One of the first questions we hear from homeowners after they decide to go solar is: “How long is this actually going to take?” The answer is that every project is a little different, but by understanding each step of the process, you’ll know exactly what to expect and why certain stages take longer than others.
Many homeowners assume that once they sign the contract, the installation will start the following week. While we’d all love for it to happen that quickly, there are several important steps that have to happen before the first solar panel ever goes on your roof. Engineering, permitting, utility approvals, inspections, and scheduling all play an important role in making sure your system is installed safely, legally, and correctly the first time.
At Supreme Solar and Electric, our goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. We keep our customers informed every step of the way so there are no surprises. In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete solar installation timeline in 2026 and explain what happens at each stage.
The Solar Process Starts After Approval
The installation timeline doesn’t begin when you request a quote. It begins after you’ve officially decided to move forward. Typically, this means your proposal has been approved, your contract has been signed, and financing has been approved, if you’re financing the project. And finally, any required documentation has been completed. Once those items are complete, your project officially moves from the sales process into the operations and construction process. This is where the real work begins.
Step 1 : Site Survey
The first step is scheduling the site survey. At Supreme Solar and Electric, we typically schedule this within about 3 days after receiving the notice to proceed. The site survey is one of the most important parts of the entire project because this is where we gather all of the information needed to build your plans.
During the site survey, we verify:
- Roof measurements
- Roof condition
- Roof structure
- Rafter or truss spacing
- Electrical panel size
- Electrical panel condition
- Equipment locations
- Battery location
- Inverter location
- Disconnect locations
- Roof vents and obstructions
- Shading
- Existing electrical equipment
Our goal is to verify everything before engineering begins. Taking the time to gather accurate information up front helps eliminate surprises later in the project.
Step 2: Engineering and Plan Development
Once the site survey is complete, all of the field information is sent to our engineering team. This process typically takes about one week. During this phase, professional engineers create the complete construction package for your project.
These plans include:
- Roof layouts
- Structural calculations
- Structural engineering stamps
- Electrical single line diagrams
- Equipment specifications
- Mounting details
- Code compliance documentation
- Safety requirements
Everything required for city permitting is included in this package. These are the same plans that our installation team will later build from.
Step 3: Plan Walkthrough
Once engineering is complete, we schedule what we call the Plan Walkthrough. This is one of our favorite parts of the project because it gives homeowners the opportunity to see exactly what is being installed before anything is submitted for permits.
During the walkthrough, we review:
- Panel layout
- Equipment locations
- Conduit routing
- Battery placement
- Inverter placement
- Electrical upgrades
- Aesthetic considerations
If there are any last-minute changes you’d like to make, this is the perfect time to do it.
Once you’re happy with the design, we move into permitting.
Step 4: City or County Permitting
Permitting is usually the longest step in the entire process. Unfortunately, this is also the one step that is mostly outside of the installer’s control. Every city and county has its own review process. Some jurisdictions move extremely quickly. Others can take considerably longer.
Every jurisdiction has different review standards, correction requests, and approval timelines. Sometimes permits are approved immediately. Other times, the city requests revisions to the plans before issuing approval. If revisions are required, our engineering team makes the necessary changes and resubmits the plans for review. This is completely normal and happens on many construction projects.
Why Permitting Takes So Long
Many homeowners wonder why permitting takes longer than the actual installation. The answer is simple. Every project is reviewed by local building departments to ensure it meets all structural, electrical, fire, and safety requirements. The city wants to verify that your system complies with all current building codes before construction begins. Although waiting isn’t always fun, permitting is an important part of protecting homeowners and ensuring safe installations.
Step 5: Installation
Once permits have been approved, your project moves into scheduling. At this point, we coordinate installation dates with you and begin preparing materials and equipment. For most residential systems, installation typically takes about 3 days. Smaller systems may be completed faster. Larger projects or systems with batteries, electrical upgrades, or additional scope of work may require additional time.
