How Does a NYC Solar Installation Work?

Ever wonder what it’s like to install solar on a flat roof? This video will explain our process for carrying out residential NYC solar installations, as well as solar system monitoring and financing.

Whether you’re still considering solar or you’re gearing up for your installation, here’s a glimpse into what you can expect. 

The Solar Install Team Arrives

Our crew arrives at 9am and starts working immediately. They require access to the roof, basement, and yard spaces for the duration of the work day, which typically concludes around 5pm. Based on the size of your solar system, it’ll take 1-2 days to complete (weather permitting).

We hoist the panels and related equipment onto the roof using a pulley that’s set up at the front of your building. The electrical components of your system are carried to their set up location.

Solar System Installation Begins

We use a UL listed product called OMG to attach our solar components to the roof decking. These are watertight connections designed to withstand the NYC weather. 

From there, we fasten the external conduit in a discrete location on either the front or backside of your home. We then enter into the building basement either in the front of the building or backyard. All penetrations are flashed and sealed for watertightness.

Then, we mechanically fasten the solar panels to the heavy duty solar racking.

The Inverter is Connected

We install the inverter, or “brains” of your solar system, either on the roof or in the basement near your electrical service panel. The inverter is approximately the size of a carry-on suitcase.

We pull the wire through the conduit to the basement. Then we connect all the DC and AC wiring to the inverter.

After the Installation: Financing & Monitoring

After we’ve installed your system, Con Edison will replace your existing meter with a net meter and issue a final acceptance letter shortly thereafter. At this point, the installation is registered with their billing system. You can then activate your system by turning on the AC disconnect switch or dedicated solar breaker. We can provide instructions, or stop by to assist.

In order to set up monitoring for your system, we can connect your new equipment to your WiFi network. We’ll connect the system on-site and will set up your monitoring login a few days after the installation.

We will reach out regarding the final payment details shortly after the installation is completed and turned on. You may pay by ACH debit in your customer portal, paper check, or credit card. Credit card payments incur a 2.75% fee. If you have loan paperwork to finalize we will ask you to do so at this time. Please note that this payment is not the final payment to Brooklyn SolarWorks. The final payment comes from NYSERDA at final sign-off and is approximately 5% of project costs. 

Your solar installation is now complete! Congrats on making the switch to clean energy.

Whether you’ve just signed up or are beginning to research solar options, we hope this helped to illustrate our unique turnkey process for completing NYC solar installations. One of our pride points is once a customer agrees to their project, we handle the rest. We’ve got you covered – from assessment, to permitting, installation, and claiming your solar tax credits. 

If you’re ready to go solar, schedule a free site evaluation.

To revisit your custom solar proposal, contact our team at info@brooklynsolarworks.com.