Solar Project Planning
Our 10-Step Solar Project Roadmap
Planning a solar project requires coordinating multiple steps to avoid costly mistakes. This checklist outlines the steps from initial concept to final system commissioning.
Establish clear project goals. Determine if you want to lower monthly utility bills, secure backup power, reduce carbon offsets, or plan for future EV charging needs.
Download 12 months of utility energy statements (Green Button data) to establish your baseline consumption history and peak usage hours.
Inspect roof material, age, pitch, and physical space constraints. Assess shade from trees, structures, and neighboring properties.
Compare panel types, inverter configurations (micro vs string), and battery storage capacities that fit your property features.
Evaluate proposals from multiple contractors. Check system sizes (kW DC), production estimates (kWh), hardware models, and warranties.
Analyze financing terms, price escalations, dealer fees, and estimated utility inflation rates to identify optimistic projections.
Have installer contract documents, terms, and warranties reviewed by a qualified attorney when legal verification is needed.
Verify municipal building permits, electrical code compliance, structural details, and utility interconnection approval steps.
Execute construction and wiring through a qualified, licensed electrical or solar contractor, ensuring minimal property disruption.
Inspect system startup tests, confirm utility permission to operate (PTO), set up performance monitoring tools, and organize equipment documentation.