Solar Project Coordination: How to Install Solar Energy

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[00:03] Host: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Topps Talk.

[00:07] Host: I’m your host, and today we’re going to be talking about solar project coordination.

[00:12] Host: We have a special guest with us today, Sarah, our project coordinator.

[00:17] Host: Sarah, thank you so much for joining us today.

[00:20] Sarah: Thank you for having me.

[00:22] Host: So Sarah, tell us a little bit about your role as a project coordinator.

[00:27] Sarah: Well, I’m essentially the main point of contact between our customers and our installation team.

[00:33] Sarah: I help guide homeowners through the entire solar installation process from contract to completion.

[00:39] Sarah: My job is to make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone knows what’s happening at each stage.

[00:45] Host: That sounds like a really important role. What happens after a customer signs a contract?

[00:51] Sarah: Once a contract is signed, I reach out to introduce myself and explain the next steps.

[00:57] Sarah: We schedule a site survey where our technicians come out to take detailed measurements of the home.

[01:03] Sarah: This helps us create a customized design that maximizes energy production for that specific property.

[01:09] Sarah: I also collect important documents like utility bills and HOA information if applicable.

[01:15] Host: And what happens after the site survey is completed?

[01:21] Sarah: After the site survey, our engineering team creates a detailed system design.

[01:27] Sarah: I share this with the homeowner and explain all the components and placement.

[01:33] Sarah: Once they approve the design, we submit for permits with the city or county.

[01:39] Sarah: We also submit interconnection applications with the utility company at this stage.

[01:45] Host: How long does the permitting process typically take?

[01:51] Sarah: It varies quite a bit depending on the jurisdiction. Some cities approve permits in just a few days.

[01:57] Sarah: Others might take several weeks, especially if they’re backed up or if there are special requirements.

[02:03] Sarah: I keep customers updated throughout this waiting period so they know exactly where we are in the process.

[02:09] Host: And once permits are approved, what’s the next step?

[02:15] Sarah: Once we have all the necessary permits, I coordinate with our installation team to schedule the installation.

[02:21] Sarah: I work with the homeowner to find dates that work for their schedule.

[02:27] Sarah: Before installation day, I make sure the homeowner knows what to expect and how to prepare.

[02:33] Sarah: This includes things like clearing access to electrical panels and roof areas.

[02:39] Host: What happens on installation day?

[02:45] Sarah: On installation day, our crew arrives in the morning and introduces themselves to the homeowner.

[02:51] Sarah: They’ll explain what they’ll be doing that day and answer any questions.

[02:57] Sarah: Most residential installations take 1-2 days, depending on the system size and complexity.

[03:03] Sarah: I check in throughout the day to make sure everything is going smoothly.

[03:09] Host: And after installation is complete, is the system ready to be turned on?

[03:15] Sarah: Not quite yet. After installation, we need to have the city or county inspect the system.

[03:21] Sarah: I schedule this inspection as soon as possible after installation is complete.

[03:27] Sarah: Once we pass inspection, we submit final paperwork to the utility company.

[03:33] Sarah: They need to give permission to operate before we can officially turn on the system.

[03:39] Host: How long does that final utility approval typically take?

[03:45] Sarah: Again, it varies by utility company. Some take just a few days, others can take several weeks.

[03:51] Sarah: APS and SRP have different timelines, and it can also depend on how many applications they’re processing.

[03:57] Sarah: I stay in regular contact with the utility to push things along as quickly as possible.

[04:03] Host: What are some common challenges you face as a project coordinator?

[04:09] Sarah: One of the biggest challenges is managing timeline expectations.

[04:15] Sarah: Many customers are excited to get their solar up and running quickly.

[04:21] Sarah: But there are parts of the process, like permitting and utility approval, that are outside our direct control.

[04:27] Sarah: Weather can also be a challenge, especially during monsoon season when we might need to reschedule installations.

[04:33] Host: How do you handle those challenges?

[04:39] Sarah: Communication is key. I’m always upfront about realistic timelines from the beginning.

[04:45] Sarah: I provide regular updates, even when there’s not much progress to report.

[04:51] Sarah: I also try to build in buffer time when creating project schedules to account for unexpected delays.

