The process of installing solar: Explained

A couple of weeks ago, we received a question from a past client of ours. We thought that the answer might be useful information for many other people in our neighborhoods.

Dear Ben & Zack,

We are still in love with the 1950s house in California Country Club Estates but I’m thinking about installing solar. What's that going to take and where should I start?

Thanks!

-Steph R.

Hi, Steph!

We’re so glad you still love the house.

There are several steps in the process for getting solar panels installed and using them to power your home. When you do install a home solar power system, you will reduce your dependence of utility companies an offset the majority of your energy bills. It's not just good for your wallet, it's good for the environment. But you know this! Here's the rest of what you need to know:

While you are in the thinking stage, we recommend that you find an independent, unbiased energy advisor, like Solar Consumer Advisor (https://www.solarconsumeradvisor.com/). You can explore buying guides, benefits of solar, cost calculators, and get familiar with all of the vocabulary that is a part of this project. If you need financing, you should start exploring that as well. There are options to buy, buy with financing or even lease the system. There are some nice incentive programs that you should learn about as well.

We also recommend the services of a skilled and experienced solar installation company because while some people can DIY this project, they are few and far between. Also, if your electrical system hasn't been upgraded in that 1950s house of yours, or worse--has been pieced together over time, you will probably need some help from a good electrician. (The good news on getting your electrical system overhauled is that you'll be able to fire up the toaster oven and the microwave oven at the same time without tripping a breaker. Safer. More reliable. The bad news is that it's probably going to be expensive.)

When you choose your solar installation company, you will sign a contract and the company will send an engineer to your home to evaluate your current electrical system to ensure that it can handle the amps your system will produce and inspect your roof for structural soundness.

You will then have to get permits from the city, specifically LA Dept of Building and Safety. LA Fire and the Department of Water and Power are involved as well. Usually the solar company handles this with a few signatures from you. There are at least four filings you will need before starting work: a building permit, a building plan check, and electrical permit, and a Fire Department & Zoning approval.

Once these tasks are done, your installer will order the equipment with input from you and they will schedule the installation. When that day rolls around, they will place the wiring needed to connect the solar system to the electrical system, place the racking on the roof, put the panels in the racks, and connect the inverter or micro-inverters. If there is a battery bank, the installer will also set it up. On your house, it will probably take no more than three days.

When the system is in place, the city (LADBS and LAFD) will need to inspect it before the installer can turn it on. This is all about safety. You are becoming your own power plant, after all. Delays can happen in this phase of the project, so be prepared.

It's a lot of information, we know. You don't have to become an expert, but you should become familiar with the process and the possibilities. Start with your energy advisor and go from there. We've also heard about California regulators planning to slash incentives for installing rooftop solar, but don't rush your decision-making based on that. It's a big purchase so take your time and fully understand the choices that need to be made. In the end, you'll be happy you did.

In the meantime, keep enjoying our California sunshine!