The Complete Solar Installation Process 6: Permission to Operate and System Activation

Your solar system is just about ready to start powering your home! After the successful inspection of your solar panel installation, we’re one step closer to living the next few decades with clean, renewable energy on your side. This step involves obtaining Permission to Operate (PTO) from your local utility company.

To receive PTO, we’ll submit the approved permit card to your utility company. This document confirms that your solar has been installed correctly and meets all local regulations, as well as the requirements laid out by the power company for small-scale electricity generation like your new solar panel system.

If you recall back at the Design & Permitting step, we already submitted your net metering agreement. Net metering allows you to offset your energy consumption by sending excess solar energy back to the grid. This is the mechanism used to significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. The utility knows how much energy to expect from your system and gives us the green light to flip the switch.

Activating Your Solar System

Once we have the necessary approvals, we’ll remotely activate your solar system. This process is typically quick and easy – basically the press of a button – and then your system will start generating clean energy immediately! In the rare event that we need to return on-site to complete activation in person, your Concierge contact will help find the best time to make that happen.

And that’s a wrap! Kick back and know that you’ve got one more reason to enjoy the sun coming up each day.

Monitoring Your Solar System’s Performance

If you’re ever curious about what’s happening on a daily basis, you’ll get a link to a monitoring portal. You can also download the app from the manufacturer to check it out in real time. These online resources allow you to track your system’s energy production, identify any potential issues, and adjust certain settings if you have a battery attached. It’s free and easy to get started, and we can point you in the direction of assistance or troubleshooting if you’re ever not sure what to do.