Several things factor into how long solar installers will take to install your solar panels in New Jersey. Typically, the time comes from preparing your home for installation, and the installation of the solar panels is the quickest part of the entire project. If you’re a property owner interested in going solar, you probably want to know how long the solar installation process in New Jersey takes from start to finish.
This way, you’ll know what to expect from the installer and the entire process as you transition to clean, renewable power.
Site Assessment
During the site assessment, New Jersey solar installers will evaluate your roof’s angle and condition. If it’s damaged or aging, they may recommend you get a new roof before converting to solar. The good news is the best solar panel installers in New Jersey can complete new roofs and solar installations. They will also assess any shading concerns about your roof so they can determine the best place for your solar panels; if you’re thinking about having a solar installer come out to your property, contact your local New Jersey solar contractor.
Solar System Design & Engineering
The second step, the solar system design, also will impact your New Jersey solar system installation timeline. Solar system installers will ask to see your utility bill so they can determine the system size you need to support your energy usage. They will also use the data they collected during the site assessment. During this process, the installer will keep in touch with you so you can select your solar components. You want a system with a high energy efficiency rating. Typically this takes around three to four weeks; this is to ensure that your design maximizes your system’s power and to make sure all of the details are correct.
Local Permit Applications
The permits required to do the work also impact the solar installation in New Jersey timeline. Most often, property owners will need a photovoltaic permit for their solar panels. You’ll also need a general electric permit as well. Depending on your city or town, you could also need other permits. Typically you can expect the permit approval process to take up to six weeks. You should generally talk to your solar installer about these permits since they are familiar with the required permits in your area. Plus, they can help you fill out the paperwork and file them.
Solar System Installation
Once the permits are issued, the solar installation company will call to set up an appointment to install the solar panels onto your roof. This is usually the quickest part of the project taking roughly 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your system. You only need to be home if the installer needs granted access to your home or garage.
Most often, the installation process is finished in one day. Our installers will arrive with all the equipment, from the solar panels to the racking. They will then work on the electrical wiring and installing your panels. If your installation is complicated or solar panels are installed on multiple roofs, it could take a few days for the installation to complete.
Final Inspection and City Approval
Once your New Jersey installer finishes the solar system installation, the city and/or county will do a final inspection before it can be connected. Depending on the time of the year, it may take from 1-4 weeks. Depending on where you live, you may require other inspections, including a fire inspection, before obtaining approval.
Utility Connection
The final step in the process is getting connected to the utility company. Once the utility company receives a solar billing application with the proof of passing inspection, they will notify you and your installer of their approval and grant you a connection. This typically takes between 1-12 weeks. As you can see, the inspection and utility connection are the two parts that take the longest in the solar installation process in New Jersey.
Get Solar Installed Today By A Qualified Installer
There are several factors that determine how long it takes to install a home solar panel system in New Jersey. First is the assessment, which can take about 2 weeks to schedule an evaluation. Second, the solar system design will take roughly 3 to 4 weeks. Then local permitting can take anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks. Then the installation process should take 3 days or less—finally, the inspection and utility connection, which can take up to 12 weeks. With the right solar installation company in New Jersey, you can get your entire system installed in as little as 3 months. Remember, a good installation company will sit down with you and take you through the steps so you’re aware of the process and what to expect. “
