From first call to system turn-on
What actually happens after you request a solar quote.
Most Long Island solar customers go from initial call to a turned-on, producing solar system in 7–12 weeks. Here is the realistic step-by-step — what happens at each stage, and what is needed from you.
- 01
Day 0
Initial call (15 minutes)
We ask three questions: your address, your recent LIPA bill (kWh + amount), and whether you have a battery or EV plans. That tells us if solar makes economic sense for your home — we will tell you upfront if it does not.
- 02
Day 3–10
Free site visit (45 minutes)
The site visit covers a roof walk and laser measurement, shade readings with a Solar Pathfinder, photographs of the electrical panel, and confirmation of the planned panel layout. It is a data-gathering visit, not a sales pitch.
- 03
Day 6–13
Numbered proposal
You receive a single PDF: roof layout with panel placement, kWh production estimate by month, gross install cost, line-by-line incentive math, net out-of-pocket, projected payback year. If you have questions we answer in writing — no high-pressure follow-ups.
- 04
Day 7–30
Contract signed
You sign when you are ready. The contract spells out the gross price, every incentive applied, the workmanship warranty terms, and the exact equipment by model number (panels, inverters, racking). 10% deposit at signing; balance on PSEG turn-on.
- 05
Day 14–44
Design + drawings (1–2 weeks)
A licensed engineer produces signed-and-sealed drawings: structural load calculation, electrical single-line, site plan with setbacks. These go to the Town Building Department + Suffolk County Electrical.
- 06
Day 21–65
Permits filed and approved (2–3 weeks)
Town of Huntington Building Department: 1–2 weeks. Suffolk County electrical permit: 5–7 days. If you are in Northport Village or Lloyd Harbor (or any incorporated village) add 2–3 weeks for ARB.
- 07
Day 35–80
Install day (6–8 hours on the roof)
Most residential rooftop arrays are mounted and wired inside a single working day — racking and panels through the morning, electrical and disconnects through the afternoon. Larger 12+ kW systems can run into a second day.
- 08
Day 42–101
Inspection + PSEG approval (1–3 weeks)
Suffolk County electrical inspector visits within 1–2 weeks of install — usually no issues. PSEG Long Island reviews the interconnection paperwork (1–2 weeks) and schedules a meter swap. Once the new bidirectional meter is installed, the system can be energized.
- 09
Day 49–108
System turned on
The inverters are energized, the monitoring app is handed over (per-panel production, alerts, performance reports), and the final placed-in-service letter goes to you for your federal Form 5695 and NY Form IT-255. The system starts producing that day.
Realistic timeline: 7–12 weeks contract to turn-on
Faster path (no village review, fast PSEG queue): 7 weeks. Standard Suffolk County residential install: 9 weeks. Village or historic-district install (Northport, Lloyd Harbor): 11–12 weeks.
Step 1, starting now
Send us a recent LIPA bill.
The fastest way to start is to send a recent LIPA bill (just the first page is fine). That is enough to come back with a rough quote range; if it makes sense to continue, the next step is the site visit.
Or call: (631) 759-8716