[04:57] Sarah: And I make sure customers have multiple ways to reach me if they have questions or concerns.

[05:03] Host: What would you say sets Solar Topps apart in terms of project coordination?

[05:09] Sarah: I think it’s our personalized approach. We don’t use automated systems or call centers.

[05:15] Sarah: Each customer works with a dedicated project coordinator throughout their entire solar journey.

[05:21] Sarah: We also have really strong relationships with local permitting offices and utility companies.

[05:27] Sarah: This helps us navigate the process more efficiently than companies that aren’t as familiar with local requirements.

[05:33] Host: Do you have any advice for homeowners who are just starting the solar process?

[05:39] Sarah: My biggest advice is to be responsive to communication from your project coordinator.

[05:45] Sarah: The faster you can provide requested documents or approvals, the smoother the process will be.

[05:51] Sarah: Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions. There are no silly questions when it comes to solar.

[05:57] Sarah: And finally, be patient. The end result of having clean, renewable energy is worth the wait.

[06:03] Host: Those are great tips. What about HOAs? How do they factor into the process?

[06:09] Sarah: HOAs can definitely add another layer to the process. In Arizona, HOAs can’t prohibit solar.

[06:15] Sarah: But they can have reasonable aesthetic requirements about placement and appearance.

[06:21] Sarah: I help homeowners submit the necessary applications to their HOA and advocate for designs that meet both energy production goals and HOA requirements.

[06:27] Sarah: Sometimes this takes a bit of negotiation, but we almost always find a solution that works for everyone.

[06:33] Host: What about financing? How does that fit into the project coordination process?

[06:39] Sarah: If customers are financing their system, I work closely with our finance team.

[06:45] Sarah: We help gather the necessary documentation and submit it to the lender.

[06:51] Sarah: Most lenders release funds at different stages of the project, so I coordinate those payment milestones.

[06:57] Sarah: I also make sure customers understand their financing terms and payment schedule.

[07:03] Host: And what about after the system is turned on? Is your role complete at that point?

[07:09] Sarah: Not quite. Once the system is operational, I schedule a final walkthrough.

[07:15] Sarah: This is where we show the homeowner how to monitor their system’s production.

[07:21] Sarah: We explain how to read their new utility bill and what to expect in terms of savings.

[07:27] Sarah: I also make sure they know how to contact our service team if they ever have questions or issues in the future.

[07:33] Host: How long does the entire process typically take from contract to completion?

[07:39] Sarah: On average, it takes about 60-90 days from signing to having an operational system.

[07:45] Sarah: But it can be faster or slower depending on permitting timelines, utility approval, and other factors.

[07:51] Sarah: The actual installation is usually the quickest part – it’s the administrative steps before and after that take time.

[07:57] Host: What’s the most rewarding part of your job as a project coordinator?

[08:03] Sarah: Definitely seeing customers’ excitement when their system is finally turned on.

[08:09] Sarah: There’s something really special about that moment when they realize they’re producing their own clean energy.

[08:15] Sarah: I also love getting referrals from happy customers. It means we did our job well.

[08:21] Sarah: And knowing that each system we install helps reduce carbon emissions is pretty rewarding too.

[08:27] Host: That’s wonderful. Any final thoughts on solar project coordination?

[08:33] Sarah: I’d just emphasize that good project coordination is really about communication and setting clear expectations.

[08:39] Sarah: Solar is a significant investment, and customers deserve to feel informed and supported throughout the process.

[08:45] Sarah: At Solar Topps, we really pride ourselves on making the experience as smooth and transparent as possible.

[08:51] Sarah: We want customers to be just as happy with the journey as they are with the final result.

[08:57] Host: Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.

[09:03] Sarah: My pleasure. Happy to help people understand what goes into a successful solar installation.

[09:09] Host: And thank you all for watching this episode of Topps Talk.

[09:15] Host: If you’re considering solar for your home, we hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect.

[09:21] Host: Remember, at Solar Topps, we’re committed to making your solar journey as smooth as possible.

[09:27] Host: Be sure to like and subscribe for more episodes, and we’ll see you next time.

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