Our Process
What To Expect
During An Energy Consultation/ Electricity Bill
· Our experienced consultant will ask questions to identify if and why going solar will be a good fit for you and your family. Reasons typically include the following:
· Saving Money
· Predictability
· Control
· Home Value
· Home Energy Storage / Back up Power
Preparing for energy consultation – Electricity Bill Review
Click here to find and download your historic consumption data from PG&E.
Together, we will read and diagnose a solution for your electric bill
Together, we will read and diagnose a solution for your electric bill. Specifically, we will discuss how your PG&E bill will change for the better once you go solar and switch to Net Billing Tariff. We will show how SOLAR + Storage offsets the most expensive energy throughout the year.
We will look at options and make a recommendation for a panel type
We will look at options and make a recommendation for a panel type, inverter type, and mounting hardware for your roof type that is most impenetrable. We will review warranties and long-term insurance with production guarantee.
Together, we will sculpt the ideal rooftop panel layout
Together, we will sculpt the ideal rooftop panel layout for a solar solution which will cover your historic as well as your future consumption plans.
We will explore multiple options to you, regarding payment plans upon request
We will explore multiple options to you, regarding payment plans upon request… Together, we will discuss NO MONEY DOWN plans, such as the most popular PPA, Loans, Leases. And of course, cash is accepted as well.
When everything looks good to you, we will help you
When everything looks good to you, we will help you and your family join our family enjoying the greatest freedom and peace of mind in the energy business.
Sign to Go Solar!
In California, No matter what solar company you go with, you will need to sign this document.
Almost all docs are completed online these days.
At this stage, we will need the following:
- Description of any preferred aesthetic or layout requests.
- Copy of your most recent utility bill.
- If you are part of an HOA, we will need their contact information. California’s Solar Rights Acts (CA Civil Code 714) is favorable.
Site Survey
A Solar Bill Review Team member will contact you to schedule a thorough site evaluation. You can also get updates on your installation process by signing up for our Android, Apple or website version of our App.
- A Site Surveyor will come out to your home to measure your roof. The Surveyor will take pictures of support beams in the attic and main electric panel and measure distances between roof obstructions.
- Neither the surveyor nor your Solar Bill Review consultant is an engineer and do not have the authority to confirm project viability.
Site Survey scheduling may take 1 to 2 weeks.
Engineering & Design
Our Professional Engineers will analyze your project with a CRITICAL EYE.
- At this stage, a Professional Engineer and Skilled Designer will confirm your home’s solar viability. The Engineer will use the information gathered by the Site Surveyor to make the decision.
- A final layout recommendation will be presented for your approval via email. Typically, this will be the same design presented to you on the day of signing. It will be more of a schematic drawing for permitting purposes at this stage.
- If any changes are recommended, you will receive documentation and we will request for your approval, prior to acquiring a permit.
Engineering and design may take 2 to 3 weeks during the busier months of the year.
* Electrical and/or roofing modifications may take up to an additional 6 weeks. Batteries may take an additional 4 weeks.
Design Approval
Weather, holidays, and unprecedented amount of applications may extend the timeline.
- Only the steps that apply to your project will be processed at this time.
- A Team member will updated with the completion of each of these steps.
- Once your Design Approval is submitted, your HOA Submission, and Permit Submission happen simultaneously.
HOA Submission
- If you are a part of an HOA, approval of the design is required before installation.
- We will submit your design to your homeowners association, if you have one.
Permit Submission
Permits may take 2-6 weeks during the busier months of the year. Timelines vary for Authority Holding Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Installation Day!
As of January 2024, the whole process (from signing to install) is expected to be 6 to 10 weeks. Our goal is always to under-promise and over-deliver.
- Most rooftop systems will take 1 day, and larger systems may take an extra day or two. Usually, installation takes longer if it is a ground mount.
Final Inspection by City or County
- After installing your system, a city or county inspector from your local Authority Holding Jurisdiction (AHJ) will come to your house for the final inspection.
PTO
- Your local utility will issue your Permission To Operate (PTO) via email. Due to a recent large influx in solar inquiries, PG&E is 2 – 4 weeks to issue your Permission To Operate (PTO).
You have effectively turned the tables on the utility company. Instead of them selling you expensive energy and raising the rates… You will now be in control and you can sell energy to them when you prefer.
Solar Bill Review
What should you expect?
We will keep in touch after installing your solar panels to make sure they work correctly, including returning within three months for an initial review and within a year for a follow-up review. We are committed to your success.
- Within 3 months of the install, a Solar Bill Review Team member will contact you to schedule your first solar bill review.
- You will now read your electric bill differently. It is possible to receive a $10 electric bill during the first few months and a higher bill later. We will prepare you for and help prevent unnecessary “gotchas.”
- During your initial solar bill review, we will confirm whether your system is performing as planned and whether you are on the best rate plan for your most profitable salability of energy with your utility.
- Follow-up bill reviews will also take place around 9-10 months after install. This will allow us to prevent any surprises ahead with a possible true-up bill. Furthermore, this period is where we can identify if you have extra electricity you can consume.
