YOUR HOME SOLAR PROJECT

Let's make it real. Prepare for your solar installation.

For most homeowners: this time is quiet for you, busy for us. Palmetto Solar will work with your local permitting office and electricity company to secure required approvals, and prepare your project for installation. See resources below so you know what to expect.
A Palmetto Build Partner installing solar panels on a roof
Who is Palmetto Solar?
Palmetto was recently named the "most-forward thinking" solar company in the U.S. We believe that Clean Energy is for Everyone, and offer end-to-end solar solutions that empower homeowners to take control of their clean energy savings.
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What happens between contract and installation?
The permitting and approval process in STEP 2 ensures a safe and easy solar installation.
What Happens Next?
Read our step-by-step guide from design complete to installation ready.
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Solar Utility Requirements
Learn how solar works with the electrical grid and why utility approval is required prior to solar installation.
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Solar Permitting
Permits are required to ensure your solar design meets the structural and electrical requirements in your area.
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Your Solar Installation: Equipment & Process
There's more to solar installation than the panels. View our quick guide to equipment, installation, and process.
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How to Prepare for Installation Day
Most solar panel installations can be completed in 1-2 days. Learn how to prepare.
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Access Your Personal Solar Account
Step-by-step instructions to access your personal solar account so you can easily track the status of your order.
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Frequently asked questions

How can I see what's happening with my project?

You should receive regular text and email updates as we move your project forward. All messages are sent to the email and phone number listed on your account. If you aren't receiving messages, please:
  1. Check your phone and email filters. Messages may be filtered to a separate folder or location.
  2. Connect with our Customer Experience Team to confirm and/or update your contact information.
You can also log in to your Palmetto Account dashboard to track the status of your order and get more information about what's happening at each step of the process. To connect with our Customer Experience Team, tap Support in your Palmetto Account also email [email protected] or call 855-339-1831. Haven't yet opened your account? See instructions in FAQ "How do I access my Palmetto account?" below.

How do I access my Palmetto account?

As a new customer, you should receive a welcome email with instructions on how to activate your account. If you have not received that email at the address you provided, please visit home.palmetto.com and click ‘Don’t remember your password?’ to request a new invitation. If you are still having trouble, please contact our Customer Experience Team at 855-339-1831 or [email protected].

What are the features of my Palmetto solar account?

Your Palmetto account is your personal solar dashboard! Easily upload and confirm documents, connect with Support, and track the status of your order. Once your solar energy system has been activated, your account dashboard will offer a detailed view of your solar energy production—available by day, week, or month. You can also request service, send referrals, and manage your account.

Where can I find my design?

Once you’ve uploaded your utility bill and completed your virtual site survey, Palmetto’s solar design and engineering team will initiate your final design. Your solar design is configured to optimize panel performance and long-term savings based on the information you provided, and will outline system size, panel placement, and estimated energy offset. In some cases, you may be prompted to review the panel placement before we finalize your contract. If you'd like to request a copy for your records, please email the Palmetto Customer Experience Team at [email protected].

How does the utility approval or "interconnection" process work?

Because your home will remain connected to the electrical grid, we require approval from your utility company or electricity provider before we can proceed with the installation. To initiate this process (also known as "interconnection"), Palmetto will submit an application on your behalf that outlines your energy usage, roof specifications, and the engineering design of your solar energy system. We'll then work with your utility company to finalize the approval. Some jurisdictions require the homeowner to be involved at select points in the process. If this is true in your area, our interconnection team will reach out with more information to guide you through the process.

Why are permits required?

Solar permitting ensures that your home’s solar array meets the structural and electrical requirements in your area, and is a necessary step when going solar. Palmetto will work on your behalf to define the requirements in your area and secure all necessary permits and approvals. To initiate the process, Palmetto will submit application materials to your local building authority or "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ). While application requirements will vary by location, they typically contain information about the electrical and structural design of the system as certified and sealed by a professional engineer. Permit approvals must be secured prior to installation.

What type of solar panels and inverters do you use?

We work exclusively with the top solar panel, inverter, and storage manufacturers in the industry and specify components based on your project and location. While equipment offerings will vary by location and availability, we maintain selective product and performance standards to ensure that every solar energy solution promises peak performance, efficiency, and reliability. For solar panels, we select premium solar panels in solid black with an efficiency rating greater than 19.8%. In most U.S. markets, our standard panel size or power rating is 395-405 watts. Manufacturers must offer, at minimum, a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee (though some product warranties extend to 25 years). We select high-efficiency inverters with optimized module performance technology and will specify components—including inverter brand and panel size—in your Home Improvement Contract.

Does my solar array come with a warranty?

All solar panels installed by Palmetto must meet our minimum manufacturer warranty standards: a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee. Your investment also includes three years of Palmetto Protect Essentials coverage including proactive monitoring, system reports, and ongoing service and support. Customers seeking additional coverage can opt into a Palmetto Protect Standard or Premium plan with benefits such as an annual on-site inspection, detailed health reports, exclusive service discounts, and clean energy home consultation.

What should I expect on installation day?

