What to Expect With Residential Solar Panel Installation

• 11 Jun, 2025
• Solar Panel Installation

So, you’re thinking of getting solar panels? This is one of the best choices you can make for your home, your wallet, and the environment! There’s a lot that goes into a solar panel installation, but good news that Plug It In Solar handles all of the details of your project for you. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your residential solar panel installation. 

Pre-Installation: Designing Your Custom System and Securing Approval

Site Assessment

It’s critical to ensure your existing roof is suitable for solar panels. The solar panel installation team will take measurements and determine if your roof is in proper condition for solar panels. Assessing the structural integrity of your roof beforehand is extremely important, especially for homes with older roofs. 

System Design

The next step after determining that your roof is eligible for solar panels is to design your solar energy system. This is customized to your home’s needs and your energy consumption. With these calculations about how much power you need, you’ll be able to choose the size and type of solar panels that will work best for your home. You’ll also understand your solar system’s ideal battery and inverter sizes.

Permit Approval

You’ll need to obtain a permit in order to install solar panels on your home. Plug It In Solar will handle contacting the Los Angeles Department of Power and Water to submit plans and secure proper authorization before beginning work. The permit usually takes a few weeks from start to finish. Rest assured, we’ll handle the permitting process on your behalf.

Installation Day: What Happens During Your Solar Panel Installation  

Installation Day

A typical solar project on a residential property takes a few days to complete. During the installation, you might hear construction noise as we work on the roof installing your solar panels. We also might need to access your electric systems to properly hook up your solar panels, so there may be a temporary disturbance in your electricity access while your system is being installed. 

Post-Installation: Final Inspections and System Activation

Final Inspection & Permission to Operate

The last step before turning on your new residential solar power system is the final inspection. During this phase, the Los Angeles Department of Power and Water will review the installation and, upon approval, the department will activate net metering. It will also issue a Permission to Operate, which is required to turn on your system. 

Power Your Home With Solar Energy

Solar energy is leading the way as a cost-effective, efficient choice for powering your home. At Plug It In Solar, we’ll work with you every step of the way to design a system that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Contact us today to get started.