How going solar works, step by step
Seven clear steps, one project coordinator and text updates at every milestone. Most Fresno homes go from first call to power-on in 5 to 9 weeks.
Your path to solar
Scroll through what happens, when it happens and what we need from you.
- Step 1 Day 1
Free consultation
Tell us about your home, bills and goals by phone, video or in person. We explain options in plain English, in English or Spanish, with zero pressure.
Your part: Share a recent utility bill
- Step 2 Days 3 - 7
Site survey
A technician inspects your roof, attic, electrical panel and shading, and flies a drone for precise measurements. About 60 to 90 minutes.
Your part: Be home to give attic and panel access
- Step 3 Days 7 - 10
Custom design and proposal
Your designer builds a 3D model and production estimate, then compares cash, loan, lease and PPA options, with and without a battery.
Your part: Review and ask every question
- Step 4 Weeks 2 - 5
Permits and utility approval
We prepare engineering drawings, submit city or county permits and file your PG&E or SCE interconnection application. You get status updates by text.
Your part: Nothing, we handle it
- Step 5 Weeks 4 - 6
Installation day
Our in-house crew installs racking, panels, wiring and any battery. Most homes are done in one day; batteries and roofing add a day or two.
Your part: Park cars out of the driveway
- Step 6 Weeks 5 - 7
Inspection
A city or county inspector verifies the work. Our project lead attends every inspection so you do not have to take time off.
Your part: Provide gate or yard access
- Step 7 Weeks 6 - 9
Permission to operate
Your utility approves the system and we switch it on together, set up your monitoring app and walk you through outage and battery settings.
Your part: Download the monitoring app
Typical residential timeline
Utility and permit times vary by city. These are recent Fresno County averages.
| Phase | Typical time | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation to signed proposal | 1 - 2 weeks | You and your designer |
| Permits and engineering | 2 - 4 weeks | Brightpath |
| Utility interconnection application | 1 - 3 weeks (parallel) | Brightpath |
| Installation | 1 - 3 days | Brightpath crew |
| Inspection | 3 - 10 days after install | City or county |
| Permission to operate | 1 - 3 weeks after inspection | PG&E or SCE |
Process questions
Most residential projects take 5 to 9 weeks from signed agreement to permission to operate. Commercial and agricultural projects take longer depending on engineering and utility studies.
Only at the start and end of the day, so we can confirm the plan and walk you through the work. The crew needs access to your electrical panel and attic.
No. Systems must stay off until the utility grants permission to operate. Turning a system on early can violate your interconnection agreement.
Your project coordinator texts you at every milestone, and we explain any hold-ups, such as a utility backlog or a required panel upgrade, as soon as we know.