Switching to solar can be long and complicated. We have created an optimized, step-by-step Zero Home Process that ensures your system gets your solar equipment installed on time with zero issues, whether it’s solar panels, batteries, EV charging or any other systems.
Listed below, you can find a detailed explanation of each and every step we go through to get your system up and running.
We never want to leave you in the dark, so we make sure that you are just as involved as we are. This way, you can feel confident and excited in your choice to Go Zero.
After you sign your contract, we schedule a site inspection to check your home's compatibility with your solar system.
It begins at your main electric panel, where we check your electrical setup and measure where new equipment will go.
For battery backup, we also determine which breakers support your critical loads or whole home backup.
If a new subpanel is required, we usually put it behind or beside the main panel, away from the gas meter.
We also perform a visual inspection of your roof for age, damage, and roofing material.
Depending on your roof's surface area, ground inspection is all that's typically required.
After your site inspection, we create an electrical single-line diagram based on the information we gathered from the site inspection.
This diagram shows the flow of electricity from your solar panels to your electrical panel, and must comply with both local and national codes.
The application lists all the equipment types and certifications for approval by the utility.
We submit this application to the utility company to connect your solar system to the electrical grid.
This is what allows you to sell excess power back to the utility company.
At the same time as your UIA application, we submit permit applications to the proper permitting jurisdiction.
Similarly, all equipment types and certifications are listed for approval by the city.
Approval can range from 24 hours to three weeks.*
Installation takes place once the system's permits are approved.
*Ground mount permits can take up to 4-8 weeks due to additional regulations and codes.
We handle the ordering of all your equipment (including special orders).
We will keep you updated on the status of your orders and the timelines for special order materials.
On the day of installation, the materials are delivered to the site on a pallet.
We aim to schedule the arrival of your materials the morning of your installation so you are not storing equipment at your property.
Installation normally begins at 7:00 am - 8:00 am Monday through Friday.
During installation, we secure the racking system, mount the solar panels, and connect electrical wiring to your home's solar battery and electrical panel.
For typical roofs (tile/shingle), installation can take about 1-3 days depending on system size.
Spanish clay tile roof or ground mounted installations typically take 5-7 days.
You do not have to be present for whole the installation process.
For those that stay home, the process is relatively quiet (apart from mounting the racking system).
After your system is installed, an inspector from the city ensures that your system complies with local fire and building codes.
This process usually lasts about 10 minutes, and can even be performed virtually on Zoom.
Once the inspection is complete, the city passes the approval to the utility company.
We send a Fast Track request to the SDG&E portal with a picture of your meter and application ID number. This significantly speeds up the process.
24-72 hours after SDG&E receives the request, they grant your system "Permission-To-Operate."
You will receive an email directly from SDG&E confirming your system's approval.
From here, we will schedule a close-out walkthrough to educate you on your system's equipment.
Once you receive PTO, we will help you set up your online portal to monitor your system's performance.
This portal is linked to your solar battery and monitoring system, and will function as long as your system has internet connectivity.
The monitoring system will be provided by your equipment manufacturer through a desktop and/or mobile application.
Your system can be connected to WiFi, ethernet, or cellular card depending on site-specific conditions.
We will also give you access to SolarFax enhanced monitoring tools, which has direct API integration with your utility smart meter.
SolarFax works even without internet, which is perfect in case your lose internet connection or happen to switch internet providers.
With multiple ways of monitoring your system's performance, you will always know that your system is working as expected.
After your system is fully approved and operational, we will give you a final walkthrough to ensure that you understand every part of your system.
We will show you:
Where the backup panels are
How the system operates
How to turn the system on/off
How to restart/reboot the system
For cash customers, this is also where we collect the final payment.
After you sign a contract, your solar system installation typically takes 4-12 weeks depending on the Zero Home backlog.
Installing solar will not damage your roof. We make sure every protection is taken to insure long-term reliability, so we back every install with a 25-year roof penetration warranty.
All Zero Home quotes are all inclusive, including taxes, fees, permitting costs, etc.
Zero Home is your direct point of contact for any questions or concerns for the life of the system. If additional service is ever required, we will work directly with the equipment manufacturers to ensure your system continues producing energy as expected.