Average Timeline for Installing Solar Panels In Arizona

Content Posted: June 14, 2019

While most solar-related questions have now been answered on our beautiful world wide web, there’s one that hasn’t been covered so much; the timeline for the installation process right here in Arizona. What sort of time should you be hoping for in your plans? If you want to take advantage of the Arizona summer sun, should you be contacting the solar company in May, February, or even the previous October?

If we can answer this question first, we recommend getting in touch with a solar leasing agent as early as possible. As we’re going to see today, there are some steps that may take a while; you also have to consider the speed at which your installer can work on your project. If they’re particularly busy, you might have to wait some weeks before starting.

Today, we’re using a general timeline. However, your experience may differ depending on the solar installer you contract with;

  • The solar company
  • The characteristics of your property
  • Local inspection and permitting processes
  • Connection and the utility company
  • The type (and size) of solar system you choose

Step One: Choosing an Installer

Firstly, you need to find a reliable installer who will climb onto your roof and secure the panels in place for use. During this process, you should have a checklist for all potential installers. This includes;

  • Maintenance/repairs
  • Testimonials
  • Licensing and certification
  • Experience
  • Positive customer service

Normally, an installer will come and visit your home as well as looking at previous energy bills. With this, they can calculate your energy needs and which system will best meet them. In total, this process may take anywhere between one and three weeks.

solar consulting in arizona

Step Two: Site Visits

Once you’re happy with your decision, it’ll be time to arrange site visits for the designing stage. Depending on the size of the project, one or several specialists may want to see your home, take measurements, and ask questions.

If you go for a small company, they may outsource to solar contractors, electricians, roofing contractors, and other specialists. Ultimately, this stage will depend on the workload of the company. Assuming they can start immediately, you can expect the visits to take place over a period of two weeks.

Step Three: Advanced Designs and Confirmation

When designers have lots of information, they use advanced software to draw up a mock design of the solar system. Of course, you retain control and give approval or, alternatively, ask for adjustments. As long as you’re partnered with the right service, they should actually sit down, answer your questions, and explain everything. This can take one or two weeks.

Step Four: Permitting

For the next stage of the process, the installer will compile all the important information into a file for the local planning board to review and (hopefully!) accept. This stage can actually vary from one location to the next; while some people receive an approval within two weeks, others wait for longer than a month. Unfortunately, it’s a step that’s out of the hands of both you and your installer.

Step Five: Installation

In truth, this is normally the quickest step in the process, and it can typically be done across one or two days. If we add a buffer, we’ll say installation will take a maximum of one week.

Step Six: Final Review and Approval

With the installation completed, your utility company or a city inspector will come to review the system within a couple of weeks. If they’re happy, you can hit the magic switch and start saving on your energy bills.

With some steps out of your control, we recommend contacting a solar company as early as possible to avoid disappointment!