Your Step-by-Step Guide from Contract to Power-On
Going solar is exciting — but if you’re like most homeowners, you probably wonder:
“What exactly happens once I sign the contract?”
At Aicon Solar, we believe a smooth installation starts with transparency. Here’s a complete breakdown of each phase so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
1️⃣ Step 1: Site Survey & Final Design
Once you sign your proposal, we schedule a site survey to collect detailed technical information:
- Roof structure and condition
- Electrical panel capacity
- Shading analysis
- Obstructions like vents or chimneys
Our engineering team then creates a final system design tailored to your roof and energy usage. This version may include minor adjustments from your initial quote.
2️⃣ Step 2: Permitting & Approvals
Before we can install anything, we’ll handle all paperwork and approvals:
- City or county permits
- Utility interconnection request
- HOA approval (if applicable)
- NEM 3.0 paperwork for California utilities
📄 Depending on your city, permitting may take 1–4 weeks, but we’ll keep you updated throughout.
3️⃣ Step 3: Installation Day(s)
When permits are approved, we’ll schedule your installation, which typically takes 1 to 2 days depending on system size and battery complexity.
Here’s what happens:
- Racking and mounts are secured to roof rafters
- Solar panels and wiring are installed
- Inverter and battery (if applicable) are mounted and connected
- Conduit and wiring are routed to your main panel
- The site is cleaned, inspected, and tested
You don’t need to be home the entire time, but we do ask you to be available for access and walkthroughs.
4️⃣ Step 4: Final Inspection
After installation, your local building authority (city or county) will inspect the system to ensure:
- It meets code and safety standards
- It matches the permitted design
- All electrical connections are correct
We coordinate this inspection for you and are present onsite to walk them through the system.
5️⃣ Step 5: Utility Interconnection & PTO
Once the city signs off, we submit all documentation to your utility company for Permission to Operate (PTO).
This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the utility’s processing speed.
🔌 As soon as PTO is granted, we’ll officially turn your system on, and you’ll start producing your own clean energy!
✅ What Comes After Activation?
- You’ll receive login credentials for your monitoring app (e.g., Enphase, Tesla, Sol-Ark)
- Your first electric bill after solar may take 30–60 days to reflect changes
- We’ll be available for any questions or post-install support
- We’ll walk you through incentives like the Federal Tax Credit (still 30% in 2025!)
🧰 Why Aicon Solar?
At Aicon Solar, we make your installation experience:
- Stress-free and transparent
- Engineering handled 100% in-house
- High-quality equipment, neat installations
- 30-yr warranty on panels, inverter, battery and roof (SolarInsure)
- Clear communication every step of the way
🌞 Ready to Get Started?
Let’s make your solar journey simple, affordable, and effective.
📩 Contact Aicon Solar today for a free proposal — and let’s get your system installed before the tax credit rules change.