Our 5-Step Process to Energy Independence

SmartSolar Evaluation and Advanced System Design

After you’ve contacted us to request an estimate, here’s what you can expect:

1. Someone from the E2’s dedicated sales team will call you to begin the fact-finding process. We will ask for a copy of your power bill (or relevant data) and ask you questions that will help us determine your needs, such as “What are your goals (how much energy do you want to offset, etc.)?” and “Do you have a budget for the project?”
2. Using the data we’ve gathered and satellite imagery of your property, our team will create a design for a solar system that’s tailored to your specific needs.
3. Along with this proposed design, we’ll provide a personalized bid that includes your estimated power and energy savings, as well as any rebates and incentives you may qualify for.
4. Lastly, we’ll set up a time to visit your property to conduct a site walk.

Timeline: Once we’ve received a copy of your power bill and discussed your needs, our goal is to have a bid in your hands in five days. If you’re experiencing a delay during this stage of the process, please email us at sales@e2.solar.

Site Walk and System Review

Once you’ve had time to review our bid and you’re ready for the next step, your E2 sales rep will visit your home or business for a site walk and to discuss specifics about this project. Here’s what to expect:

1. We will walk the site, evaluate your existing electrical infrastructure, assess the property’s sun exposure and shade, and verify that our calculations are correct.
2. This is when we’ll talk through the proposed design in detail and answer any questions about the project.
3. Once you have approved the terms of the bid, we request a signed contract and 50% deposit to begin work.

Timeline: Our goal is to set an appointment for a site walk within a week of a customer receiving a bid. If you’re experiencing a delay during this stage of the process, please email us at sales@e2.solar.

Permitting, Net Metering, and Incentive Preparation

After you’ve signed a contract, E2 will immediately request approvals from the necessary entities. Here’s what this process looks like:

1. We’ll submit all pertinent information to the relevant entities with the following requests: approval from your utility company, incentives/funds from The Energy Trust of Oregon/Oregon Department of Energy, and permitting.
2. It typically takes a) one to two weeks to secure incentive funds from The Energy Trust of Oregon/Oregon Department of Energy, b) three to four weeks to receive permits, and c) four to six weeks for your utility company to provide approval for us to connect your solar system to their grid.
3. Once we have received all of the above, we will schedule your installation.

Timeline: While we begin submitting requests within a week of contract signing, it can take anywhere from three to six weeks to obtain the necessary approvals and permits. (We cannot schedule an installation until we’ve received these items.) We will schedule your installation within 10 days of receiving all approvals. If you’re experiencing a delay during this stage of the process, please email us at projects@e2.solar.

Installation

Using only the highest quality materials from trusted solar manufacturers, E2 Solar will begin the installation process. Here’s what to expect during this step:

1. Our team will install a mounting system on your roof consisting of brackets and rails. This ensures that the solar panels are held securely.
2. We will next position the panels on the mounts and connect them via electrical wiring. The inverter will also be installed (this is the device that converts DC power from the panels to AC power for home use).
3. Our fully licensed electrician will next wire the inverter to the electrical panel of your home or business. This will allow your solar panels to feed the excess electricity you generate into the grid.
4. We’ll set up a monitoring system that will track your home’s or business’s energy production, then perform a final test to ensure the proper functionality of your system.

Timeline: This will vary depending on the size of your system, but will typically take anywhere from one to five days. If you’re experiencing a delay during this stage of the process, please email us at projects@e2.solar.

Final Inspections

Before your solar system can be connected to the grid, a qualified solar inspector will visit your home or business to verify that it meets net metering requirements in Central Oregon. During this step, you can expect the following:

1. The city or county will inspect the wiring, grounding, mounting, disconnects, and overall functionality of your newly installed solar system.
2. Once you’ve passed inspection, E2 Solar will provide the appropriate documentation to your utility company (Pacific Power, Midstate Electric, Central Electric Cooperative, etc.) with the notification that the net meter can be installed.
3. This is about the time that you’ll receive your first invoice from E2 Solar.
4. Your utility company will install the net meter, automatically connecting you to the grid.
5. You will now begin powering your home or business with renewable energy, with any excess electricity you produce being fed back into the grid. This allows you to store your excess solar power for later use by drawing from the grid when your solar production is low.
6. Final payment to E2 is collected.

Timeline: The city’s/county’s inspection can happen as early as the day after we complete an installation, but it can take longer (depending on local demand). Once your system has passed inspection, E2 will notify your utility company immediately. It can take the utility company anywhere from 5 to 30 days to install the net meter. If you’re experiencing a delay beyond these timelines, please email us at service@e2.solar.