Step 1 - Initial Consultation and Site Assessment:

The solar installation process begins with a consultation and site assessment to determine your home’s solar potential:

1. Consultation: During this initial meeting, a solar expert will discuss your energy goals, budget, and any unique factors about your property. This is a chance to ask questions, understand costs, and explore financing or incentive options available in Ontario.

2. Site Assessment: After the consultation, the solar provider conducts a detailed site assessment. This typically includes evaluating your roof's size, angle, and condition, as well as checking for shading from trees or nearby buildings. The installer may also examine your current electrical system to ensure compatibility with the new solar system.

3. System Design: Based on the site assessment, your provider will design a custom solar system tailored to your home’s unique layout and energy needs. This includes choosing the ideal solar panels, inverters, and other components to ensure optimal performance.

Step 2 - Permits, Approvals, and Equipment Ordering
With the system design in place, the next phase focuses on obtaining the necessary permits and preparing for installation:

1. Permitting and Approvals: Solar installations require permits and approvals to comply with local regulations and utility requirements. The solar provider typically handles these permits, which may include building permits and grid connection approval. This process can take a few weeks, but your provider will keep you informed of any updates.

2. Ordering Equipment: Once permits are in place, the next step is ordering equipment. This includes the solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and any optional components like battery storage. The provider ensures all parts meet high-quality standards to guarantee the longevity and efficiency of your system.

3. Scheduling Installation: After permits and equipment are ready, your provider will schedule the installation date. Installation times vary based on your home’s size, roof complexity, and system specifics, but most residential solar installations are completed in one to three days.

Step 3 - Installation Day: Mounting, Wiring, and Inverter Setup
Installation day is when your solar system truly takes shape. Here’s what to expect:

1. Roof Preparation and Mounting: The installation team begins by preparing your roof. This involves setting up mounting brackets that securely hold the solar panels in place. The team will check all mounting points for stability and waterproofing to protect your roof from leaks.

2. Panel and Inverter Installation: Once the mounts are in place, solar panels are securely fastened, connected, and angled for maximum sunlight exposure. The installer will also set up the inverter, which converts the DC power generated by the panels into AC power for your home. If you’ve chosen a battery backup solution like SolarEdge Battery, this is when it will be installed as well.

3. Electrical Wiring: Next, the system is wired to your home’s electrical panel. This connection ensures that solar power can seamlessly flow into your home’s power system and feed any surplus back to the grid if your system is grid-tied. All connections are carefully inspected to ensure safety and code compliance.

Step 4 - Inspection, Activation, and Monitoring
After installation, your solar system goes through final inspections and setup:

1. Final Inspection: Before activation, a certified inspector will review the installation to ensure it meets all safety and code requirements. This may include an inspection from your local utility company if your system is connected to the grid. The installer will coordinate with inspectors and handle any adjustments if needed.

2. System Activation: Once inspections are complete, it’s time to activate your system. The installer will test all components to ensure everything is functioning as it should, and then your solar system officially goes live. You’ll now be generating clean, renewable energy!

3. Monitoring Setup: Many solar systems come with monitoring capabilities that allow you to track your energy production and usage in real-time through a mobile app or online dashboard. The installer will set up the monitoring software and teach you how to use it to maximize your system’s performance.