What Happens During a Solar Installation?

Going solar is one of the smartest investments a California homeowner can make — but the process can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. In this guide, we walk you through every step, from your first consultation to flipping the switch on your new solar system.

The entire process typically takes 4–8 weeks from signing to activation. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.

Step 1: Free Consultation and Site Assessment (Day 1–3)

Everything starts with a free consultation. During this phase, your solar installer will:

• Review your electricity bills to understand your usage patterns
• Assess your roof using satellite imagery and, if needed, an on-site visit
• Evaluate shading, roof orientation, and structural conditions
• Design a custom system sized to your needs
• Provide a detailed proposal with pricing, savings projections, and financing options

At Everysun, we provide transparent proposals with no hidden costs. You'll see exactly what you're paying for and what you'll save — before you commit to anything.

Step 2: Contract and Financing (Day 3–7)

Once you're happy with the proposal, you'll sign a contract and choose your financing option:

• Cash purchase: Best long-term savings, lowest total cost
• Solar loan: $0 down, monthly payments often less than your current electric bill
• PACE financing: Repaid through property taxes, no credit check required

Your installer handles all the paperwork. You'll also sign interconnection agreements with your utility company — this is what allows you to connect to the grid and receive credits for excess energy.

Step 3: Engineering and Design (Weeks 1–2)

After signing, the engineering team creates detailed plans for your system:

• Electrical diagrams: Showing how panels connect to your electrical panel
• Structural analysis: Confirming your roof can support the system
• Layout design: Optimizing panel placement for maximum production
• Equipment specifications: Finalizing panels, inverters, and battery details

These plans are needed for permits and are prepared by licensed engineers.

Step 4: Permitting (Weeks 2–4)

Your installer submits permit applications to your local building department. This is one of the most variable parts of the timeline:

• Cities using SolarAPP+: Permits can be approved same-day or within 48 hours
• Traditional permitting: Can take 1–3 weeks depending on your city
• HOA approval: If applicable, your installer handles this communication

California's Solar Rights Act protects your right to install solar — HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations, and cities must process applications within a reasonable timeframe.

Step 5: Installation Day (1–2 Days)

This is the exciting part. A typical residential installation takes 1–2 days:

• Morning: Crew arrives, sets up safety equipment, lays out materials
• Mounting: Rails are attached to your roof rafters using engineered mounting hardware
• Panel installation: Solar panels are secured to the mounting rails
• Wiring: Panels are wired together and connected to inverter(s)
• Battery installation: If included, battery is mounted (usually in garage) and connected
• Electrical work: System is connected to your main electrical panel

The installation team handles everything — you don't need to do anything except be home to provide access. Most homeowners say they're surprised how clean and quick the process is.

Step 6: Inspection (1–5 Days After Installation)

After installation, your local building department sends an inspector to verify everything meets code. This includes:

• Structural integrity of mounting
• Electrical connections and safety
• Code compliance for all components

In most cases, the inspection is straightforward and passes on the first visit. If any corrections are needed, your installer handles them at no additional cost.

Step 7: Utility Approval and PTO (1–4 Weeks)

The final step is Permission to Operate (PTO) from your utility company. This is when your utility officially allows your system to connect to the grid and start generating credits.

• SCE: Typically 2–3 weeks for PTO
• SDG&E: Usually 2–4 weeks
• LADWP: Generally 1–2 weeks

Important: Do not turn on your system before receiving PTO — your utility needs to install a new bi-directional meter and update your account.

Step 8: System Activation

Once you have PTO, it's time to flip the switch! Your installer will help you:

• Activate your system and verify it's producing as expected
• Set up your monitoring app so you can track production in real-time
• Walk you through your battery settings (if applicable)
• Explain your new utility rate structure under NEM 3.0

From this point forward, your solar system works automatically. You'll see your electricity bills drop dramatically — most Everysun customers see 80–100% reduction in their utility costs.

Ready to Get Started?

The journey to solar starts with a single step — a free consultation. At Everysun, we handle everything from design to installation to utility coordination. Get a free consultation today and see what solar can do for your California home.