THE PROCESS

Embarking on your journey to solar and battery-powered electricity with STS is a meticulously crafted and straightforward process. This page was designed to provide you with a detailed understanding of every stage of the solar installation process.

 

The very first step in the solar process involves STS conducting a comprehensive analysis of your home's historical electricity usage. While energy bills can offer great insights, it’s the STS Utility API tool that ensures accuracy by examining your bill for exact time-of-use data. This detailed data allows us to tailor your solar panel system and battery backup, creating a custom solution to meet your energy needs. 

 

The next phase involves projecting your future electricity usage where we discuss and consider factors such as upcoming family changes, electric vehicle plans, or home upgrades. We use this information to essentially “future-proof” your system to ensure it suits your needs for years to come. Also at this stage, we meticulously assess your roof, determining the optimal location for solar panels based on sun exposure. Our considerations include the direction your home faces and the age of your roof, ensuring you not only maximize benefits but also address potential roof replacement costs.

 

Now it’s time for the STS software team to get involved by generating an initial design that seamlessly incorporates weather pattern data in your area. This step is crucial- especially so

for California residents- as coastal and inland areas yield markedly different data, influencing the performance of your solar panels throughout the year.

 

Equipped with the comprehensive information to get started, we’ll now guide you through the most effective financing options for your new solar system. We provide a range of choices, from straightforward cash purchases to flexible loans or advantageous Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). Our dedicated Solar Purchasing Options page offers a detailed breakdown and emphasizes the advantages of each choice.

 

Upon reaching an agreement, we swiftly schedule a site survey within five business days to obtain precise measurements and essential information. The engineered plans, taking approximately three weeks, undergo meticulous review and approval by both your city and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Post-approval, we promptly schedule your complete system installation, a process typically taking one to two full days, followed by a day of final inspections conducted by both the city and the fire department.

 

After successfully passing these inspections, we initiate the submission for Permission to Operate (PTO) from your utility company. While PTO timelines may vary, ranging from 5 to 60 days, we celebrate it as your home's solar birthday when granted. 

 

What genuinely sets STS apart is our unwavering commitment to our clients after installation. Our dedicated team conducts utility bill reviews with you every six months post project, ensuring your Net Energy Metering (NEM) credits are accurate, and your system is operating at peak efficiency.