During installation, our crews complete:
- Roof mounting
- Solar panel installation
- Inverter installation
- Battery installation
- Electrical wiring
- Conduit installation
- Disconnect installation
- Monitoring equipment
- System testing
Our goal is to complete the installation safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Step 6: Final Inspection
Once installation is complete, we schedule the final inspection with the city or county. Inspection scheduling typically takes about one week, although this can vary depending on inspector availability. During inspection, the building department verifies that the installation matches the approved plans.
They check:
- Electrical safety
- Equipment installation
- Roof mounting
- Labeling
- Code compliance
- Battery installation
- Disconnect locations
If everything passes inspection, the city signs off on the project. If corrections are required, we complete them promptly and schedule a reinspection. At Supreme Solar and Electric, our goal is always to pass inspection the first time.
Step 7: Utility Approval
Passing inspection does not automatically mean your system can be turned on. The next step is obtaining Permission to operate from your utility company. This process involves submitting documentation, including approved permits, final inspection approval, utility applications, and required utility paperwork. The utility reviews everything and authorizes the system to connect to its electrical grid. Depending on the utility, this process typically takes between 1 and 3 weeks.
Some utilities process applications very quickly. Others require additional review time. For example, privately operated utilities such as Imperial Irrigation District may have different review timelines than larger utilities like PG&E. Every utility has its own procedures.
What If My Project Includes an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
If your project includes a Main Panel Upgrade, the timeline may increase. Electrical upgrades often require additional coordination with the utility because the power must be temporarily disconnected while the panel is replaced. Scheduling these disconnects depends on utility availability. In many cases, a Main Panel Upgrade can add approximately 30 days to the overall timeline. While this extends the schedule slightly, it also ensures your home’s electrical system is capable of safely supporting the new solar and battery installation.
Step 8: Permission to Operate
Once the utility grants Permission to operate, your solar system officially becomes operational. This is the moment every homeowner has been waiting for. Your system can now begin producing electricity and reducing your utility bill.
Step 9: Solar Recap
At Supreme Solar and Electric, we don’t consider the project finished the moment the system turns on. Our final step is what we call the Solar Recap. This gives homeowners confidence knowing exactly how their system operates.
During this meeting, we:
- Set up your monitoring app
- Review production and consumption monitoring
- Explain battery settings
- Review backup operation
- Answer any remaining questions
- Discuss routine monitoring
- Explain warranty support
- Show you how to monitor your system moving forward
So, How Long Does the Solar Installation Process Take?
Every project is different, but here’s a general timeline.
| Phase | Typical Timeline |
| Site Survey | About 3 days |
| Engineering | About 1 week |
| Plan Walkthrough | Within a few days after engineering |
| City Permitting | 1 to 8 weeks, occasionally up to 12 weeks |
| Installation | About 3 days |
| Inspection | About 1 week |
| Utility Approval | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Additional Main Panel Upgrade | Add approximately 30 days if required |
Residential Solar Installation Goals
Although every jurisdiction is different, our internal scheduling goals are simple. For a standard residential solar installation without major electrical upgrades, our goal is to complete the project in approximately 60 days. If the project includes a Main Panel Upgrade or other major electrical work, our goal is approximately 90 days. Some projects finish faster. Others take longer depending on the city, county, utility, or HOA. The important thing is that each step is completed correctly. A properly designed, permitted, inspected, and interconnected system will provide decades of reliable performance.
Delivering Professional Solar Installation in Palm Desert
The solar installation process involves much more than simply placing panels on a roof. Every project moves through engineering, permitting, inspections, utility approvals, and final commissioning before producing its first kilowatt hour. While some parts of the timeline are outside anyone’s control, having an experienced contractor makes the process significantly smoother.
At Supreme Solar and Electric, we manage every stage of the project, communicate regularly throughout the process, and keep homeowners informed from the initial site survey all the way through Permission to Operate and beyond. Our goal isn’t simply to install a solar system. Our goal is to deliver a professional installation that is safe, code compliant, built to last, and completed as efficiently as possible so you can begin saving on your electricity bills with confidence.
Don’t wait! Let’s get started with your residential solar today! Request a free quote from the Palm Desert residential solar installers at Supreme Solar.