Please Note: The solar industry is evolving rapidly, and many of our older blog posts may contain outdated information. Please continue to follow our blog and social media channels for updates on changing conditions.
Here’s everything to expect from the moment you start your research to the installation of panels on your roof.
Stage 1: The Consultation
Whether you’re set on going solar or you’re still trying to make a decision, our fully virtual consultation process is always personalized to fit each homeowner’s individual needs. During your 45-minute consultation, one of our energy consultants will explain each individual component of a solar system and answer any questions you may have. You can schedule a consultation whenever it’s convenient for you.
Stage 2: Welcome Call & Home Visit
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to go solar, you’ll receive a call from one of our energy consultants to welcome you to the Zenernet Family and schedule your home visit. Our new Virtual Home Visit Process is safer, faster, more accurate, and much easier. Simply fill out our brief questionnaire, which can be completed on your mobile device in just a few minutes, and we’ll use our industry-leading technology to measure your roof with pinpoint accuracy.
Stage 3: Plan Set Approval
After your home visit is completed, we’ll develop a Plan Set, or an engineering design, and send it back for your approval. An in-person home visit conducted by a technician can typically take two weeks or more to complete a Plan Set, but with our Virtual Home Visit process, we can send your Plan Set back to you in as few as 5 business days.
Stage 4: Permitting
Prior to starting your installation, we are required to obtain permits from the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) – typically, the city.. The timeline for obtaining permits varies by locality and season. Typically, we obtain permits within a few weeks, but in rare cases, it can take up to 60 days.. Although the process is largely out of our hands, we do all we can to assist the AHJs and supply them with the necessary information to turn permits around quickly.
Stage 5: Installation
Once all permits are approved, we’ll give you a call to schedule your installation. The work will take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of your system – but once the job is done, your new panels will be on the roof and ready to start powering your home.
Stage 6: Inspection
Before we can turn your system on, the utility must conduct an inspection and approve the system. Like permitting, this process is largely out of our control, but we try our best to schedule the inspection as soon as the installation is complete. We take all measures during the planning phase of the process to ensure our systems are compliant, so inspections almost always go smoothly.
Stage 7: Permission to Operate
As soon as we pass inspection, your system is ready to go. We’ll reach out to you to guide you through turning your system on. With a simple flip of a switch, you’re ready to harness the power of the sun!
Stage 8: Monitoring & Incentives
Once your system is turned on, we set up your monitoring portal to give you the ability to view system performance in real time. We’ll send you everything you need to log in and get started.
We’ll also help you manage applications for certain local incentives, including SRECS. We’ll communicate with you to ensure you know who will handle the application process for any available incentives.
Stage 9: Fully Empowered
At this stage, your system is fully operational and producing power. As the homeowner, you will have monitoring visibility and all available incentives will have been claimed or applied for. You’ll have declared energy independence and will begin to enjoy the many benefits of switching to solar!
