Thinking about going solar, but wondering how long the process takes?
Whether your goal is to lower your hydro bills, add battery backup for blackout protection, or build a complete home energy system, understanding the installation timeline can help you plan with confidence.
The good news is that installing a solar power system doesn't take months of construction. In fact, the on-site installation is often completed in just a few days. Most of the timeline is spent designing the right system, obtaining permits, and coordinating approvals to ensure everything is installed safely and meets local requirements.
At Solar Power Store, we guide you through every step, from your initial quote request to the day your system is producing clean electricity. Here's what you can expect.
Step 1: Request Your Free Solar Quote
Your solar journey starts by requesting a free no-risk quote, which is easily completed in just a few minutes.
Our online quote form helps us understand your property, your electricity usage, and what you want your solar system to achieve.
Some of the most common goals for homeowners looking to install solar include:
- Lower your hydro bills: If your home is connected to the grid, solar helps offset your electricity consumption and saves significant money every month. You can reduce long-term energy costs even more through Ontario net metering programs.
- Add backup power: Many homeowners are choosing solar with battery storage to keep essential appliances running during emergencies and power outages caused by storms or unexpected grid interruptions.
- Power a remote property: Need power where there isn’t any right now? For cottages, cabins, farms, and other off-grid locations, solar offers a clean, quiet, and reliable alternative to relying solely on generators.
- Prepare for future energy needs: Is there a heat pump, an electric vehicle, or battery storage in your future? Designing your system with those upgrades in mind can help maximize your investment and be ready for whatever the future brings.
The more information you provide, the more accurate your proposal will be and the faster we will be able to get it returned to you.
The most helpful details include:
- Your last 12 months of electricity usage
- Property type
- Roof type or preferred mounting location
- Photos of your electrical panel
- Your energy goals
- Approximate budget
- Desired installation timeline
How long does a quote take?
Most residential quote requests are sent back to the homeowner for review within about 24 to 48 business hours.
If we need additional information, our team will contact you before preparing your proposal. More complex projects, including large rural properties or custom off-grid systems, may require additional quoting time to ensure every recommendation is tailored to your specific needs.
Step 2: System Design and Engineering
Once you've reviewed your proposal and decided to move forward, one of our solar advisors will work with you to refine your system design.
This stage goes beyond simply choosing solar panels. We carefully design your system around your home, your budget, and your long-term energy goals.
During this phase, we evaluate:
- Solar panel placement
- Roof orientation and shading
- Overall system size
- Battery storage options
- Future electricity needs
- Equipment compatibility
- Local utility requirements
After you've fully reviewed and approved the project’s scope, timeline, and budget, we request a $500 risk-free deposit to ensure the project.
What does 'risk-free' mean? It's simple. Your deposit is 100% refundable if the necessary permits or utility applications are not approved, and the project is unable to move forward. If all the required permits and applications proceed smoothly, then the $500 deposit is simply applied as a credit on your final invoice.
How long does the system design take?
Engineering and system design typically take 1 to 2 weeks.
This allows our team to review every detail and make any necessary adjustments before submitting permit applications. This process ensures that all the equipment, hardware, connections, wiring, and installation requirements are precisely defined and detailed to fit your property, match the power requirements of your home, and achieve your specific goals.
Once the system design has been completed, you'll receive a full list of materials and a detailed line diagram outlining how your new solar system will be installed.
Step 3: Permits, Utility Applications, and Rebates
After the engineering phase, we'll handle all the paperwork related to electrical permits, applications for rebates, and utility approvals for you if you choose a turnkey installation project. If you choose a DIY project, we'll be happy to provide all the guidance and expert advice you need to handle this portion of the project yourself. Just know that we are always available to assist in any way you need us.
If you choose to have us handle this for you, our team will prepare and submit the required permits and utility applications while coordinating the other elements of your project behind the scenes, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle.
Depending on your location, we'll also help identify financing programs or rebate opportunities that may apply to your installation. There are many incentive programs for homeowners that provide ultra-low-rate financing and money-back rebates that help to make your move to solar even more affordable. This, in turn, helps to speed up the payback period of your investment and puts more money back in your pockets faster.
How long do permit approvals take?
The permitting and approvals stage can take between 30 and 60 days, although timelines vary depending on:
- Your municipality
- Your local utility
- Permit approval times
- Utility application processing
Step 4: Installation Day
Once approvals are complete and your equipment is ready, it's time for installation.
For most residential systems, the installation takes just 1 to 3 days.
Our experienced installers will perform thorough quality checks to ensure the system is 100% compliant with all Canadian codes and safety requirements, so you'll have zero worries when it's finally ready to power on.
When Should You Start Planning a Solar Installation?
Because engineering, permitting, and utility approvals can take several weeks, homeowners who want their system operating before winter should ideally begin the process in late spring, summer, or early fall.
Starting early gives you the best chance of completing your project on a timeline that works best for you, especially before colder weather arrives.
Solar systems can be installed year-round, as long as the weather cooperates, but the timing of your project can affect scheduling and installation conditions.
Spring, summer, and early fall generally provide:
- Longer daylight hours
- More predictable weather
- Easier roof access
- Fewer weather-related delays
- Greater installation flexibility
Winter installations are still possible, but snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and shorter daylight hours can occasionally slow down roof work or require additional safety precautions.
The biggest advantage of starting before winter is that your system is more likely to be ready to generate electricity before winter's higher energy demands and potential storm-related outages.
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Solar Installation
While the physical installation of a solar system often takes just a few days, designing the right system, securing permits, and completing utility approvals takes time.
That's why planning ahead is one of the best ways to ensure your project stays on schedule.
Whether you're looking to lower your hydro bills, add battery backup, or prepare your home for future upgrades, Solar Power Store's team is here to guide you through every step.
Ready to plan your solar project? Get in touch with Solar Power Store and let our team help you build a solar power system that meets your needs.