Congratulations on Going Solar with GreenSpark!
We are excited to be working with you on your renewable energy project! Many things are already happening behind the scenes.
Typical Timeline for Going Solar
Stage 1:
Post-Sale / 4–9 weeks
- WooHoo! Sign your agreement and depending on your payment plan, your first payment is due.
- Using your drone site survey (completed during the contract phase), GreenSpark completes your solar design that's sent to you for review.
- GreenSpark coordinates your home’s structural analysis in accordance with your solar array design
- GreenSpark prepares and submits all required permits and approvals to include the local Building Permit, NYSERDA Incentive Application, and the Utility Interconnection Application.
- You will receive an email from NYSERDA requiring you to verify your project details. You will need to e-sign and return the application to receive the NYSERDA funding. You will also receive an email from your local utility company approving your connection.
Stage 2:
Pre-Installation / 3–6 weeks
- GreenSpark has received all required permits and approvals. You can anticipate the second invoice for the equipment order portion of your solar agreement, depending on your payment plan.
- GreenSpark orders your equipment and stages it at GreenSpark HQ until your scheduled construction date.
- GreenSpark will reach out to schedule an estimated installation date.
- Installation! This typically takes between two to six days, depending on the size and specific details of your project. GreenSpark will work with you to develop the best installation plan for your personal needs and permit requirements.
Stage 3:
post-Installation / 1–4 weeks
- Your construction is complete! But your array is not quite energized. Depending on the terms of your agreements, you will receive an invoice for “mechanical construction complete.”
- After your installation, GreenSpark will coordinate your Electrical Inspection, which is required for your final interconnection and NYSERDA payments. Once we’ve received that inspection, we will file your utility meter change request and notify you once it is scheduled. During this time, we will schedule your building permit inspection, and you will receive your Owner’s Manual
- Once all your permits and inspections are completed, we will reach out about the monitoring program specific to your project.
- Depending on your payment plan, you will receive your final invoice.
- At this time you will be instructed on how to energize your solar array.
- GreenSpark Solar is not a tax professional, we suggest you reach out to your own accountant to maximize your tax savings
*Please note that things shift on a project by project basis depending on several factors, including, but not limited to, weather, town permitting, and utility approvals.
Your Project Manager will keep you informed as your application and permit is approved, or if any additional information is needed.
You’ve Signed Your Contract! Here’s what we’re working on:
- Verification of your shading and energy analysis
- Designing the system to meet all current codes and standards
- Obtaining structural approval, and the proper building and electrical permits
- Obtaining preliminary approval to interconnect to the grid through your utility
- And, obtaining your project's NYSERDA incentives
Here's What You Should be Doing:
- Check with your tax professional for state and federal tax credit eligibility
- Contact your homeowners insurance regarding adding this project to your policy
- Review your Electric bill; things to consider: budget billing, do you have community solar shares, are you involved in an ESCO, what's your rate classification, etc.
- Make sure our team can access the areas of the house they will need to complete your project, specifically around your electric service panel
- Notify Connor if you have other contractors doing work in your home prior to GreenSpark’s installation date
Next Steps
Meet your Project Managers
Payment + Financing
Please take a moment to review your payment schedule in the purchase agreement. Each payment up through interconnection is specific to your finance mechanism and tied to a project milestone and is important to keeping your project on schedule.
We are working together on your project and work very closely, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to Connor with any questions. Below are some of the people you’ll work with throughout the process.
We're Here to Help!
Kerry O'Connor
Executive Director of Residential Operations and Workforce Development