The short answer
Plan on about 4 to 6 weeks from signing to installation, depending on permits and HOA approval, then another 2 to 4 weeks for your utility to approve turning it on. Install day itself is usually one day. Larger Tier 2 systems can take longer, especially with Duke Energy Florida.
The steps
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Site survey | We measure the roof, check the attic and electrical panel, and confirm your utility. | First week |
| 2. Design and HOA | Engineering for your address’s wind speed, the utility application, and your HOA submission if you have one. | 1 to 2 weeks |
| 3. Permit | City or county plan review. | About 3 days to 2 weeks |
| 4. Install | Racking, panels, inverter and any battery. | Usually 1 day, 2 with a battery |
| 5. Inspection | The city or county inspects the finished work. | Within a few days |
| Signing to install | About 4 to 6 weeks | |
| 6. Utility approval | Your utility reviews, sets the two-way meter and gives permission to operate. | About 2 to 4 weeks, longer for Tier 2 |
What speeds it up
- Send your last 12 months of electric bills and a photo of your electrical panel early.
- Tell us about HOA approval right away. Florida law limits what an HOA can require, but submitting early avoids delays. See Florida HOA rules for solar.
- Under a 2025 Florida law, permits reviewed by a private provider for a single-family home must be acted on within 5 business days or are approved automatically.
What can slow it down
- An electrical panel that needs upgrading.
- A roof that needs repairs first.
- Tier 2 systems over 10 kW, which need extra utility paperwork and insurance. Duke and some other utilities run a longer review for these.
Don’t flip the switch early
Turning a system on before the utility gives permission to operate can violate your interconnection agreement. We tell you the moment it’s approved and walk you through the monitoring app.
Common questions
Do I need to be home on install day? For the start and the walkthrough at the end. The crew needs attic and panel access.
Will my power be off? For a short time while we connect the system, usually under an hour.
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. We checked these facts on October 8, 2026. Rules and rates change, so we confirm what applies to your home before you sign.