Going Solar: From First Assessment to Energy Independence
Going Solar: From First Assessment to Energy Independence
Solar? I don’t have time for that.
Many homeowners respond this way when presented with the option of going solar. It sounds like too much hassle. The good news is that we have worked hard to make the process as streamlined as possible without compromising quality and attention to detail. Each step of the process is designed to help provide you with the best renewable energy system for your home.
Step 1: First Solar Assessment
If you are interested in learning a little more about solar, we can set you up for a first home assessment. We will send a surveyor to your home to look at your attic, roof, power box, meter, and water heater. These details are necessary to create an energy efficiency package and solar energy system that fit the unique characteristics and needs of your home.
Step 2: Custom System Design
Once the assessment is complete, you can just sit back and relax until your system design is complete. One of our professional energy consultants will use the information from your home assessment to build a solar energy system customized to your home, complete with solar and energy efficiency details and cost estimates. This custom quote is completely free to you.
Step 3: Design Review
Once your energy consultant has completed your system design, they will present it to you at your design review. They will walk you through your costs, savings, energy efficiency, and system setup. You can ask them any questions you have so you have complete clarity when deciding whether or not to move forward
Step 4: Financing and Permitting
When you decide to go solar, you will first decide how to finance your system. You can pay for it upfront in cash, finance it through monthly payments, or pay partially in cash upfront and pay off the rest monthly. At this point, Earth Right Mid-Atlantic will be working on obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for your project.
Step 5: Installation
Once complete approval is obtained, your installation will take place. Installers will use specialized tools to mount the panels to your roof or construct your ground mount. They will test the system to make sure that it is working properly, but will turn it back off until you receive permission to operate from your utility company. The entire installation process takes a few hours.
Step 6: Inspection and Permission to Operate
Following your installation is the system inspection and interconnection. An inspector will make sure that your installation was completed correctly and safely and that your solar system is ready to operate. The interconnection process verifies that your system is correctly configured to connect to the grid. These are the last steps before you receive permission to operate, and they ensure that every detail of your solar system is set up correctly. When you receive permission to operate, we will walk you through the steps of turning your system on.
Step 7: System Monitoring and Maintenance
When you receive permission to operate, you will also be given access to your solar monitoring software. This software provides constant updates on the status of your solar system. You will be able to monitor your system’s production, your home’s consumption, and every other piece of your solar energy system.
This monitoring allows you to recognize any issues with your solar system. While some issues may require professional assistance, many will simply require a quick cleaning of your panels with a hose or a visual scan of your equipment to make sure all the correct switches are flipped. Solar systems require very minimal maintenance, providing you with virtually hands off energy production.
That’s all that it takes to start producing your own power! Essentially all you need to do is attend a 30 minute assessment and a 1 hour design review and sign off on your proposal. We’ll do all the work of permitting, installing, and inspecting your solar system. After it is installed, you’ll just need to check your monitoring software for all of the information you need!
The choice to switch to clean energy is exciting and easy! These simple steps are all that stand between you and energy independence.
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