Your Solar Journey with ATX Solar
Timeline: Today
Deciding to convert your home to solar energy is an exciting step towards sustainable living. Now, you’re likely curious about the duration from the decision to the actual production of solar energy. Every home is unique, and so is every solar installation. At ATX Solar, we aim for transparency and efficiency. Here’s a timeline that will guide you through every phase of your solar panel installation journey:
1. Consultation
Timeline: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Your path to solar begins with a discussion with our seasoned ATX Solar consultants. We’ll use advanced satellite technology to examine your roof’s solar viability and check your electricity consumption to determine the best system size. This meeting can happen at your residence or virtually. During this, we’ll offer you a tailored system design and quote, while highlighting possible financing and incentives like net metering, federal rebates, and local incentives.
2. On-Site Evaluation & Design Confirmation
Timeline: 2-6 weeks
After your initial consultation, we’ll coordinate a detailed on-site assessment. A representative from ATX Solar will visit the prospective site for the solar installation and go through a 50 point assessment to build an accurate design. We’ll create a system design, ensuring it’s in line with zoning laws, structural constraints, and aesthetics. Once you give the green light on the design, we’re set to proceed.
3. Permitting
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Before the hands-on work begins, we’ll obtain necessary approvals. This could be from the city, your utility provider, or if applicable, your homeowner’s association (HOA). We’ll manage the documentation, keeping you updated. A potential delay here might come from utility companies or HOAs. Being a local Austin-based company, our strong relations with local jurisdictions ensure smooth sailing for our clients.
4. System Installation
Timeline: 1–3 days
Once all approvals are in, our dedicated ATX Solar team will set an installation date. In just a few days, your home will be solar-ready! The exact duration depends on the system’s complexity and size, but our efficient team aims to minimize any inconvenience.
5. Inspection
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Post-installation, the system requires approval from the utility company and typically a city inspector. We’ll coordinate these checks, but the actual timing depends on the utility company and the city’s schedules.
6. Activation & Finalization
Timeline: 1–3 weeks
The wait is almost over! We’ll guide you on how to activate your system and offer you access to your energy monitoring dashboard. We’ll also touch base for a wrap-up session to address any lingering questions.
7. Support
Timeline: Ongoing
Though the installation is complete, our relationship isn’t! ATX Solar offers around-the-clock system monitoring and continual support. Our digital platform lets you track your energy production and savings. ATX Solar is proud to serve Texas with a commitment to quality and top-tier warranties to ensure your peace of mind.
Learn about going solar
There is no out-of-pocket cost to get started. The total price depends on your utility company, local jurisdiction, and the size of system your home requires. We custom build all our proposals to meet your energy needs! Typically, the monthly bill for solar is either around what you’re already paying on average or less, thereby saving you money month one!
No, there is no lien on the home. The lender files a UCC-1 or fixture filing, meaning that the lien is only on the panels not on the house. So if you decide to stop paying for them, then they’ll just be removed from your roof. But if you pay your power bill every month, there’s no reason not to just pay a solar payment that’s lower and will never go up.
It depends on how soon you need the roof replaced.
1. If your roof is very old or damaged, we would recommend getting it replaced before you install panels. However, if this is the case, look into rolling the roof cost in with the solar panels, because you can actually get the 26% federal tax credit applied to the whole total and get part of your roof paid for this way.
2. If your roof doesn’t need to be replaced but you’re worried about what will happen when you need to get it replaced in the future, you have three options when you get solar installed:
0-5 year old roof: You won’t need to replace the entire roof if you install solar right away. The panels offer protection from the elements wherever they are placed and usually do not need to be removed for a roofing contractor to complete the job. Just make sure you let them know before they begin so they are aware.
5-15 year old roof with insurance claim: Your insurance will cover the removal and reinstallation of the panels, since they’re a part of the sturcture of the home. You can either have the roofing contractor complete the entire job or you can call us and we can remove the panels, store them, and reinstall them when the roof is complete.
5-15 year old roof no insurance claim: You will be responsible for paying for the removal and reinstallation of the panels. Many roofing companies are now certified to do this type of work, just make sure you let your contractor know that you have solar before they begin work.
Get started today
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