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The Solar Installation Process: Connecticut Homeowners

Switching to solar can feel intimidating, but we’re here to make the process simple. Check out our step-by-step process below for a typical installation of residential solar panels in Connecticut. We offer a no-pressure, consultative approach to solar quotes, so reach out!

 

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Solar Energy Systems

How Going Solar Works

For many homeowners, the solar installation process can feel overwhelming since it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To make things clearer, we’ve outlined the key steps of going solar with Shedd, so you know exactly what to expect.

01 Consultation

Your solar journey begins with a quick 10-20 minute consultation, which can be done by phone, video, or in person. We’ll gather key information about your roof, current and future energy needs, and design preferences to craft a solar solution tailored specifically for you.

Within 1-2 business days after your consultation, our design team will create a solar system design that fits your needs, maximizing energy production to ensure it’s a smart, valuable investment.

We’ll then present you with design options, explain the pricing and available incentives, and walk you through your financing choices—whether it’s cash, solar loans, or other flexible options. Our team will guide you through all the paperwork and help secure the best financing solution.

After your paperwork is signed and financing is approved, we’ll schedule a site survey (usually within 1-2 days). During this visit, our technician will take precise measurements, assess the structure and electrical system, and perform a shading analysis to make sure the design fits your property perfectly. Photos of key areas are also captured to create a permit-ready design.

This step involves submitting the design for approval by your local building department and utility company. It’s one of the longer phases of the process, but once approved, your project will be fully permitted to proceed.

Once the permits are approved, we’ll work with you to schedule your installation. Typically, it takes 1-3 days depending on the complexity and size of your system.

On installation day, our team will efficiently install the solar panels, wiring, and any battery systems if applicable. While your system won’t be live yet, everything will be ready for the final connection.

A final inspection by the building department and utility is required before the system can be connected. Once approved, your solar system will receive Permission to Operate (PTO), making it officially live!

Your system will be equipped with net metering, which tracks how much energy you produce and how much is sent back to the grid, allowing you to maximize your savings. 

Your solar system requires minimal maintenance, mostly occasional cleaning and routine inspections to ensure optimal performance. Following these simple tasks will keep your system within warranty guidelines.

By installing solar, you may qualify for tax credits, rebates, or other local incentives. We’ll help guide you through these opportunities to make sure you’re saving as much as possible. When tax season rolls around, you’ll have all the information you need to claim your credits.

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Solar and Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to expedite the solar process?

In Connecticut, on average, the solar process takes about 6 to 8 weeks. In some cases, we will be waiting for the utility company or your local town to respond. To expedite the process, make sure you provide our team and any lenders we work with any follow-up information and documents in a timely manner. Additionally, e-signing documents quickly and providing our lenders with your preferred method of communication are more ways you can make sure the process is as quick as possible.

If you own rather than lease your solar equipment, it absolutely can! Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without them. Going solar can increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation in most parts of the country. Owning your solar system can potentially increase your home’s value by up to 4.1% more than comparable homes with no solar panels, according to recent solar research done by Zillow — or an additional $9,274 for the median-valued home in the U.S.

Net metering is the system utilities use to credit homeowners with solar for the electricity their solar panels produce. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state – so talk with our team about solar incentives for your specific area today.

The amount of power your system produces depends on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will generate slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy and will generate no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart investment, even if you live in a cloudy city. Talk to our team about switching to our renewable energy systems to cut your energy usage and monthly electric bill today.

Unless your solar system includes battery storage and you are fully off the electric grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill or even cut the amount you owe to zero dollars with a solar panel system, depending on how much energy your system produces.

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company. Shedd can help you gather warranty and financing options before you make any decisions.

Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in snow, they can’t generate electricity. Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle, the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean. In cases of a storm-induced power outage, we recommend having battery energy storage available.

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant incentive is available nationwide — it is the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities offer cash rebates or other incentives.

South-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, there are workarounds in many cases if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof.

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and removing and reinstalling them can be an elevated cost if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance soon, you should have it done before you finish your solar installation.

Solar panels are generally very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system may need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for at least 25 to 35 years.

Homeowners, if you own your solar energy system, your solar-powered home will sell at a premium. Studies have shown that solar increases property values. However, if you lease your system, that is not the case. You must either buy out your lease before you sell your home or work with your leasing company to transfer the lease agreement to the home’s new owner.

We offer a no-pressure, consultative approach to solar quotes. We want to equip you with all the information like pricing, incentives, and potential savings, without any pressure. We’ll look at your needs, design the best system to suit your home, and let you make the decision with all the time you need. Contact us today to learn more!

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Contact us for reliable solar power systems that protect your home from outages and rising electricity costs.

Get a no-cost, reliable estimate and affordable rates on your solar setup.

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Client Reviews

What clients are saying about our projects

“Shedd worked to install our solar panels and our battery. It was a seamless experience. They helped us work through the financing; they did all the paperwork; they gave us recommendations based on what was good for us, not what would expand their profit margins. Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable; they were efficient and helpful. They got the job done on schedule, as planned within budget, with minimal disruption, and all the workers loved our dogs. I would highly recommend Shedd if you are considering installing solar power.”

Jordan

Conneticut

“Shedd installed my home solar and storage system. They handled every step of the process, and everything went smoothly. The solar panels look great and from their production l’ve already accumulated $400 worth of extra credit on my electricity usage. I would highly recommend their services.”

Christian

Conneticut

“I had been looking at solar options for a while, but until I started talking with Shedd, none of the numbers sales people from other solar companies showed me made any sense. Shedd is different and they really optimize value from solar by combining the use of solar panels with battery storage and a smart load system, while not playing with finance options to impact pricing. The process was very smooth, from design to getting the necessary approval to the installation and for the panels and battery system being operational. They handled all angles of the process.”

Edwin

Conneticut

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