The installation process typically takes 2-4 months from signing a contract to getting the panels on your roof. During this time, the solar company will work on permitting, order materials and finish up construction details. 

A project manager will communicate with you regularly throughout this process to give updates on your project’s progress. They will also take care of any engineering requirements and ensure the solar panel system meets local building codes. They will even work with the city to get your electricity connected. Contact MT Solar for more information.

If you have a suitable roof, going solar can save you money. But before you start the process, make sure to have a site assessment completed by an independent third party. This step is necessary to determine the amount of energy your home or building will produce and identify any issues that could affect your solar system’s performance. The assessor will look at your roof’s southern exposure, as well as any trees, power lines or chimneys that might cast shade.

In addition, the assessor will also recommend how many solar panels you should install. This will depend on your energy consumption and the size of your roof. It’s also important to consider any potential funding opportunities, such as rebates and tax credits, that might be available in your area.

Once your solar system is installed, the city will schedule a final inspection and a meter swap. A Brooklyn SolarWorks representative will be on-site during this visit to ensure that your system complies with all local building and electrical codes. They will also verify that the meter is set to import/export energy and that your electricity supplier will recognize the new source of power.

If you’re not ready to own your solar array, you can still get the benefits of renewable energy by joining a solar co-op. These are groups of individuals or businesses that purchase electricity from a common solar array and benefit from bulk discounts. They can help you cut your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. This option is especially helpful if you live in a condo or cannot install a solar array on your property.

PPA

A power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you enjoy the benefits of solar without the upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities associated with buying or leasing your own system. Under this arrangement, a third-party solar developer owns the system and you agree to purchase the energy it produces at a fixed or variable per-kilowatt-hour rate, typically lower than your local utility’s rates. Depending on the agreement terms, your PPA can also include performance guarantees.

A PPA is an ideal solution for property owners with large, suitable sites (like rooftops or parking lots) and significant daytime electricity usage that match well with solar production. It also makes sense for entities like schools and non-profit organizations that have limited capital and can’t directly access tax incentives to help offset the cost of owning their own systems.

While a PPA eliminates upfront costs, it does limit how much you save by reducing your electricity rates. In addition, by not owning the system, you’re giving up any financial benefits you would have gotten by purchasing it outright, such as federal tax credits and depreciation benefits.

Ultimately, the decision to go with a PPA or buy or lease your own solar system should be made by exploring your financing options and considering what’s best for your unique situation. The right choice is one that aligns with your goals for savings and ownership.

If you choose a PPA with Lumio, we will design a top-of-the-line system that can generate enough electricity to significantly reduce your charges from the utility company. These reduced charges will be reflected in your monthly Lumio bill, which you pay along with the kilowatt-hours that you use from the grid at night or during cloudy days when the solar system isn’t producing enough power. The difference between your PPA bill and charges from the utility company is what we refer to as your “net electricity cost”. The net electricity cost is calculated by subtracting your electricity use from your electricity production. The result is a number that you should aim to make as close to zero as possible over time.

Financing

Homeowners have a wide range of financing options to help them afford solar panels. As an installer, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the different options available to your customers. This includes understanding the differences between leases, PPAs, and loans.

A solar loan is a form of homeowner’s financing that allows you to purchase the system outright. The terms of the loan are usually based on your credit worthiness and your financial situation. In order to qualify for a loan, you must have enough equity in your home and a good credit score. Solar loans typically have lower interest rates than other forms of financing and are a great option for homeowners looking to save money on their electricity bills.

The solar panel installation process starts by creating a design based on your needs and energy goals. Once the design is complete, you will submit it to your lender for approval. Once approved, you will be able to move forward with the construction of the solar array on your property. During this phase, the contractor will ensure that all components are installed according to the specified plans. Some lenders will want to review an install checklist, which confirms that the solar array matches the plan and was built as intended.

As the system is being constructed, you will be notified of any issues that may delay your installation. Your solar company will work with the relevant parties to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Once the construction is complete, you will be able to start enjoying your lower electricity costs and savings!

A PPA or Power Purchase Agreement is a contract between a third-party provider and a homeowner. It involves a long-term contract that lasts from 10 to 25 years and includes fixed electricity rates. It does not require an upfront investment from the homeowner, but it can make it difficult to sell your house. It is important to research your PPA provider’s track record, customer service, and expertise in managing PPA contracts before signing up. In addition, you should also understand the PPA’s pricing structure, escalation clauses, and maintenance requirements.

Maintenance

Solar energy systems are designed to be low-maintenance, but they require regular inspections and cleaning to maximize energy production and extend lifespan. Solar operations and maintenance (O&M) services are crucial for minimizing energy loss due to shade accumulation, wiring faults, and equipment wear and tear.

An experienced O&M team can save system owners money by proactively identifying and addressing problems before they become costly. They can also help ensure that warranty coverage is used effectively, which reduces out-of-pocket expenses for covered repairs.

Routine maintenance includes cleaning, visual inspections of the solar panels, and electrical checks to make sure everything is working properly. This type of maintenance is crucial to ensuring that the system produces the most electricity possible, and that it is safe and secure. A good O&M provider will also maintain records of all inspections and maintenance activities, which allows for quick identification of trends and issues.

Whether it’s a rooftop or ground-level solar installation, it’s important to ensure that access is limited to authorized personnel. This will help prevent unauthorized maintenance and potential theft of the solar energy system. For rooftop installations, this will involve limiting access to the solar panel array by installing locking hatchways or doors. For ground-level systems, a fence and locked gates can be used to protect the system from unwanted visitors.

The network of wires that connects solar panels and equipment to the inverters must be kept free of damage, corrosion, and rust, so it’s essential that routine checks be made. Checks should include inspecting fuses, wiring, and connections for corrosion and looseness. The system should also be inspected for proper mounting and alignment. Conduit penetrations should be sealed, and all junction boxes should be properly labeled.

If a solar company uses a cloud-based monitoring platform, it’s important to log in and survey performance data regularly. This can reveal hidden inefficiencies, such as overproduction and a lack of PV capacity. It’s also a good idea to keep detailed maintenance records, which can be compared with performance data over time.