Six Steps to Solar

Step 1. Initial Consultation

Participation starts by identifying the type and size of the system you need. We will review the SREC Registration Program requirements with you to confirm the likelihood you are eligible for incentives. We can talk with you over the phone and review internet air photos of your site together. Have an electric bill handy so you know how many kilowatt hours you use. Based on what we learn, you may then invite us to your home or business to evaluate your roof for solar potential. Factors such as the orientation of your roof and seasonal shading from trees are all considered when estimating the production power of a solar system on your roof. We use a special measurement tool to accurately estimate the energy production capability of your specific roof before you commit to investing in our products.

Step 2. Permits

After contracting and design, and prior to installation, we apply for the State and local building and/or electrical permits. Solar Connections will handle all of the necessary permits with information you provide. The contents of a completed SREC Registration Packet generally include an application form, the appropriate technical worksheet, documentation of annual electric consumption, a signed contract for the system to be installed, and a site map.

Once the SREC Registration application is accepted you should receive a New Jersey Clean Energy Program confirmation (approval letter) within 4-6 weeks. The letter will certify that the project, as proposed, will be eligible to generate SRECs in accordance with the State’s RPS rules. You must receive an SREC Registration approval letter prior to completing the local inspection, or you will not be able to generate SRECs.

Local permit code requirements vary from town to town, but are based on Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), which specifies system design and installation requirements for solar electric systems. The building inspector will refer to this when reviewing your system plan.

Step 3. Utility Interconnection/Net Metering Agreement

This agreement is required to connect your system to the electric utility. It specifies terms and conditions, technical requirements, safety testing requirements, etc. We prepare an Interconnection Application for the electric utility with your New Jersey Clean Energy Program incentive reservation confirmation and your signature.

Prior to installation, Solar Connections will submit a completed New Jersey Clean Energy Program Pre-Installation Application and a Technical Worksheet.

We will review and prepare all materials carefully and guide you through the process.

When the application is approved, you’ll receive a letter or e-mail from your electric utility confirming your reservation and explaining the interconnection and inspection requirements.

Step 4. Solar Connections will install your new Solar Electric System.

You may have workers on your roof during the workday for about a week.

Step 5. Utility and Code inspection sign-off

After the local municipal inspection, we will submit a Final Paperwork Packet or "As-Built" Packet to NJCEP. Under our Trade Ally status, only random Solar Connections projects are selected for inspection. If an inspection is required, you will be contacted by NJCEP within one week to schedule an inspection. If the inspection is waived, you will recieve a letter within two weeks which will contain the necessary paperwork for Solar Connections to comeplete the process.

The completed packet includes the utility interconnection application, local code UCC, and proof of completion of energy efficiency audit and insulation sealing.

Step 6. Reap the benefits of clean, reliable solar power.

You will be enjoying the benefits of your solar system for a long time. We proudly stand behind our work for a full five years. Our coverage includes all parts and labor, plus the cost of removing, shipping and reinstalling or replacing an unlikely defective component.

Once your renewable energy installation passes inspection and is interconnected with the power grid, you begin to earn SRECs. Solar installations earn one SREC per 1,000 kWh of generation for the first 15 years of production. You will receive a letter that contains instructions on how to register with the SREC tracking system. Solar Connections can help you with that process.

Your benefits do not stop there: the new solar panels on your roof are warranted for 25 years of electric production. That means if your system is purchased in 2011, your solar panels will be under manufacturer’s production rate warranty until 2036.