Choosing solar energy is a smart investment, but understanding the process can be overwhelming without the right guidance. West Seattle Electric and Solar offers full-service solar panel installation in Seattle that homeowners can rely on, from consultation through connection. As a licensed solar and electrical contractor, we handle every step in-house, ensuring your project stays safe, efficient, and compliant.
If you’re considering solar for your home, here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect throughout the installation process.
Step 1: Site Survey and Custom Estimate
The process begins with a site survey to evaluate your home’s solar potential. This includes examining your roof’s orientation, tilt, and shading conditions, as well as attic access, electrical panel placement, and structural suitability.
West Seattle Electric and Solar provides site surveys at no charge. Based on this assessment, we’ll provide a custom estimate that includes panel recommendations, system sizing, installation costs, and estimated energy savings.
Step 2: Design and System Planning
Once you approve the estimate, we will move forward with the system design. Our team evaluates your home’s energy usage and available space to recommend the most effective layout, whether rooftop, ground-mounted, or a free-standing solar tracking system.
As licensed electricians, we also design the electrical connections in-house. This allows us to:
- Optimize panel and inverter placement.
- Ensure clean, code-compliant electrical integration.
- Plan for future expansion or battery storage if needed.
By managing both the solar and electrical design, we avoid the delays and confusion that come with outsourcing.
Step 3: Permitting and Utility Coordination
Before any installation begins, permits must be secured through your local municipality, and your utility provider must be notified. This step ensures your system meets all local and state regulations.
West Seattle Electric and Solar handles the permitting and coordination for you. Our team prepares and submits the paperwork, schedules inspections, and communicates with the utility company to ensure everything is aligned for a smooth connection.
Step 4: Installation Day
Installation typically takes one to three days, depending on system size and roof complexity. During this phase, our team:
- Installs mounting hardware or racking
- Places and secures the solar panels
- Connects the inverter and electrical components
- Ensures all wiring is concealed and protected
- Grounds the system and integrates it with your electrical panel
With our licensed electricians handling every step, each installation is completed with precision, professionalism, and care for your home.
Step 5: System Inspection
Once installation is complete, your city or county electrical inspector will need to review the system to confirm it meets all safety codes and standards. We coordinate and schedule the inspection as part of our service.
Our familiarity with Seattle-area codes and inspection requirements helps ensure your system passes without issue.
Step 6: Final Utility Connection
After the inspection is approved, we submit the final paperwork to your utility provider to initiate the connection process. Once your utility grants permission to operate, your system goes live, and you begin producing solar energy.
While final utility approval can take a few days, our team ensures you’re updated throughout the process.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
After installation, we remain available for inspections, maintenance, or future upgrades. West Seattle Electric and Solar also provides inspection and repair services for existing solar systems, even those installed by other companies.
In the future, if you need to re-roof your home, we also offer professional solar array removal and reinstallation to protect your panels and preserve your investment.
Why Choose West Seattle Electric and Solar?
We provide a level of service that many solar panel installation Seattle companies cannot match. Here’s why:
- We are licensed electricians and solar installers.
- All design, installation, and electrical work is handled in-house.
- We are veteran-owned and family-operated.
- We offer transparent pricing with no subcontractor markups.
- Site surveys and estimates are always free.
We also provide labor discounts for veterans and those aging in place, reinforcing our commitment to serving the local community.
Related Articles:
- What Seattle Homeowners Should Know About Solar Repair and Installation
- A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Installation and Maintenance in Seattle
What Comes Next?
If you’re thinking about solar, the next step is a conversation. We’ll explain your options clearly, address any questions, and guide you toward a solution that fits your home and energy goals.
For reliable, full-service solar panel installation in Seattle, contact West Seattle Electric and Solar today.
