OUR PROCESS
Designed for Accuracy.
Built for Long-Term Performance.
Every step of the Valley Solar process is designed to reduce uncertainty and maximize long-term system performance. From detailed design to on-site engineering validation, we make sure the system installed on your home performs exactly as expected.
Step 1: Request a Quote 1-3 Days
Your Schedule. Your Terms.
Getting started is simple — just call our office or use our Easy Quote form to book a time that works for you.
During your first call:
- You’ll get answers to your initial questions.
- We’ll gather a few details about your home and energy goals.
From there, we’ll create a customized solar design to review with you at our next meeting.
Step 2: Solar Design Review 3-6 Days
See the Numbers. Know the Value.
Your Valley Solar designer will walk you through a fully interactive solar design, where you can explore “what-if” scenarios — like adding panels or removing trees — and instantly see the results.
Your design review includes:
- Solar Shade Report: A detailed analysis of your home’s solar potential.
- Production Estimate: Month-by-month projections of expected energy output.
- Equipment Options: Recommendations tailored to your goals and budget.
- Savings Projections: A clear breakdown of your solar ROI and financing options. If we can’t show you at least 30% savings, we won’t take the project.
Step 3: Engineering Assessment 4–7 Days
Engineered for Accuracy. Performance Guaranteed.
After thousands of installations, we’ve honed every detail of our Engineering Assessment for accuracy and repeatability — giving us the confidence to guarantee your system’s performance.
Time on site: plan for ~2 hours (complex sites may take longer).
During the visit, we:
- Review the plan with you — We take time on site to review every aspect of the project with you — confirming equipment placement, conduit paths, and aesthetic preferences — so your final design reflects exactly what you expect on installation day.
- Inspect electrical systems and roof conditions — Evaluate service equipment, roof structure and condition; verify electrical code compliance and confirm readiness. All data is recorded for engineering stamps and permits.
- Capture high-fidelity data — Collect 200+ high-resolution photos and precise measurements, all uploaded directly into our engineering system.
- Create a 3D model by drone — Use high-precision drone imagery to safely model your roof and surroundings.
- Validate design with dual modeling — Reconcile the drone-based 3D model against the design from Step 2. By cross-verifying two data sources, we achieve exceptional accuracy and consistency.
Step 4: Final Design Approval 4–6 Weeks
Clarity Before Commitment
Your designer will meet with you one more time to review the updated system design and walk through the construction agreement. This step ensures you have complete clarity before giving the go-ahead to proceed.
In this meeting, you’ll see:
- Any updates to your system design based on the Engineering Assessment
- Adjustments for structural or electrical upgrades (if needed)
- Your system’s Guaranteed Annual Production, backed by our 95% Solar Production Guarantee
- A detailed review of the Construction Agreement, warranties, and scope of work
- A clear explanation of pricing, payment terms, and incentives
Step 5: Permitting & Procurement 4–8 Weeks
We Handle the Heavy Lifting
With your final design approved, Valley Solar manages all permits and utility applications.
We take care of:
- Engineering stamps and interconnection applications
- Building, electrical, and fire permits
- Procurement of all system materials
Step 6: Installation 4–8 Weeks
Smooth, Professional Installation
Every installation begins with a project walk-through led by your installation lead. Together, you’ll review equipment mounting locations, wire paths, and site logistics to make sure everything proceeds exactly as planned.
Because we never use subcontractors, every person on your roof is a licensed Valley Solar electrician or apprentice — trained, background-checked, and committed to delivering quality work.
Our installation standards include:
- Professional, courteous crews who respect your home and property
- Strict adherence to Valley Solar and OSHA safety standards
- A clean job site at the end of each day
- A post-installation orientation to introduce you to your new system
Step 7: Post-Installation Support Ongoing
Quality & Support That Lasts
Your relationship with Valley Solar doesn’t end when your panels go up. Once your system is online, we audit its performance and enroll you in 10 years of SunAlert™ monitoring at no extra cost.
What you can expect:
- Performance audit: Within weeks of activation, we verify your system is producing as projected — and make immediate corrections if it’s not.
- Personal follow-up: You’ll receive a courtesy call once your system receives permission to operate (PTO).
- 24/7 monitoring: SunAlert™ tracks your system continuously and alerts our team at the first sign of underperformance, so we can act before you even notice.
- Guaranteed results: Your 95% Solar Production Guarantee ensures your system delivers the energy we promised.
- Dedicated local service: Our in-house service team supports hundreds of systems across Western Massachusetts and will be here for decades.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Learn More or Get Started
Explore whether solar is right for your home, or contact us to start a conversation — no pressure, no obligation.