Many people fear a solar project is an opaque process. In reality it is a predictable sequence of steps, most of which the installer handles.
1. Survey (1-2 days)
The engineer inspects the roof, covering, orientation, shading, main distribution board and the state of the grid connection. They request consumption data and clarify goals: bill reduction, a battery, a future heat pump or electric car.
2. Design and quote (3-7 days)
The system design is produced: panel count, inverter, mounting, cabling, protection, simulated annual yield and payback. Whether you need an optimizer, a smart meter or a hybrid inverter is decided here. After contract signing, the electrical designer approves the plan.
3. Utility procedure (2-8 weeks)
For a household-scale small power plant, the connection request is filed with the distribution company. It checks whether the grid can accept the system and issues its consent. This is the longest and least controllable step, and the duration varies by area and time of year. For systems over 50 kW, MEKH and grid permitting take longer. The installer handles it; you only sign a power of attorney.
4. Installation (1-3 days)
- Day 1: scaffolding, mounting structure and panels.
- Day 2: DC and AC cabling, inverter, protection, meter and communications.
- Day 3 (if needed): battery, backup circuit, fine-tuning, cleanup.
A 6-10 kW system on an average family home is typically done in 1-2 days. Work at the electrical panel also takes time besides the roof work.
5. Inspection and handover
The installer measures insulation resistance, continuity, earthing and protection settings, and issues a test report. Ask for the test report and installation documentation, as they matter for warranty and insurance.
6. Commissioning with the utility (1-3 weeks)
The utility replaces your meter with a bidirectional smart meter and grants feed-in permission. Only then may the system be connected to the grid. Earlier switch-on is an offence, so installers wait.
7. Monitoring handover and training
App setup, login details, and a short briefing: what you see, what error messages mean, when to call. We hand over manufacturer warranty certificates and system documentation.
Overall timeline
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Survey and quote | 1-2 weeks |
| Utility permit | 2-8 weeks |
| Installation | 1-3 days |
| Commissioning | 1-3 weeks |
| Total | about 1.5-3 months |
What you can do to speed it up
- Accurate, complete data and documents (property deed, consumption data).
- Sort out the state of the electrical installation beforehand, including replacing an old main board.
- Quick feedback on the design.
SolarBay handles every step, from survey to commissioning, with one point of contact and detailed updates.
Frequently asked questions
Many ask whether a building permit is needed. For a household-scale roof-mounted system it typically is not, but local building rules or a protected area may change that, and we clarify it at the survey. Another common question is what happens at home on installation day: expect a short power cut at the electrical panel, the work happens on the roof, and you typically do not need to be home all day, only for handover. The roof warranty is not affected by lifting tiles or sheet metal if the installer uses proper fixings.