Most installations can be completed in 1-2 days, depending on the size and scope of the installation. The installation team will typically arrive between 7:00 and 11:00 am, greet you on arrival, and walk you through the installation process. You (or someone 18 or older) will need to be home for the full installation. Visit our Support Center to learn more about how to prepare for installation day and solar installation equipment and process.

How do solar tax incentives and rebates work?

The Residential Clean Energy Credit can be applied toward solar panels, solar batteries, and in-home vehicle chargers, and allows you to deduct a percentage of your solar system and installation costs from your total tax liability for the year of purchase. If your credit is higher than your total tax liability for the year of purchase, the difference can be rolled over to subsequent years. To learn more about the tax credit, visit Everything You Need To Know About The Solar Tax Credit. On top of the Residential Clean Energy Credit, many states, municipalities, and electric utilities offer credits, incentives, and rebates. These vary by location but our solar energy specialists are familiar with the offerings in your area and can help you optimize your returns.

How does the Solar Tax Credit work with my loan?

If you’re eligible for the Solar Tax Credit and apply the full value of your savings toward your solar loan within the first 18 months, your monthly payment will remain fixed for the life of the loan. If you choose not to apply your savings toward your solar loan, your monthly payment will increase in month 19 to reflect the full principal of the loan. Please contact your lender to discuss any prepayment, downpayment, or re-amortization options.

Why might my loan payment change in month 19?

Your monthly loan payment amount in months 1-18 is based on the assumption that you are eligible for the full Residential Clean Energy Credit and apply the full value of the tax credit (equal to approximately 30% of your total loan amount) toward your loan in the first 18 months of payments, resulting in a fixed monthly payment for the remainder of the life of the loan. This means in months 1-18, you can also apply any credit from state and local incentives or any surplus cash you have on hand to further reduce your monthly loan payment. Making such prepayments is optional. At month 19 your loan will automatically be re-amortized and your monthly loan payment will be adjusted based on the remaining principal at that time. If you pay more than approximately 30% of your total loan amount, your monthly payments will be adjusted to a lower amount. In order to avoid an increase in your monthly payment, you must make one or more voluntary prepayments equal to approximately 30% of your total loan amount within 18 months following your loan start date. Please contact your lender to discuss any prepayment, downpayment, or re-amortization options.

What is the payment schedule for cash purchases?

All cash purchases include a 2.9% dealer fee and follow a three-part payment schedule as outlined below. Payments can be made via electronic funds transfer or credit card. Phone payments are not accepted.
  • Payment 1 - In select states (including California, Nevada, and Ohio), a deposit is required when you sign your contract. The remaining balance is then split across Payments 2 and 3 below. In all other states, Payment 1 is due 0-5 days after your contract has been approved and must be paid to initiate the permitting and approval process.
  • Payment 2 is due once all pre-installation permits and approvals have been received and must be paid prior to installation.
  • Payment 3 is due when your system is activated.
In all states that DO NOT require a deposit, the payments are as follows.
  • Payment 1: 30%
  • Payment 2: 60%
  • Payment 3: 10%
In states that DO require a deposit, the payments are as follows.
  • Payment 1: $1,000 in CA and NV, 10% in OH
  • Payment 2: 60% in CA and NV, 80% in OH
  • Payment 3: 40% in CA and NV, 10% in OH
There may be additional payments if site improvements are required. *This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.

Your clean energy questions answered
It's a smart choice to own your electricity, made smarter with knowledge and support.
How Much Roof Space Is Needed For Home Solar Panels?
Each residential solar panel array is custom designed to match the homeowner’s needs and the unique size, shape, and dimensions of their roof.
The Utility Interconnection Process - How Your Solar Panels Get Connected to the Grid
Know what needs to happen between your local utility company and your solar company before your solar system is authorized to start producing power.
How Local Solar Permitting Impacts the Cost of Your Solar Panels
See how local solar permitting impacts the solar panel installation process, including timeline, requirements, and costs.
Solar Inverter Guide: Types, Benefits, Costs, and How Solar Inverters Work
In this guide, we’ll look at what a solar inverter does, how solar inverters work, and why you need solar inverters.
Your Electrical Panel - Homeowner’s Guide To The Breaker Box
Learn about the core functions of the electrical panel, including what it does, how it works, and the relationship between your electric panel and your solar panels.
Replacing Your Roof? It’s The Best Time To Go Solar
Understand the process and perks of doing solar power installation and roof replacement together, and why a new roof and solar panels are the perfect pair.
See more of the solar process
Use the links below to revisit questions and resources from STEP 1 or jump ahead to STEP 3.
A Palmetto solar sales representative showing a proposal to a customer
STEP 1: Proposal to Contract
You've reviewed a proposal and decided to go solar. What happens next? View our early guide to going solar- costs, financing, incentives, and next steps.
See STEP 1
A house with rooftop solar panels
STEP 3: Installation to Power
Your system is installed. You're ready for power. But wait! There are still two steps that remain. Prepare you for your first year of ownership while you wait for final approval.
See STEP 3
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Have a question?
At every step in the process, our Customer Experience team is available to answer questions, address concerns, and help clear the path for installation and power.