How It Works: From Quote to Savings
A transparent, step-by-step guide to getting solar on your Bedford County property
The Complete Process
We've streamlined solar installation into a clear, straightforward process. Here's exactly what to expect from initial contact to flipping the switch.
Free Consultation (1-2 hours)
Week 1
Site Assessment & Custom Proposal (3-5 days)
Week 1-2
Contract & Permitting (2-4 weeks)
Week 2-6
Installation (3-10 days)
Week 6-8
Inspection & Interconnection (1-2 weeks)
Week 8-10
System Activation & Monitoring
Week 10+
Total timeline: Typically 10-12 weeks from initial contact to producing power, depending on permit processing times and weather.
Free Consultation: Understanding Your Needs
What We'll Discuss
Your Electric Bills
Bring 12 months of electric bills if possible. We'll analyze your usage patterns to size the system correctly. We look at:
- Annual kWh consumption
- Seasonal variations
- Current costs and rate structure
- Any planned changes (EV, heat pump, etc.)
Your Property
We'll discuss your property characteristics to determine the best installation approach:
- Roof type, age, and condition
- Roof orientation and shading
- Available ground space (if considering ground mount)
- Electrical panel capacity
Your Goals
Every customer has different priorities. We'll understand yours:
- Maximum savings vs. budget constraints
- Payback period expectations
- Environmental goals
- Future expansion plans
Your Questions
This is your time to ask anything:
- How solar works with net metering
- Maintenance requirements
- Warranty coverage
- Financing options
No Pressure, No Tricks
We don't do high-pressure sales. This consultation is genuinely free - no obligation to move forward. If solar doesn't make sense for your situation, we'll tell you honestly.
Site Assessment & Custom Proposal
On-Site Evaluation
We'll visit your property to conduct a thorough assessment:
We'll examine your roof structure, measure dimensions, check for shading from trees or nearby structures, and verify it can support solar panels.
We'll review your electrical panel to ensure it can handle the solar interconnection, or identify if an upgrade is needed.
Using professional solar tools, we'll map your roof's solar potential throughout the year, accounting for Bedford County's weather patterns.
We'll identify the best mounting approach and any potential complications (roof penetrations, vent locations, etc.).
Your Custom Proposal
Within 3-5 days, you'll receive a detailed proposal including:
System Design
- Recommended system size (kW)
- Number and type of panels
- Inverter specifications
- Layout diagram showing panel placement
Production Estimate
- Expected annual kWh production
- Monthly production breakdown
- Percentage of your usage covered
- Conservative vs. optimistic scenarios
Financial Analysis
- Total system cost (itemized)
- Annual electricity savings
- SREC income projections
- Payback period calculation
- 25-year savings projection
Equipment Details
- Panel specifications and warranty
- Inverter details and warranty
- Mounting system description
- Monitoring system features
No Cookie-Cutter Solutions
Every proposal is custom-designed for your specific property, usage, and goals. We don't push oversized systems or unnecessary upgrades.
Contract & Permitting: Paperwork Done Right
Contract Signing
Once you approve the proposal, we'll prepare a detailed installation contract covering:
- Exact system specifications and equipment
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Installation timeline
- Warranty terms (equipment and workmanship)
- Maintenance recommendations
We Handle All Permits & Paperwork
Solar installations require several permits and applications. We handle every one:
Bedford County Building Permit
Required for all solar installations. We prepare detailed structural drawings and submit to the county. Typical approval time: 1-2 weeks.
Electrical Permit
Required for the electrical connection. We work with licensed PA electricians and handle all permit requirements.
West Penn Power Interconnection
This is the application to connect your system to the grid and enable net metering. We complete all forms and coordinate with the utility. Typical approval: 2-4 weeks.
HOA Approval (if applicable)
If you live in a development with a homeowners association, we'll help prepare the required documentation and architectural review submissions.
What You Pay, When You Pay
Typical payment schedule:
- Contract signing: 25% deposit to order equipment
- Installation complete: 50% when panels are mounted and wired
- System activated: Final 25% when you're producing power
We don't ask for full payment upfront, and we don't get the final payment until your system is producing electricity.
Installation: Professional, Efficient Work
Installation Day(s)
Most residential installations take 3-10 days depending on system size and complexity. Here's what happens:
Day 1: Mounting & Panels
Delivery of equipment and setup. We'll protect your property with tarps and establish safe work zones.
Install roof attachments or ground mount structure. For roof installations, we use proper flashing to prevent any leaks - your roof warranty won't be affected.
Mount the solar panels to the racking system. Secure all connections and perform quality checks.
