Solar Installation Process -- What to Expect

Getting solar installed on your home involves several stages, from initial design to the day your system starts producing electricity. Knowing what to expect at each step helps the process go smoothly and eliminates surprises. Here is a complete walkthrough of the installation process for solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers in Alberta.

Phase 1: Site Assessment and Design

The process begins with a site assessment. Your installer will review your roof using satellite imagery and may visit in person to inspect your electrical panel, roof condition, and shading. They will also review your electricity bills to understand your consumption patterns.

From this information, your installer designs a system tailored to your roof and energy needs. The design includes panel layout, inverter selection, wiring paths, and a production estimate. You should receive a detailed proposal that includes equipment specifications, total cost, expected annual production, and estimated savings.

This phase typically takes one to two weeks depending on how quickly information is gathered and the complexity of the design.

Phase 2: Permitting and Approvals

Before any installation work begins, your installer handles several permits and applications on your behalf:

• Electrical permit: Required by your local municipality. This covers all electrical work associated with the solar installation.
• Building permit: Some municipalities require a separate building permit for structural attachments to your roof. Your installer should know the specific requirements for your area.
• Micro-generation application: Your installer submits an application to your wire service provider (ENMAX, ATCO, FortisAlberta, or EPCOR) to connect your system to the grid as a micro-generator.

Permitting timelines vary by municipality. In Calgary, permits are typically processed within one to three weeks. Rural areas served by ATCO or FortisAlberta may have different timelines for the micro-generation application.

Phase 3: Installation Day

The actual installation of a residential solar system typically takes one to two days. Here is what happens:

1. Racking installation: The crew attaches mounting rails to your roof using engineered attachment points. Proper flashing is installed at each penetration to maintain your roof's waterproof integrity.
2. Panel mounting: Panels are lifted onto the roof and secured to the racking system. Wiring is run between panels in conduit or under the racking channels.
3. Inverter installation: The inverter is mounted, typically on an exterior wall near your electrical panel. For microinverter systems, the inverters are already behind each panel.
4. Electrical connections: The system is wired into your home's electrical panel through a dedicated breaker. A production meter or monitoring system is installed.
5. System testing: The installer tests the system to verify proper operation, checks all connections, and ensures everything meets code requirements.

You do not need to be home for the entire installation, but it is helpful to be available at the beginning and end of the day for questions and a final walkthrough.

Phase 4: Inspection and Activation

After installation, a municipal electrical inspector visits to verify the work meets code. Your installer schedules this inspection and is typically present. Once the inspection passes, your installer submits the completion paperwork to your wire service provider.

The wire service provider then installs or reprograms your meter to track both consumption and export. Once the meter is set up, your system is officially activated and begins earning export credits.

The timeline from installation to activation typically takes two to four weeks, depending on inspection scheduling and utility processing times.

EV Charger Installation Process

Installing a Level 2 EV charger is a simpler process than solar but follows similar steps:

• Assessment: An electrician evaluates your panel capacity, determines if you need a panel upgrade, and plans the circuit routing to your charging location.
• Permit: An electrical permit is pulled for the new 240V circuit.
• Installation: A dedicated 40A or 50A circuit is run from your panel to the charger location. The charger is mounted and connected. This typically takes half a day.
• Inspection: A municipal inspector verifies the work.

If you are also getting solar, the EV charger is often installed at the same time to save on labour and permitting costs.

Battery Storage Installation

Adding a battery system involves additional components:

• Battery unit: Mounted on an interior or exterior wall, depending on the product. Most residential batteries are wall-mounted and roughly the size of a small cabinet.
• Transfer switch or gateway: Installed at your electrical panel to manage the transition between grid power and battery backup during outages.
• Subpanel (if needed): A backup subpanel may be installed to separate critical loads (fridge, lights, internet) from non-essential loads.

Battery installation typically adds one day to the solar installation timeline and requires its own electrical permit.

Panel Upgrade Process

Older homes in Alberta often have 100A electrical panels, which may not have sufficient capacity for solar, EV charging, and battery storage. A panel upgrade to 200A involves replacing your main breaker panel, and sometimes your meter base and service cable. This is typically a one-day job but requires coordination with your utility for a temporary disconnection. Your installer should assess panel capacity during the initial site visit and include any upgrade in their proposal.

Complete Timeline Summary

• Site assessment and design: 1 to 2 weeks
• Permitting: 1 to 3 weeks
• Installation: 1 to 2 days
• Inspection and activation: 2 to 4 weeks
• Total from start to finish: 4 to 10 weeks