Solar School for Homeowners: Lesson 3: What Is the Process of Going Solar Like?
Class is back in session, and we're excited to continue our journey into the world of solar energy! If you missed our other lessons about solar energy basics for your home, don't worry—you can catch up here. In the upcoming posts, we'll continue to explore the ins and outs of solar power, providing valuable insights to support your decision-making process. So, let’s dive into it- because today's lesson is all about understanding the process of transitioning to solar.
Lesson 3: What Is the Process of Going Solar Like?
What is the step-by-step process for installing solar panels on my home?
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for solar energy?
What should I expect during the installation?
What is the step-by-step process for installing solar panels on my home?
Installing a solar system is a team effort with many hands helping to create a tailor-fit solution for every client. So let’s get started and talk about our process here at Sugar Hollow Solar.
First steps:
The very first step of the solar process is contacting our Sales Coordinator by phone at (828) 776-9161 or filling out our quote request form and telling us a bit more about your ideal energy solution. Our Sales Coordinator will note your questions, and, if you qualify, will set you up on a Discovery Call with one of our Energy Consultants.
Finding the best fit for your needs:
When you connect with one of our Energy Consultants, they’ll go over all the fine details of system sizing, battery backup, and any additional questions you may have. Our Energy Consultants can do this on the phone and through a site visit to your home or business!
Once you’ve found the energy solution you’re looking for, one of our Design & Proposal Specialists will help create the optimal solar panel layout for you. Once your customized solar system is approved, it's time to sign the contract and join our community of wonderful solar-powered clients!
When you become a valued client of Sugar Hollow Solar:
After your contract is signed, a Project Manager from our Operations team will reach out to you. Your Project Manager will be your main point of contact from here until your system is commissioned!
Your Project Manager will then schedule a home visit from our Site Surveyor who will take measurements and inspect your home’s electrical panel and system, roof, attic, and meter main, and then scan your home site and roof with our drone to fully capture roof features and prepare our team for your installation.
After the site visit, your Project Manager will work with you to schedule a tentative installation date. They’ll reach back out to you and update you on the timeline as things progress.
The Install:
Upon the arrival of your scheduled installation date, our team will promptly begin the installation process. Since each installation is uniquely tailored to every client, the duration of the installation may differ but typically takes 1-2 days. Upon successful completion of the installation, our team will carry out a comprehensive final assessment before concluding the process.
Post-Install steps:
At this point, your system is not yet turned on. First, it must pass a county inspection. But don’t worry, we’ll coordinate this!
After the system has passed inspection, your utility provider will need to approve the system interconnection. Our Interconnection Specialist will handle the application process for you and keep you updated along the way. Once you’ve been approved for interconnection, your system will be turned on and you’ll start producing power!
Follow-up:
Upon successful activation of your system, our team will be available as needed to supply you with pertinent information regarding the appropriate process for system maintenance. Regardless of who you talk to at any stage of the journey with us, our entire team at Sugar Hollow Solar is always here for you at every step of the way. You can learn about each of our staff and their roles on our staff page.
As you can see, the installation process here at Sugar Hollow Solar embodies a collaborative endeavor, underscored by our commitment to provide unparalleled service to our valued clients. Throughout each step of this journey, the dedicated Sugar Hollow team stands ready to offer unwavering support.
As we mentioned, during the planning phase, you’ll be given an optimized panel placement plan for approval, but you may wonder why the panels are placed in such a way, and what impact it may have on your future system. Keep reading to learn more!
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for solar energy?
Understanding whether your home is suitable for solar panels can be perplexing, to say the least. We've put together a few tips to help answer this question, but if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, rest assured that we're here to help! Our team of experts has a wealth of experience and innovative solutions to address even the most challenging situations. Feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist.
To begin, let’s review the ideal solar panel direction for those going solar in WNC or Upstate SC. In North America, we’re north of the equator. That means we ideally place solar panels facing south to maximize the amount of sun the array can absorb.
We always tell those building new structures that their roof should face due south if possible, however, if a roof is not perfectly aligned south, it’s not the end of someone’s solar journey. If needed we can simply add more solar panels to help offset the loss of production. When possible, ground-mounted solar is also a great way to get around non-ideal roof direction or shading.
Next, we’ll discuss the panel pitch, so grab your protractors, and let’s get to measuring!
Ideally panels should face south, however other orientations work as well.
Due to our sun exposure in WNC, all but the most steep roofs should be great candidates for solar!
Due to our sun exposure in WNC, most roofs should be great candidates for solar! Let us take a look if you think you're roof is too steep! Every home is different, with roof pitches varying widely, but thankfully due to our sun exposure in NC, all but the most steep roofs should be great candidates for solar! Fun fact - flat roofs offer a unique opportunity to place panels at the ideal angle with great ease.
You may hear someone refer to a roof pitch by using numbers such as 9/12 or 14/12. This is a common measurement of how many inches the roof rises over the course of 12 horizontal inches. (PS - We can help you find this, so don’t worry if you don’t know!)
In WNC, we receive around 212 days of sunshine a year with a low minimum angle needed for our panels to produce at their highest efficiency. With this in mind, we’re in a fantastic solar position.
What should I expect during the installation?
When it comes to the solar panel installation process for your home, it's essential to understand that while it's generally straightforward, the process is not extremely fast. Factors such as product ordering, permit application requirements, and weather conditions can impact the timeline. However, rest assured that our team at Sugar Hollow Solar is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process.
Each installation is unique, and tailored to meet your specific energy needs and home requirements. While the duration of the installation may vary depending on the complexity of the project, our team works diligently to complete the installation as safely and efficiently as possible. and you can expect our team to maintain a clean and organized work environment, ensuring the minimal possible disruption to your daily routine. Rest assured, we prioritize safety and quality in every aspect of the installation, from panel placement and electrical connections to respecting your home and time.
Throughout the entire installation process, our team is here to address any questions or concerns you may have. We strive to provide unparalleled support and guidance at every step of your solar journey.
Lesson 3 Wrap Up:
In conclusion, transitioning to solar energy is an exciting and rewarding journey. With Sugar Hollow Solar by your side, you can rest assured that you're in capable hands. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and support, ensuring a seamless transition to clean, renewable energy for your home. If you're ready to take the next step towards solar energy, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
