From utility bill to power you own
The solar install process: 30 to 45 days.
Most installs run 30 to 45 days from contract signature to system activation. That includes permits, the utility paperwork, and inspection.
What happens, when.
Here is each step in plain English.
Day 1–5
Consultation + Design
We pull your utility rate, your last 12 months of bills, satellite roof imagery, and your roof condition. Within 3 days you get a written proposal: panel layout, system size, monthly payment vs your current bill, and the financing options that fit you best.
You provide
- 12 months of utility bills
- Confirmation of roof age
We handle
- Roof analysis
- System design
- Financing comparisons
- Proposal delivery
Day 5–14
Contract + Permits
Once you approve a proposal, we file for city permits and prepare your interconnection agreement with the utility. Average city permit time in CA is 7–10 business days. Some cities are faster and a few are slower.
You provide
- Signed contract
- Copy of homeowner insurance
We handle
- City permit application
- Utility interconnection paperwork
- HOA approval if applicable
Day 14–30
Install
Install takes 1–2 days on the roof, plus a half-day for electrical and battery if you're getting one. We schedule around your week. Most installs run weekdays 8am–4pm. You don't need to be home, though many customers like to see the crew at work.
You provide
- Roof access
- Garage/electrical panel access
- Wifi for monitoring setup
We handle
- All equipment delivery
- Roof mounting
- Electrical wiring
- Battery commissioning
- Cleanup
Day 30–45
Inspection + Activation
The city inspector signs off, typically within 3–5 days. Then your utility issues Permission to Operate (PTO), usually within 5–7 days. Once you have PTO, the system is live. We confirm production in the monitoring app and walk you through the first bill.
You provide
- Be home for the city inspector (15 min visit)
We handle
- City inspection scheduling
- Utility PTO processing
- Monitoring setup
- Walkthrough
What changes the timeline.
Most installs take 30–45 days. Here is what moves that number.
Speeds it up
- Newer roof (no replacement needed)
- City with online permit portal
- Quick HOA response
- Standard electrical panel (200A or larger)
Slows it down
- Roof needs replacement first (+2–6 weeks)
- City requires structural engineering review (+1–2 weeks)
- Panel upgrade needed (older 100A panels, +2 weeks)
- PG&E PTO backlog (currently 7–10 days; can spike to 3 weeks)
Day-of install at a glance.
Install photos are coming as we shoot new jobs. For now, the shape of the day.
Truck arrives 8am
Crew on roof by 9am
System powered on by 5pm next day