A Bold Proposal: Proposed Schedule for Solar Panels for My Home in Cypress, Texas

As I mentioned in a series of blog posts, we are going solar on our new home in Texas:

• A Bold Proposal: Solar Plans for My Home Energy in Cypress, Texas
• A Bold Proposal: Proposed Layout of Solar Panels for My Home in Cypress, Texas`

After agreeing to the proposal, Freedom Solar Power provided me with a list of steps that comprise the process and a tentative date to start the project in February. The installation portion should take only 3 days.

As this is not their first rodeo (see how I am speaking like a Texan already), Freedom Solar Power also provides a FAQ document.

1. Q: When do we get started?
   A: Your project's anticipated start date is shared with you in your project introduction email from your project manager. This date takes into account varying factors such as HOA approval, LOI (rebate) approval, reroofs, etc. Please let us know if you have special considerations you'd like us to keep in mind regarding scheduling your installation.

2. Q: Why is my start date tentative or 'penciled' in?
   A: We try to schedule projects as far in advance as possible. However, LOI, HOA, weather, or preceding installs may cause delays. We do our best to update customers as soon as information about schedule changes becomes available.

3. Q: How long will the installation take?
   A: On average, our installations take 1 to 3 days. The duration of the installation depends on the size of your system, the number of arrays, and the pitch of your roof.

4. Q: Do I need to be home for the installation?
   A: If there is any conduit to be run inside, we will need access to your attic or garage or other location where the conduit will be run. Likewise, if any equipment (such as the solar inverter[s]) are to be mounted inside (such as a garage), we will need access to that space. Otherwise, you are not required to be present during the installation.

5. Q: When will the crew be arriving at my house?
   A: Between 8-9 a.m. If the arrival time is going to vary significantly from this time window, we will let you know. If there are any gates that are normally locked that will inhibit access to areas we need to work, we ask that these be left unlocked (if possible) if you cannot be home. If there are any gate codes (to access your community, for instance), we ask that those be shared before the installation start date.

6. Q: What if I have concerns about how the equipment and/or conduit will look and want to be consulted?
   A: Please make your concerns and feedback clear to our team as soon as possible, and we will do our very best to accommodate. We can arrange for our crew lead to meet with you on site on the first day of the installation to go over proposed conduit runs and equipment locations. This is usually the best way to ensure that your expectations are met or (better yet) exceeded.

7. Q: My project is substantially complete. How will y'all get my system turned on?
   A: Our team will be in touch with you about the remaining steps to get your system on. These steps vary depending on your utility and local jurisdiction. Upon passage of any necessary inspections, your system will be turned on, and you will be given access to your monitoring portal.

8. Q: My system is on, and I can see I'm producing energy! Now what?
   A: The final step of the process is the closeout meeting, which your salesperson will contact you to set up. At your closeout meeting, you'll receive a closeout packet of material. This packet contains your system's design packet, product and warranty information, and service contacts.

My wife and I are anxious to get this party started. It's as if there's electricity in the air.

Solar panel scheduling is alive in the lab.