The early design is preliminary
Roof measurements, shade, service equipment and usage data help shape an initial proposal. The site survey and engineering review may require changes.
Permits and utility approval take time
Local permitting, inspections and interconnection requirements vary. No sales page should guarantee an installation or permission-to-operate date.
Know each company’s role
All Star Solar coordinates sales guidance. The final written documents identify the appropriately licensed installation contractor, equipment, financing party and project responsibilities.
Bill review and preliminary direction
The first review identifies the utility, usage pattern, existing solar status, roof information and goals. A preliminary estimate helps compare directions but does not replace engineering. Keep future EV, heating and occupancy assumptions visible.
Site assessment and final scope
The project team verifies roof, structural and electrical conditions and confirms equipment placement. Ask for a revised written scope when the assessment changes the initial estimate. The final documents should identify equipment, price, exclusions, contractor and responsibilities.
Permits and utility review
The local authority reviews applicable building and electrical requirements. The utility separately reviews interconnection. Automated local permitting can simplify eligible applications, but does not guarantee utility approval or a fixed activation date. Track both processes using their application numbers.
Installation, inspection and corrections
The contractor installs the approved design and schedules the required inspection. Keep approved plans available and record any substitutions or change orders. Ask who resolves inspection corrections and how those corrections affect timing or utility submissions.
Permission to operate and handover
Do not assume installation completion authorizes activation. Obtain the utility’s required permission to operate. At handover, collect monitoring access, operating instructions, warranty documents, service contacts and final records. Confirm battery reserve settings and supported backup loads.
Your first bills and ongoing monitoring
Compare early results with the appropriate season and the assumptions in the proposal. Learn where to see generation, household use and battery activity. Use the named service channel for problems and keep records of communications. One cloudy week alone is not a complete production assessment.
Sources and further reading
Primary documents checked for this guide. Program rules and signed agreements govern your project.
Apply this to your California home
Compare the matching $0 down solar in California page, the Axia by Qcells pathway and Qcells equipment. Local permit and utility questions are covered in our Irvine, Anaheim and Orange County pages.