Installation of commercial solar projects usually takes 2 to 4 months on average, according to YellowLite. The installation itself only takes up a few weeks, but there are other steps that go into the process before solar panels can fully take charge of the facility. According to SunPower, the construction follows the four steps below:
1. Due Diligence: 1 to 3 months
This includes physical evaluation of the facility, legal review of the project, and basic design of where the solar panels go. During physical evaluation, the engineer will go to the facility to verify measurements and inspect the building. usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. After finishing the physical evaluation, the construction team will help the owner of the facility to get permission from the city to confirm the construction. The legal process normally takes 2 to 8 weeks and it is the longest part. Then the engineer will draft a basic plan on where the solar panels fit the best. The basic design takes 1 to 3 weeks.
2. Engineering and commercial solar panel design: 1 week
In this phase, the engineer will continue the basic design (using 3D software to model the new design’s layout) and finalize the construction plan. This step usually takes a week or so.
3. Construction and solar panel system commissioning: 2 to 3 weeks
The on-site construction phase takes about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and outside factors. EnergyLink provides roof mounted solar arrays, solar carports, and ground mounted solar panels; each has its own nuances when it comes to how long it takes to install them, but, generally speaking the timeline is within the above range.
4. Solar panel operations and maintenance
Solar panels can last longer with proper maintenance. The construction team will offer some maintenance services for your company post-construction. The services can range from “basic annual inspections and monthly performance reports,” according to SunPower to net metering and verification services and optional product warranties.
What does EnergyLink do?
EnergyLink is an energy EPC company, so we have the ability to handle the engineering, procurement, and construction of the solar project. The typical payback of our solar projects is between 3 and 7 years depending on the facility. The standard warranty for our solar project is 25 years, which ensures your solar products long into the future.
Even though it seems like a lot at the beginning, once you have everything set, you can just enjoy the clean, renewable energy and wait for the money to be back. If you are interested in solar project installation, please click here to contact our engineers for more details.