Inquiring About the Installation Process and Timelines: What to Ask Your Installer

You’ve done the hard work. You’ve analyzed your Meralco bills, researched the benefits of solar power, and shortlisted a few promising installers. Now, you’re ready to talk specifics. As you sit down to compare quotes, it’s easy to get fixated on the price tag and the equipment brands. But there's another, equally critical factor that will define your experience: the process itself.

How long will this project actually take? Who will be on your roof? What happens when there are inevitable delays with permits or paperwork? A solar installation is more than a transaction; it's a multi-stage construction project taking place at your home or business. Understanding the installer’s process and timeline is crucial for setting realistic expectations, ensuring a smooth execution, and protecting your peace of mind.

A professional installer will have a well-defined plan and will be able to answer your questions with clarity and confidence. Asking detailed questions about their workflow is one of the best ways to gauge their experience and professionalism. This guide provides a comprehensive list of questions to help you understand exactly what to expect, from the moment you sign the contract to the day you power up your system with the Philippine sun.

Phase 1: The Pre-Installation Blueprint (Paperwork & Planning)

Before a single tool belt is buckled, a significant amount of work happens behind the scenes. This planning and paperwork phase is often the longest part of the entire project, and it’s where many delays can occur.

1. Can you provide a detailed, step-by-step overview of your entire process?
This is a high-level opening question. A seasoned installer should be able to walk you through their standard operating procedure without hesitation. They should outline every major phase: site survey, design, permitting, installation, commissioning, and energization. Their ability to clearly articulate this solar install process is a strong indicator of their organization and experience.

2. What happens during the final site assessment, and who conducts it?
After you sign the contract, the installer will perform a detailed technical site survey. This is more in-depth than the initial sales assessment. Ask who will be coming—is it an engineer or a senior technician? They should be evaluating your roof's structural integrity, taking precise measurements, and confirming the final electrical tie-in points.

3. What is your timeline for completing the final system design and getting my approval?
Based on the site survey, their engineers will create the final technical plans, including the all-important single-line diagram. Ask how long this typically takes and how they will present the final design to you for sign-off before any permits are filed.

4. Who is responsible for securing the LGU permits, and what is the estimated timeline?
This is a critical question in the Philippines. A turnkey installer should handle all the necessary Local Government Unit (LGU) permits, such as the Building Permit and Electrical Permit. Ask for an estimated timeline, but be aware that the processing time can vary greatly between different cities and municipalities. A good installer will be familiar with the specific requirements and timelines in your area and will have factored this into their overall project schedule. It's crucial to understand the importance of solar LGU permits to avoid legal issues down the line.

5. When do you start the Net-Metering application, and how long does it typically take?
For grid-tied systems, the Net-Metering application with your utility (like Meralco or your local electric cooperative) is the gateway to getting credit for the surplus energy you export. The process is notoriously lengthy and document-heavy. Ask your installer when they initiate this process—is it parallel to the LGU permits? Ask for their honest estimate of the timeline, which can often be several weeks to a few months. Their experience with the Meralco Net-Metering guide is a huge advantage.

Phase 2: The Physical Installation (On-Site Work)

This is the most visible stage of the project, where the physical transformation of your rooftop takes place. Clear communication during this phase is key to minimizing disruption.

6. Once all permits are approved, how long will the physical installation on my property take?
For a standard residential system, the on-site installation work is surprisingly fast, often taking only 2 to 5 days. A larger or more complex commercial system will take longer. Getting a clear estimate helps you plan for the presence of the work crew.

7. Who will be on the installation team, and who is my on-site supervisor?
You have a right to know who will be working on your property. Ask about the team's composition. Is there a supervising Master Electrician or engineer on-site? Are the technicians TESDA-certified? Knowing there's a clear chain of command and a designated supervisor to talk to is reassuring.

8. What are your team's typical working hours, and what safety protocols do they follow?
Set clear expectations about logistics. Will they work on weekends? What time do they start and finish? More importantly, ask about their safety procedures. They should be using personal protective equipment (PPE), including fall arrest systems. Their commitment to safety reflects their overall professionalism.

9. How do you protect my property during installation, and what is your clean-up policy?
The installation team should take care to protect your property, such as your garden or driveway, from any potential damage. They should also have a strict policy of cleaning up the work area at the end of each day and removing all debris upon project completion.

Phase 3: The Final Steps (Testing & Energization)

The panels are on the roof, but the job isn't done. The final phase involves rigorous testing and official sign-offs before your system can be safely turned on.

10. What does the system testing and commissioning process involve?
Before the system is energized, a professional installer will perform a series of tests to ensure everything is working correctly and safely. This process, known as solar commissioning, includes checking voltages, polarity, grounding, and the functionality of safety features. Ask them to explain these tests to you.

11. Is a final inspection from the LGU or utility company required?
In some areas, a final inspection from a city electrical inspector or a representative from your utility company is required before the system can be legally energized. Ask if this is the case in your area and how it is scheduled.

12. What is the timeline from the end of installation to the final "permission to operate"?
This is a crucial timeline to understand. There can be a gap between the end of the physical installation and getting the final green light from your utility to turn the system on. This period often involves waiting for the utility to inspect the work and replace your old meter with a new bi-directional meter. This wait can be several weeks.

13. Will you provide a full walkthrough and training on the system?
Once the system is ready to go, a good installer will provide a comprehensive orientation. They should walk you through the components, explain how to use the monitoring app to track your production, and show you the proper shutdown procedures for emergencies or maintenance.

Managing Expectations: Communication and Delays

Even with the best installers, delays can happen. Open communication is the key to navigating these bumps in the road.

14. Who will be my single point of contact throughout the entire project?
You shouldn't have to chase down different people in different departments. A professional company will assign you a dedicated project manager or coordinator who will be your single point of contact for all questions and updates.

15. How will you keep me updated on the project's progress and any potential delays?
Will you receive weekly email updates? A call when a major milestone is reached? Establish a communication plan. Most importantly, ask how they communicate delays. A proactive installer will inform you of a potential delay with a permit, for example, before you have to ask about it.

By asking these detailed questions, you move beyond the sales pitch and gain a true understanding of how your solar installer operates. This dialogue builds a foundation of transparency and trust, ensuring you know exactly what to expect every step of the way. It’s an essential part of the due diligence that allows you to confidently ask solar installers the tough questions and ultimately choose a partner who will deliver a seamless, professional, and rewarding solar experience.