The current energy crisis has led to many people thinking about getting a solar battery storage system for their homes.
According to Pew Research Center, there was a 34% increase in the number of home solar power system installations in 2024.Moreover, thanks to new legislation introduced by the Biden administration providing a 30% solar tax credit, it looks like demand will increase further in the months and years ahead. As reported by the experts at Vivint Solar, demand for solar energy is high at the moment, which means that wait times are quite long.
The cost of solar panel systems is usually that which prevents most people from going down this route. Many homeowners do not have the tens of thousands of dollars required to install such a system. Then there are those who feel that the savings they make on their energy bills will help to offset the installation cost. So, with all that in mind, if you have decided that now is the time to consider going solar, you might be wondering how long you can expect to wait before a new system is up and running.
How Long Before You Can Benefit from Solar Energy?
How long it takes from initial inquiry to savings on your electricity bill will depend on a lot of factors. As mentioned above, demand for solar panels is growing, which can mean that some installers have full schedules for the coming months.
The first thing to do is decide on the installer. Who you choose will determine the price you pay for the solar panel system as well as the length of time it takes before your installation can take place.
When it comes to choosing a suitable installer, it is best to look for a reliable company with a good reputation. This means you will need to do your research. Take some time to look at customer reviews and compare a few installers before deciding on one. It might be worth contacting more than one installer for a personalized quote.
Installers should send someone to your home to do an assessment of the site as this is the best way to provide a reliable and accurate quote. It will usually be between one and two weeksbefore an assessor can visit, depending on the time of year and how busy the company is. During this assessment, the condition and direction of your roof will be also assessed. You will need to have enough space to accommodate the size of solar panel system required to power your home. The assessor will also need to make sure that your roof can handle the weight of the required system. In addition, the direction the roof is facing will be considered, as will the presence of any shading that could affect the output of the solar panels.
Once the assessment has been completed and your roof has been deemed suitable for solar panels, you will be sent a quote. If you are happy to proceed with the installer, an engineer will design the system that will make the most of your home’s conditions. The engineer will take your electricity usage, direction of your roof, and the size and slope of the roof into consideration as well as any local building codes. Although this process should ideally take no more than a few weeks to complete, it can take longer if there are any complex features to incorporate.
When the system has been designed, it will be necessary to apply for a permit before it can be installed. The type of permit you need will depend on where you live, with laws varying from one state or town to another. Getting permit approval can take anywhere from two weeks to two months.
Obviously, nothing can be ordered for your system until you have the necessary permits to hand, but once you have been approvedyour installer can order the equipment and parts needed. If the installer has the parts in stock, they can schedule your installation. Nevertheless, it may be necessary to wait for certain parts to be delivered.This could take a few weeks, but longer if there are any supply issuescaused by increased demand.
The actual installation of a solar panel system does not take very long and can usually be completed in a day. However, your installer may need to erect a scaffold around the building and, if you have ordered a complex system, it could take longer. For standard installations, expect the solar panels to be fitted in a day.
Although you might be keen to see your solar panel system generating electricity as soon as possible, you should note that a local inspector will need to visit your home to ensure that your system has been installed correctly and that it meets local building requirements. This process will not take longer than a few hours, but you must wait until an inspector is free to carry out the assessment. In most cases, you will not have to wait longer than a couple of weeks.
When all of this has been done and you have been given the go ahead by the local building inspector, you can get in touch with your utility company who will then need to send someone out to fit a new electrical meter that connects to your solar panel system.
Conclusion
Installing a solar panel system for your home might soundlike a great idea, and you might be eager to get started. Before you do though, you need to be aware that it can take some time from you making the decision to go solar until you can actually power any electrical appliances in your home.
You need to choose a reliable installer who will assess your home’s suitability for solar panels and then the necessary permits must be obtained before your system can be installed. So, all in all, you may be looking at a few months before you can reap the rewards of solar energy.