How to Go Solar in Morgan Hill, CA: A Step By Step Guide
You're ready to go solar, bring down energy costs and enjoy grid independence. You see neighboring homes in Morgan Hill with rooftop solar systems, and you're excited about making the switch.
Like most property owners, you have questions about installing solar panels on your Morgan Hill home. Our guide covers each project stage, from evaluating your existing system to lighting up your home with clean, renewable energy.
The 7-Step Solar Installation Process for Morgan Hill Homes
Most homeowners are surprised to learn how simple it is to make the switch to solar. Our team puts more than 150 years of combined experience into streamlining the process.
When we're done, you have an eco-friendly, owner-friendly system that generates electricity through photovoltaic panels.
Let's take a look at the steps involved in designing, installing, and powering up your rooftop solar array.
1. On-Site Consultation
We plan a solar installation around a client's energy needs and home construction, so we start with an on-site evaluation. This gives us an accurate overview of your roof's orientation, available space, and any heavy shade issues. Our solar consultant also discusses these factors.
Current electricity usage
Projected energy needs
Cost and benefit comparisons
Options available for your solar project
As we evaluate your property and site conditions, we identify what matters most to you, answer your questions, and address any concerns. From initial site assessment to final power-up and beyond, you can depend on us for solid, transparent communication.
2. Custom Solar System Design
Using site evaluation data and your input from our consultation, we develop a solar system design tailored to your home. Our engineers take into account your roof's structural condition and may recommend needed repairs.
Our plans also outline how your current electrical system can be tied into directly, or adapted or upgraded to support PV panels. We take care of all the work necessary for keeping the new system code compliant. Details are laid out in our custom design for your rooftop solar installation.
3. Your Solar Financing Options
There are several options available that help offset solar panel installation costs. For example, many Morgan Hill residents claim a 26% investment credit on federal taxes. If that credit should exceed liability, it can be carried over to the next taxable year.
Eligible homeowners purchasing an energy storage system (i.e. batteries) may also qualify for a cash rebate through California's Self-Generation Incentive Program. The SGIP has recently expanded its criteria for consideration by including residents in high fire-threat districts.
We also work with a leading solar loan provider and can help qualifying homeowners explore no-money-down solar loan options.
Here at Sandbar, we're familiar with different routes for saving on solar installation costs. We're always happy to sit down and explain your options. You can trust us to help you find the best way to arrange financing your solar panels.
4. Solar Panel Permit Requirements
Once the design phase is completed, we file all required paperwork with the Morgan Hill Building Division. The package includes a basic permit for installing residential PV panels. It also contains engineer drawings that demonstrate how our plans meet and exceed municipal building codes for solar panels.
The time from when you sign up to final permit approval can take between six and ten weeks. As the paperwork moves through the City's Building Division, we track its progress and keep you updated.
5. Solar Energy System Installation
With the City's approval, we're ready to install the solar panel array designed for your home. System components include PV panels, racking materials, and one or more inverters that convert DC to AC current. The following process usually takes from one to three days.
Racking construction for panel support
Racking safely mounted on the rooftop
Solar panels secured into racking
Inverter connected to electric panel
You may also want to add the dependability of a battery backup to your new solar energy system. It's a smart option that keeps the lights on during grid outages. Battery installation can add another two or three days to the project.
6. Solar Installation Inspection
When we've finished installing your solar panel array, the job still requires a final on-site inspection by the City. A representative from the Building Department confirms project components, such as secured racks, proper PV panel mounting, and code-compliant wiring.
The inspector certifies that all parts of your new solar system meet local codes and forwards his or her report to the utility company. The utility company then issues a Permission to Operate (PTO) letter to our team here at Sandbar. This final phase usually takes from two to four weeks.
7. Permission to Turn Your System on!
The PTO letter serves as the final step in obtaining an official permit to connect solar panels. It's time to turn on your solar panel array. We flip the switch, and you start generating clean, renewable energy. We're happy to help you make a positive difference with a new rooftop solar system.
Let Us Make Going Solar in Morgan Hill Easy
Every big home project goes more smoothly when you know what to expect. Here at Sandbar, our dedicated team knows how to streamline the solar installation process without missing a single detail. Over the years, we've helped thousands of homeowners switch to solar across the Central Coast. We're ready to take care of you here in Morgan Hill.
With more than 2,500 jobs completed over the last 17 years, we deliver the peace of mind and benefits of solar that you want and expect. You can always count on us for expert advice and professional services.
Give our team a call today for a free, no-obligation consultation: 831-469-8888
