How We Work

Installing solar on your house or business is a straightforward process. When you meet with one of our friendly solar energy consultants, you will get a complete and accurate understanding of the potential benefits of solar for your property. Once the consultant has processed the required data, you will receive a proposal that lays out the key aspects of your system, and offer you a very straightforward proposal.

Your energy consultant will analyze your site for a photovoltaic (PV) system installation. Your annual energy use, the solar viability of the location and the financial and esthetic goals of the project stakeholders will all be explored and taken into account. Here are some of the tools and factors that go into the analysis.

1. Energy Usage Report – the historical electricity usage (if available) is key to understanding how much energy the property uses throughout the year. This data enables us to forecast accurate cost savings, the percentage of energy usage that will be offset by the solar system and the return on investment on the installed system.

2. Physical Site Assessment – An ideal site should have unobstructed access to the sun, although some shade can be worked around. Several factors such as tilt, sun exposure, and location also affect energy production. If a rooftop is not available, your PV system can be mounted on the ground. American Solar can find a solution that works for almost any site.

3. System Engineering – Your PV system will be engineered to maximize the amount of electricity production. South-facing roof surfaces should be prioritized when designing a PV array. Wire runs will be kept as short as possible to minimize power loss, and inverters will be located in cooler locations to maximize energy production.

4. Installation – Once an installation agreement is signed, the PV system is designed. Electrical drawings are created for permit submittal. Once permits are received, the installation begins. American Solar will be onsite for all of the necessary building inspections, coordinate the PG&E paperwork and configure the system monitoring.