Day 2: Electrical Work
Mount the inverter (converts DC from panels to AC for your home). Typically installed near your electrical panel.
Run conduit and wiring from panels to inverter to electrical panel. All electrical work performed by licensed PA electricians.
Install your production monitoring system so you can track generation in real-time.
Final Steps
We test every electrical connection, verify proper panel operation, and ensure all safety systems function correctly.
Complete site cleanup. We leave your property as clean as we found it (sometimes cleaner!).
Show you your new system, explain how to monitor production, and answer any questions.
What to Expect During Installation
- Work hours: Typically 8 AM - 5 PM
- Your presence: Not required, but you're welcome to observe
- Power outage: Brief outages (15-30 minutes) during electrical connections
- Roof access: For roof installations, we need clear access to the installation area
- Weather delays: Installation may be postponed for heavy rain or high winds for safety
Inspection & Interconnection Approval
Required Inspections
Before your system can go live, it must pass inspection. We coordinate all required inspections:
Bedford County Building Inspection
County inspector verifies the installation meets building codes and matches the approved permit. We schedule this and ensure the inspector has access to all necessary areas.
Timing: Usually scheduled within 3-5 days of installation completion
Electrical Inspection
Licensed electrical inspector verifies all wiring, connections, and safety systems meet National Electrical Code requirements.
Timing: Often combined with building inspection
Utility Inspection (if required)
West Penn Power may inspect the interconnection point. If required, we coordinate scheduling with the utility.
Timing: 1-2 weeks after local inspections pass
Interconnection Approval
Once inspections pass, West Penn Power issues "Permission to Operate" (PTO). This is the official authorization to connect your system to the grid and start net metering.
The Waiting Period
Your system is installed and inspected, but you can't flip the switch until PTO arrives. This waiting period can be frustrating, but it's required for safety and grid coordination.
Typical PTO timeline: 1-2 weeks after inspections, but can vary
We stay on top of this process and follow up with West Penn Power to minimize delays.
System Activation: You're Producing Power!
The Big Moment
Once PTO is received, we return to activate your system. This usually takes about 30 minutes:
System Energization
We throw the switches, and your solar system comes online. Your inverter will start converting DC power from the panels to AC power for your home.
Monitoring Setup
We'll help you set up the monitoring app on your phone or computer so you can watch your production in real-time.
Performance Verification
We verify the system is producing as expected and all monitoring is reporting correctly.
SREC Registration
We'll help you register with the Pennsylvania SREC program so you can start earning credits for your solar production.
What Happens Next
Congratulations - you're now a solar power producer! Here's what to expect:
Your Electric Bill
You'll continue receiving monthly bills from West Penn Power, but the usage charges should drop dramatically. You'll typically only pay the monthly connection fee plus any usage not covered by your solar production.
Monitoring Your System
Check your monitoring app to watch real-time production. You'll see daily, monthly, and lifetime generation. Most customers check it daily at first - it's fascinating to watch!
Seasonal Variations
Production varies with seasons. Summer days produce lots of power; winter days produce less. That's why we size systems to match your annual consumption.
Maintenance
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Rain typically keeps them clean in PA. We recommend an annual visual inspection and occasional panel cleaning if needed.
System Warranties
- Solar Panels: 25-year power production warranty + 10-12 year equipment warranty
- Inverter: 10-12 year warranty (extended warranties available)
- Workmanship: Our labor and installation work is warranted for defects
- Roof Penetrations: We warranty against leaks from our roof penetrations
Ongoing Support
Your relationship with us doesn't end at activation. We're here for:
- System performance questions
- Monitoring troubleshooting
- Annual checkups (recommended)
- Warranty claims
- System expansions if your needs change
Common Questions About the Process
Can I use my power during installation?
Yes, with brief exceptions (15-30 minutes) when we make final electrical connections. We'll coordinate these short outages with you.
What if my roof needs replacement soon?
Replace your roof first. Removing and reinstalling solar panels is an added expense. If your roof is in good shape, solar installation won't damage it or void warranties.
Do you offer financing?
We can connect you with solar financing companies that offer loans specifically for solar installations. Many customers also use home equity loans or lines of credit.
What happens if panels need service during warranty?
Equipment warranties are manufacturer-backed. We handle all warranty claims on your behalf and coordinate any necessary replacements.
Can I expand my system later?
Usually yes, if your roof has space and your electrical panel can handle it. We can design systems with future expansion in mind.
What if I sell my house?
Solar systems increase home value and are attractive to buyers. The system transfers with the house. We provide documentation for real estate transactions.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's begin with a free, no-pressure consultation to see if solar makes sense for your property.
Schedule Your Free Consultation