Installation Process
Installation Process | Solar Installation | Electrical | Andersonville
From the first handshake in your Andersonville home to the final flip of the breaker, our team makes every step of your solar installation feel effortless. We start with a personalized energy audit, mapping your roof’s sun-soaked potential and designing a system that fits your goals, budget, and the neighborhood’s architectural charm. While our engineers file permits and secure utility approvals, you’ll receive clear, friendly updates so you always know what’s next.
On installation day, licensed electricians arrive with precision-cut panels, microinverters, and the latest monitoring tech. We handle all wiring, grounding, and meter upgrades, then invite local inspectors for a same-day walkthrough—saving you time and ensuring code compliance. By sunset, your new array is live, your app is tracking real-time savings, and Andersonville has one more rooftop shining toward a cleaner future.
FAQs
What permits and approvals are needed to install a solar-electric system in Andersonville?
Because Andersonville is within Chicago city limits, every solar project must secure (1) an electrical permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings, (2) a structural permit if roof work is involved, and (3) utility interconnection approval from ComEd. Our team prepares the engineering drawings, completes the DOB solar intake form, pays all filing fees, and submits the interconnection application. We also coordinate any historic-district reviews that may apply to Andersonville properties. You do not need to visit City Hall yourself—once you sign our installation agreement we manage the entire approval chain and keep you updated at each milestone.
How long does the complete installation process usually take?
From contract signing to the day your system is turned on, typical timelines in Andersonville run 8–12 weeks. Permit review by the Chicago Department of Buildings is normally 2–4 weeks, utility interconnection takes another 1–2 weeks, and physical installation on your roof generally requires only 1–3 days on site. Weather or winter roof conditions can add time, so we plan seasonal schedules accordingly. We provide a detailed Gantt chart up front and a weekly email progress report so you always know what is happening next.
Will my home need electrical upgrades before solar panels can be installed?
Most Andersonville homes built after 1960 already have 100–200 A service that meets ComEd’s requirements. If your main panel is undersized, has fuses, or lacks open breaker spaces, we will recommend a panel upgrade or load-side tap. Our licensed electricians handle service upgrades, meter socket replacements, grounding improvements, and any code corrections at the same time we install the solar inverter. All work is performed to the latest NEC (2023 edition) and Chicago Electrical Code standards.
Will I lose power during the installation, and how long will it last?
Yes, a brief power outage—typically 30–60 minutes—is needed while we land the inverter feed and complete final terminations in your main panel. We schedule the shut-off with you in advance, usually midday when occupancy is low. If your project includes a battery, a second outage may be needed for transfer-switch testing. Outside of those planned windows, your household power remains on and you can stay at home safely during the entire roof-mount process.
What inspections and tests are performed before the system is activated?
After installation we arrange (1) a City of Chicago electrical inspection, (2) a structural inspection if required, and (3) ComEd’s on-site or virtual net-metering inspection. Our crew remains on site to demonstrate grounding continuity, conduit support, rapid-shutdown compliance, and inverter monitoring. Once the inspector signs off, we receive a green tag and submit the Certificate of Completion to ComEd. The utility issues a Permission to Operate (PTO) email—usually within 3–5 business days—after which we switch the system on and walk you through the monitoring app.
What warranties and maintenance services do you provide after installation?
All panels come with a 25-year performance warranty and 12-year product warranty; inverters carry 10–25-year coverage depending on model. Our workmanship warranty is 10 years and covers roof penetrations, conduit, and wiring. We include one complimentary maintenance visit in year 3 to check torque values, inspect flashings, and update firmware. Ongoing monitoring is cloud-based and alerts both you and our service desk to any faults. Optional annual preventive maintenance packages are available, but most homeowners in Andersonville find that panels require little more than an occasional rinse from rain to maintain peak output.