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Solar Installation

What happens between signing a contract and turning the system on in Texas, and how to choose a contractor.

By USSolar.shop Editorial TeamReviewed by USSolar.shop Editorial TeamUpdated August 20266 min read

Rooftop work takes days. The rest of the timeline is paperwork, and knowing the sequence protects you from vague promises.

The actual sequence

Every Texas installation follows roughly this path.

  • Site survey and structural review
  • System design and utility interconnection application
  • Municipal permit submission and plan review
  • Installation: one to three days on the roof
  • City electrical and building inspection
  • Utility meter swap and permission to operate

Vetting an installer

Ask for the Texas electrical contractor license number, proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, the workmanship warranty term in years, and three local references from the past twelve months.

Red flags

Pressure to sign the same day, refusal to quote cash price, a production estimate with no stated assumptions, and roof penetrations warrantied for less than ten years.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. NREL — Solar research and PVWatts
  2. U.S. EIA — Electric Power Monthly
  3. Public Utility Commission of Texas