How Long Does it Take to Install Solar Panels? Complete Timeline

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, you probably have some questions about the process, especially: how long will it take?

The entire solar installation process usually takes around 6 months. However, the timeline can vary depending on a few factors, including how complex your installation is and how long permitting takes.

In this guide, we break down a typical residential solar installation timeline and explain what you can expect at each step.

Step-by-Step Solar Installation Timeline

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Estimate (Week One)

The first step is to schedule a free consultation. This part of the process is crucial because it gives you a chance to get to know our team while giving us a chance to learn more about your solar goals and expectations as well as your budget. From there, we can start exploring the best options for your home.

At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we offer free, no-pressure consultations that include:

Energy Usage Evaluation – We’ll analyze the past 12 months of your electric bills so we can size your solar panel system to match your electricity consumption.
Roof or Site Assessment – Depending on whether you want to install rooftop or ground-mounted solar, we’ll look at your roof or available ground space to make sure it can support a solar installation and gets enough sunlight for solar to be worth it.
Financing Overview – We’ll talk about your budget and review the different financing and incentive options available.
Free Estimate – We’ll provide a free, no-obligation estimate.

The actual consultation will only take an hour or two. But, to account for scheduling, which can take a day or two, we’ll give this stage a one-week timeframe.

Step 2: System Design and Engineering (2-3 Weeks)

The next step is the design phase. This typically takes a couple of weeks.

We customize your system based on your electricity needs, your solar energy goals, and your home’s aesthetic design. Our goal is to design a system that matches your energy usage, maximizes your savings, and blends into your roof or landscaping.

This stage of the process happens behind the scenes. But we will be in touch with you regularly to keep you informed about our progress. We’re easy to contact and focus heavily on clear communication so you’ll always feel like you know what’s going on with your project.

In most cases, the design process takes 2-3 weeks. The actual timeline will depend on how complex your solar installation is. Before we get started, we’ll lay out an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Step 3: Permitting and Paperwork (6 Weeks)

Permitting is the most unpredictable part of the solar installation process. We’ve installed thousands of solar power systems in Arizona and usually move through the process quickly. But, securing all the necessary approvals and permits can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

The good news is that, even though you might have to be patient, you won’t have to worry about anything else during this phase. We take care of the entire solar permitting process for you, including all local building permits, utility interconnection, and net metering agreements.

As soon as we have the approvals in hand, we will move forward with installation!

Step 4: Installation Day (1-3 Days)

Installing your solar panels is the fastest step in the process. We complete most residential solar installations in just one day, although a complex system may take a little longer. Our team will arrive on time, install your new solar power system, and clean everything up before we leave. We’ll also walk you through the system, show you how to monitor your energy production, and answer any questions you have.

Step 5: Inspection, Interconnection, and Activation (3 Weeks)

After your solar panels are installed, there are a few final inspections to check off the list:

City Inspection – Most municipalities will require a final inspection to make sure the system meets all local building codes.
Utility Inspection & Interconnection – Your utility company will also perform a final inspection before giving you PTO (permission to operate). During this inspection, they’ll connect your solar panels to the electric grid and install a bi-directional utility meter so you can participate in net billing.

Our team will handle the entire inspection process for you. As soon as we have final approval, we will activate your system so you can start generating your own clean electricity!

Step 6: Monitoring & Maintenance (Ongoing)

Once your solar system is activated, the installation process is over. But, if you go solar with SouthFace Solar & Electric, we won’t just disappear after that. We are your solar expert for life. We also offer solar maintenance and repair services and will be here to help with anything you need in the days, months, and even years following your installation.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Installing solar panels takes a few months, but the wait is worth it for the long-term savings and value it adds to your home.

The most important thing you can do to set your installation up for success is to choose a reliable solar installer. At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we prioritize communication to make sure you always know where we are in the process. This is so important because it keeps us aligned on expectations and helps you feel confident that your project is moving forward as planned.

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We provide no-pressure, education-focused consultations so you can get the answers you need to decide whether solar is worth it for your home.