Solar Installation Process

After you sign a contract, it will take approximately 3 to 4 months to install your solar array.  Most of this time is dedicated to acquiring the utility's rebate approval and building permits.  The actual installation process only takes between 2 and 5 days.

There are 5 parts to the installation process and some may occur simultaneously:

1. Layout (1 to 2 days)

The EmPower installation crew identifies rafters, confirms that the system design matches the layout on the rafters, and then drills holes for the mounting system.  Quickmounts are inserted into the holes and the flashing is caulked to ensure no water leakage.

2. Installation (1 to 2 days)

Rails are attached to the Quickmounts, aligned to create a level plane, and then tightened.  After this, the panels are mounted to the rails and wired together.  All wiring is tightened and securely tied up below the panels so that nothing hangs down loose to prevent damage from rubbing against the shingles.  All the panels are grounded and one ground wire is sent to the junction box which is mounted on the roof, out of sight.  Conduit from the junction box runs through the soffit and terminates near the inverter(s).   

3. System Commissioning (1 day)  

Thus far all installation has related to the direct current (DC) supply side of the system.  System commissioning is the part of the process which enables the DC to be transformed to alternating current (AC) which can be used by your home.  One or two inverters (depending on the size of the system) are hung on the exterior of your house.  Wiring from the solar array is connected to the inverters.  Live AC wires from the inverters are connected to your meter.  An electrician makes all the final electrical connections.

4. Data Monitoring (Half day)

Outside on the inverters, EmPower mounts data loggers.  The data loggers have antennae which communicate wirelessly with a gateway box located inside your home.  The gateway box is hardwired to your home's router.  This enables EmPower to monitor your system's performance remotely over the internet.  The gateway also communicates wirelessly with a wall display that we can mount wherever you choose within your home.   The display shows real-time data from your system so that you can view it (and show it off) easily.  During this part of the process, you will need to be home so that we can have access to the interior and so we can help you complete the product registration.

5. Monitor & Inspect System (Half day)

EmPower turns on your system.  We take line voltage measurements and inverter readings to verify that it is working properly.

After your system is turned on, EmPower emails LIPA to install a net meter.  LIPA will complete a Distributed Generation Inspection and install a net meter.  This usually occurs within 3 months of installation.  During this time your meter will still be spinning backwards and so you will still be benefiting from your solar system.