The A to Z of the Solar Buying Process

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As a homeowner, investing in renewable energy can be one of the best purchases that you can make. From lowering monthly electric bills to increasing energy independence, solar energy offers long term benefits that continue to provide value for decades to come. 

If you have never purchased a solar system before, the process can, at first, appear daunting. Questions may arise that include, “where do I even begin?” or “what can I expect from the buying process?”. Understanding what to expect helps eliminate uncertainty and gives you confidence throughout your solar journey.

The great news is that at SALT Energy we are committed to supporting a buyer throughout every stage of the process, from the initial inquiry to the install. Let’s begin by talking through the entire solar buying process. 

Here is your complete guide to the A to Z of the solar buying process.

Step 1: The Inquiry 

Every solar project, whether residential or commercial, begins with an inquiry. Whether you contact us through our website, give us a phone call, send an email, or meet us at a community event, your journey starts with a conversation about your home’s energy needs and your goals. 

Some homeowners are primarily looking to lower their electric bills. Others want protection from rising utility rates, increase their home’s value, reduce their carbon footprint, or prepare for future electric vehicle charging or battery storage.

Once you have made the initial contact, a SALT Energy representative will be in contact with you to complete a Solar Customer Information Form (SCIF). This form allows us to fully understand your home’s needs, ask property specific questions, and schedule a time for a site visit. At this stage, we’ll answer your initial questions and explain how the process works so you know exactly what to expect moving forward. 

No matter your motivation, this first step is all about learning more about your property and determining whether solar is a good fit.

Step 2: Site Visit 

Once we’ve reviewed your information, it’s time for one of the most important parts of the process: the site visit. During the site visit, one of our solar representatives will visit your home to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the property. The purpose of the visit is to confirm that your home is an excellent candidate for solar and gather all the technical information needed for system design. 

During the site visit, we evaluate:

  • Roof condition
  • Roof measurements
  • Roof pitch and orientation
  • Available installation space
  • AC, vents, skylights, and other roof obstructions
  • Tree coverage and potential shading
  • Electrical service panel
  • Meter location
  • Grounding requirements
  • Accessibility for installation

This visit also gives you another opportunity to ask questions and discuss your goals in greater detail.

Sometimes homeowners are considering battery storage, backup power, EV charging, or future home expansions. Knowing these plans now allows us to design a system that can grow with your needs.

Step 3: Receiving your Formal Solar Proposal 

After gathering all the necessary information during the site visit, our design team creates a customized solar proposal specifically for your home, which serves as a roadmap for the entire project. 

We believe every homeowner should make an informed decision, not a rushed one. If adjustments need to be made, we can modify the system design to better fit your budget, energy goals, or future plans. Our goal is to recommend the solution that makes the most sense for your home, not simply sell the largest system possible. 

Step 4: Signing the Contract 

Once you’re comfortable with the proposal and ready to move forward, the next step is signing the solar contract.

Before signing, we’ll review everything with you and answer any remaining questions. Transparency is important throughout the process, and we want you to feel completely confident before work begins.

After the contract is signed, your project officially moves into production.

Step 5: Engineering, Permits, and Scheduling 

Although you may not immediately see work happening at your home, there’s a significant amount of preparation for installation taking place behind the scenes. Our team coordinates multiple steps before installation can begin. 

These steps include:

  • Final engineering review
  • Structural verification
  • Electrical design
  • Utility interconnection paperwork
  • Building permits
  • Material ordering
  • Equipment delivery coordination
  • Installation scheduling

Permit approval timelines vary depending on the location and utility company, but our team manages these requirements on your behalf. Once permits are approved and equipment is ready, we’ll contact you to schedule your installation date. We will provide clear communication so you know exactly when our crews will arrive and what to expect during installation.

Step 6: Solar Installation 

Installation day is one of the most exciting and tangible milestones in the process. Our experienced installation team arrives with all the necessary equipment and materials to complete your solar system safely and efficiently. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, installation typically takes several days.

During installation, our crew will:

  • Install roof mounting hardware
  • Secure the solar panels
  • Install inverters and electrical equipment
  • Run electrical wiring
  • Connect the monitoring equipment
  • Complete all required safety checks
  • Clean the work area before leaving

Throughout the installation, we take great care to protect your home and property, all while providing a sustainable and effective product! 

Step 7: Inspection, Approval, and Commissioning

After the installation is complete, there are still a few important steps before your system begins producing electricity. First, the installation is inspected to verify it meets all applicable building and electrical codes. Once approval has been received, we commission the system. 

Commissioning includes:

  • Final equipment testing
  • Verifying electrical performance
  • Confirming communication with the monitoring platform
  • Ensuring all safety systems operate correctly
  • Activating the solar system

At this point, your solar system is officially producing renewable energy for your home! 

Step 8: Ongoing Support and Service 

One important thing to keep in mind throughout this entire process is that our relationship does not end after installation. By purchasing a solar system with SALT Energy, we will be here for any questions, concerns, or servicing needs that may arise over the system’s lifespan. Solar systems are designed to operate reliably for decades, but like any home investment, occasional service or maintenance may be needed. If you ever have questions, notice unexpected changes in production, or require assistance, our service team is here to help! 

With quality equipment and professional installation, homeowners can expect decades of dependable performance. 

What Makes This Process Easier? 

One of the biggest advantages of working with a professional solar company is having an experienced team guide you through every step. Rather than coordinating engineers, permitting offices, utility companies, inspectors, installers, and equipment manufacturers yourself, SALT Energy manages this process from start to finish, ensuring a seamless solar buying experience. 

Clear communication, realistic timelines, and ongoing customer support help ensure your experience, as the solar buyer, is smooth from the very first inquiry through the long term process of solar ownership! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranties come with purchasing a solar system through SALT?

Most solar systems include manufacturer warranties that cover major equipment such as solar panels and inverters. At SALT Energy, we use Maxeon panels which come with a 40 year warranty! Additionally, warranty coverage varies depending on the equipment selected, from batteries to inverters. We will explain your specific warranty details before your project begins so you understand exactly what’s covered.

Will I lose power during installation?

In most cases, any interruption to your home’s electricity will be brief. We will let you know in advance if a temporary shutdown is necessary to complete electrical connections safely.

Can I monitor my solar system?

Yes! Most modern solar systems include online monitoring that lets you view energy production, system performance, and historical data from your smartphone, tablet, or even a computer! 

Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?

The solar buying process is simpler than many homeowners expect. From your initial inquiry to the very first day generating solar electricity, each step is designed to ensure your system is customized for your home, installed safely, and built to deliver decades of energy savings. Our goal is to provide a long term solution for energy independence! 

If you are ready to lower your energy bills, increase your home’s efficiency, and invest in renewable energy, contact our team at SALT Energy today. We will guide you through every step of the process and help you determine whether solar is the right solution for your home!