So you’re ready to take the leap and make your house into a solar home?
Before the solar installation crew can even set foot on your roof (or yard), there is a precise process that we have developed to get you there. Don’t worry, our professional team will guide you through every step!
Going solar can be fun! Follow the path below to discover what to expect on your solar journey. Looking for a more thorough plan? Slide on down here to full descriptions of each step.
Are you solar-ready? There are several factors that make a home a good candidate for solar, and there are some that may make it ineligible. It is different for each and every house.
To begin, reach out for a quote and a Solar Support Specialist will follow up to determine if solar is a fit for your home. They will ask pertinent questions such as:
If (and hopefully when) you discover that solar is an option, you’ll be directed to a Project Developer to begin planning your custom proposal.
This is where we get into the nitty gritty of your very own solar layout. A Project Developer will take all your needs into consideration and build a digital layout for your solar system from aerial satellite images of your home. Watch how we create these layouts in a Helioscope demo video here.
Next, you’ll receive a proposal, which includes information including: current energy usage, proposed system size, estimated solar production offset, likely savings, pricing, incentives, financing options, payback time, and a cash flow analysis. Once you’re satisfied with the proposal, your Project Developer will send you a contract to sign. We are equipped to manage this whole process online.
Upon signing, your project goes to a Project Manager who will be your point person for all things installation-related. They are the liaison between you, the on-site field crew, your inspector from your county or city, and your utility. They manage various tasks (applications, permitting, scheduling) leading up to the actual installation. Our experienced personnel have the local knowledge to really shine through this process.
Once this is all completed, your Project Manager will work with you and the crew to schedule installation.
This is where the magic happens! Depending on the size of your project, installation could take between 1 to 3 days. Small 5kWDC arrays can take as little as a day while bigger projects can take more time. The average residential system is 7 to 10 kWDC. At this point in the process, your Field Project Manager will already have estimated how long your particular installation will take and passed that information to you. Our crews work in most weather, though extreme weather may affect the schedule.
Installation happens in two parts: the assembly of the solar array components and electrical work. Our crew is experienced and efficient. The installation does NOT damage your roof. Panels actually protect the section of roof they cover. StraightUp Solar uses trusted high-quality panel and inverter products. In addition, some people choose an optional solar battery storage backup to store excess power generated.
A note on cleanup: Once the crew finishes the installation, they properly dispose of excess materials and waste, while recycling as much as possible, so your yard is clean. If you are installing a ground mounted array, talk to your Project Manager about a plan for trenching as you may need to do some yard work after the installation.
After your array is installed, you cannot use it until it is inspected by your local government, and your utility provider comes to install a bi-directional meter. The meter measures the amount of energy your home is using and sending to the grid. Your utility will schedule time for this within 30 days of your solar array installation
Once all of this is complete you can flip the switch.
Viola! Now your home is ENERGIZED and ready to catch some rays!
Every customer receives an Owner’s Manual with specifications about the equipment, maintenance procedures, warranty policies, and other important information.
Our major inverter companies have monitoring display software where you can track your system production via an online app. Customers tend to enjoy checking in on sunny days to see their production soar.
You know you’re in good hands because in addition to our 10 Year Workmanship Warranty, we offer a Sunrise to Sunset Production Guarantee. We promise that your project will produce 85% of projected energy usage for the year, or we’ll make up the difference. Learn more about warranties here.
Now you’re ready to “set it and forget it” with your brand new solar array! If you do happen to run into any issues or questions, we have a full Service Department ready to help.
As you can see from our process, StraightUp Solar has solar down to a science. Going solar with your home has never been easier. Let our skilled team bring your solar dream to life!
As you’ve just learned, the first step is reaching out for your custom quote.
Our handy two-minute quiz asks a series of questions to help you determine whether your home is a good fit for solar. Everyone’s situation is different, and we appreciate the opportunity to learn about your unique interest in solar!
https://youtu.be/00vRcT7UU9c In this StraightUp Solar testimonial, find out how this Anna, Illinois homeowner goes from “dirty” energy to clean! When Alan Pigg retired from a
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