.
Before your system can go live, it needs to be inspected and approved by your utility company. This final step includes connecting your system to the electrical grid, swapping out your meter, and issuing formal Permission to Operate (PTO).
Six Rivers Solar will coordinate the utility visit and be on-site to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The scheduling timeline depends on your utility’s availability and can take a few weeks, but the visit itself typically takes less than an hour. Once approved, you’re ready for the final step: system activation.
Step Seven: System Activation
Once we get utility approval, it’s time to flip the switch! Your home will begin generating clean, renewable energy, reducing your electric bills and your carbon footprint for the next 25-30+ years.
Step Eight: Monitoring & Maintenance
Once your system is up and running, your installation is complete, but our support doesn’t stop there.
Solar panels are built to last for decades, and when you go solar with Six Rivers Solar, you can count on us for long-term support. We’ll set you up with a monitoring system so you can easily track your system’s performance. If you ever notice a drop in production or need maintenance and repairs, we’re just a phone call away.
We’re a local team that’s been in business for over 40 years, which means you’ll always have someone you can trust to keep your solar system performing at its best.
