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Your Solar Installation: What to Expect on Site

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A professionally installed solar energy system involves much more than placing panels on a roof.

Every installation requires careful attention to structural integrity, electrical safety, equipment compatibility and long-term performance.

At Stellr Solar, we believe the details matter. From mounting hardware to cable routing and system commissioning, our goal is to deliver a clean, reliable installation designed for Canadian conditions.

Here's what happens when our crew arrives at your property.

Before Installation Day

Before scheduling the installation, our project team reviews the approved system design, equipment requirements and installation conditions.

Depending on the property, this may include confirming:

  • Roof condition and structural suitability.
  • Solar panel placement and mounting locations.
  • Ground-mount foundation requirements.
  • Electrical panel and inverter locations.
  • Equipment access and delivery arrangements.
  • Wiring and cable routes.
  • Required permits and utility approvals.

If we identify a condition that could affect the approved installation, we'll explain the issue and discuss the appropriate next steps.

Step 1: Preparing the Work Area

On installation day, our crew first prepares the work area and reviews site safety requirements.

This may involve positioning ladders and other access equipment, arranging installation materials and protecting areas around the property.

We ask customers to keep the driveway and agreed access areas clear wherever possible.

For everyone's safety, children, pets and visitors should remain away from active construction areas.

Preparing the Work Area

Step 2: Installing the Mounting System

The mounting structure is the foundation of a rooftop solar installation.

Depending on the roof design, installers may use roof attachments, mounting rails, clamps and other compatible hardware.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Mounting systems are secured to suitable structural points using approved attachment and waterproofing methods.

Roof penetrations, where required, are properly flashed and sealed according to the mounting system specifications.

Metal Roofs

Solar panels can often be installed on suitable metal roofs using compatible attachment systems.

Some standing-seam roofing profiles allow specialized clamps without penetrating the roof surface. Other metal roof types require different attachment methods.

Ground-Mounted Systems

Ground-mounted solar uses an engineered structure supported by suitable foundations.

Depending on the site, foundations may involve ground screws, piles, concrete or other approved systems.

Ground mounting may also require trenching, underground electrical cables and additional site preparation.

Important: The mounting method is selected for the actual structure and must satisfy applicable engineering, wind, snow and equipment requirements.

Step 3: Installing the Solar Panels

Once the mounting structure is in place, the panels are positioned according to the approved design.

Our crew secures each panel with the required hardware and manages the electrical wiring as the array is assembled.

Panel placement considers:

  • Available sunlight.
  • Shading and roof geometry.
  • Safe mounting locations.
  • Manufacturer installation requirements.
  • Required roof setbacks and access.
  • Long-term serviceability.

The final appearance depends on the property and selected system, but our goal is always a neat, professional installation.

Step 4: Installing Inverters & Electrical Equipment

Solar panels produce direct-current electricity (DC). Inverters convert it into alternating-current electricity (AC), which is used by most household and business equipment.

Depending on the design, your system may include:

Microinverters: Installed beneath or near solar panels, allowing DC-to-AC conversion at the module or module-pair level.

String Inverters: A centralized inverter connected to one or more groups of solar panels.

Additional electrical components may include disconnects, breakers, junction boxes, monitoring equipment and other protective devices.

Electrical work must follow the approved design and applicable safety requirements.

Step 5: Battery Installation, If Included

Some Stellr Solar projects also include battery storage.

A battery system may be designed to store electricity for later use, provide backup during outages or support other approved energy management functions.

Installation may involve:

  • Mounting or positioning the battery equipment.
  • Installing compatible control and switching equipment.
  • Connecting supported backup circuits.
  • Configuring battery communication.
  • Completing electrical and operational safety checks.

The available backup capacity depends on the selected battery system, supported loads and installation design.

A battery does not automatically make every circuit in a property available during an outage.

Step 6: Initial Testing & Quality Checks

After the equipment is installed, the team performs appropriate checks before the system enters normal operation.

These may include verifying electrical connections, equipment communication, operating settings and other aspects of the installed configuration.

Required inspections and any utility conditions must also be satisfied before final activation.

Step 7: Inspection & System Activation

The electrical installation must complete the applicable inspection and acceptance process.

If an inspector requests a correction or additional documentation, that work is addressed before the installation is finalized.

Once the relevant requirements are satisfied, the system can be commissioned and activated.

At that point, your solar installation can begin generating electricity under its approved configuration.

How Long Does Physical Installation Take?

The time required depends on the project.

A straightforward residential rooftop installation may be completed in 1-2 days.

Larger residential systems, ground mounts, battery installations and projects involving electrical upgrades can take longer.

Commercial installations are scheduled according to their size, site conditions and operating requirements.

Your project team will provide a more specific installation schedule once the installation is ready to be booked.

What Should I Prepare Before Installation?

Will My Electricity Be Interrupted?

Some electrical work may require temporary power interruptions.

Where possible, we'll discuss planned interruptions before they occur so you can prepare.

For businesses with sensitive equipment or critical operations, shutdown planning is particularly important.

What Happens After the Crew Leaves?

Physical installation is an important milestone, but there may still be inspection, approval or commissioning steps remaining.

Our team will explain the status of your project and what needs to happen before the system is fully operational.

Once activated, we'll help arrange the applicable monitoring access and provide relevant system documentation.

Professional Workmanship Matters

Solar panels are expected to operate for many years, so installation quality is just as important as the selected equipment.

Stellr Solar provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on covered installation work, subject to the terms of your agreement.

Manufacturer warranties for panels, inverters and batteries are separate and depend on the products installed.

Our objective is to leave you with a clean, safe and professionally installed system that you can feel confident owning.


Need Help or Have Questions?

Our team is here to support you throughout your solar journey.

Stellr Solar Customer Support

Email: info@stellrsolar.ca
Phone: 1-800-971-1295
Website: www.stellrsolar.ca

Explore our other guides in the Stellr Solar Learning & Support Centre for more information about installation, monitoring, maintenance, and energy savings.