I’m considering solar, what does the full process look like?
The process of installing solar panels may seem daunting, but it can be broken down into a few simple steps. With Gridworks Energy, we aim to provide top-quality products and services. This means we will make the solar panel installation process as easy as possible. In this blog, we’ll outline the 5 easy steps involved in installing a solar energy system.
There are five main components of the solar panel installation process:
- Site Assessment
- Estimate
- Design
- Installation
- Rebate
We take care of as much of this as we can, so you can enjoy doing other things.
1. Site Assessment
The first step is a site assessment. A site is a place you are considering having solar PV modules installed. This could be your home, garage, yard, field, business, or non-profit organization (to name a few).
Why?
You are unique. Your family is unique. This means your electricity needs will also be unique. Several factors can affect your energy needs.
We will come to your site to see how much space you have for a solar array and check if you have any trees or buildings that would affect the amount of sunlight you get (now or in the future, such as when a tree is grown). Other factors we examine include roof condition, roof slope, roof direction, and past electricity consumption.
By understanding these things, we will be able to go back to the office and more accurately calculate how many solar PV modules your family will need to meet current and future electricity needs. We will also better understand if there are any limits as to how many we can place depending on the size of the space and if there is anything that might hinder us from using the entire space.
2. Estimate
Now that we have all the facts, we go back to our office to calculate your solar PV system needs. We make sure that our system will provide enough electricity to meet your current usage, and factor in any changes.
For example, if you plan on purchasing an electric vehicle and installing an EV charger at home, we will help you determine how much electricity you will need to power it and can get your system set up for it. Once we have done all of our calculations, we will present you with the estimate.
At this point, we can answer any questions that have come up since we last met. Once you approve the estimate, we will begin designing your custom system.
3. Design
With all the facts and your approval, we now work with our engineer and CSA-qualified journey-person electricians to design your custom PV system. Furthermore, the design process will lay out how the modules will be oriented (vertical or horizontal), where they will be placed, how they will be connected, and what products will be used.
Our design goals are:
- Safety
- Reliability
- Durability
- Effectiveness
- Efficiency
- Aesthetics
We aim to provide every customer with a safe, high-functioning solar PV solution. Once our design is complete, we will bring it to you and explain the design. Again, we have the opportunity at this point to answer any further questions you might have. If you are happy with the design, we will begin with the solar panel installation.
4. Installation
We pride ourselves on hiring, training, and working with highly qualified and skilled solar panel electricians. As a result, you can expect to have your solar PV system installed by qualified tradespeople.
Even when not required by your municipality or county, we guarantee your home or building’s roof will be assessed by our structural engineer to ensure it will support your new solar PV system. The work of any apprentice electrician is always overseen by a CSA-certified journey-person electrician.
Why is this important? Because a CSA certification for solar means the electrician installing your system has completed the training recognized by the CSA group, the National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO), and industry stakeholders. This ensures the installer has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to install and maintain solar photovoltaic power generation systems and equipment.
Furthermore, it means your solar PV system is installed according to the Canadian electrical code and industry best practices.
5. Rebates
Now that your system is fully installed and you are producing, it is time to submit for your rebate! We will help you fill out the rebate paperwork and help maximize your solar PV rebate!
Sit with us as we walk you through it, then send it off, and wait for your rebate money to come in.
Ready to make a move and invest in solar? Still have more questions? Contact us today for a free quote.