Ready to get started? Here are the steps we suggest following to get you on your way to generating your own solar energy.

Learn and Evaluate

Gather Quotes and Select an Installer

Have your Solar System Installed

After your Installation is Energized

Learn and Evaluate

Before selecting an installer, make sure you and your property are ready.

Learn about solar. Read through our Solar Hub site completely before reaching out to installers, so you have a good understanding on how solar works and how the process will go.

Gather old bills. Installers will typically need at least 12 months’ worth of electricity bills to design a system to fit your energy needs, so gather this ahead of time.

Look at your roof. Make sure your roof is in good condition prior to installation. If you need a roof repair or replacement after your solar panels are installed, you could lose solar generation and savings.

Gather Quotes and Select an Installer

• Use a site like NYSERDA or Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to find an installer near you.
  
  
• Installers should provide you with quotes that include the equipment they will install and financial information.
  • They may need to perform a site visit to ensure they can successfully install a solar system on your property prior to providing a quote.
  • The installers should also be able to provide you with information on available rebates, incentives, or other funding that you may qualify for. They may also be able to provide or guide you to financing options.

 Once you receive your quotes, compare and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Have your Solar System Installed

Once you sign an agreement with an installer, the installer and National Grid will work closely together to ensure the solar system designed for your property is safe and up to code. An interconnection agreement is required. Your installer will typically handle this application.

Once the installer receives approval from National Grid, they can begin installation. They will contact you to set up your installation date.  

After your system has been installed and inspected, you can start producing energy!

After your Installation is Energized

Some installers offer online monitoring of your solar system. These typically show the current and historical generation of the system, as well as notifications of any arrays not producing energy.

There are also third-party monitoring services that offer additional tracking and monitoring of your solar installation. If you choose to go this route, inform your installer of your monitoring choice so compatible equipment can be installed at the time of the solar installation.

The installer can also help you fill out paperwork to claim any rebates available for the system that was just installed.