How Solar Panels Are Installed (2026)
Going solar has never been more accessible. The federal solar tax credit still covers 30% of installation costs through 2032, panel prices have dropped over 70% in the past decade, and battery storage is making solar viable even in areas without net metering. But what actually happens when you install solar panels on your home?
Here’s the full process from first consultation to flipping the switch, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Site Assessment & System Design
The process begins with a site assessment, usually conducted by a solar installer or engineer. They evaluate:
- Roof condition: Your roof should have at least 10–15 years of life remaining. If you need a new roof, it’s far cheaper to do it before solar panels are installed.
- Roof orientation & pitch: South-facing roofs produce the most energy in the Northern Hemisphere. East and west-facing roofs work well too. North-facing roofs are generally not suitable.
- Shading: Trees, chimneys, nearby buildings, or other structures that cast shadows on your roof reduce solar production. Modern panel-level optimizers mitigate partial shading, but heavy shade is still a dealbreaker.
- Structural integrity: Solar panels add 3–5 lbs per square foot to your roof. Most roofs can handle this, but older structures may need engineering review.
- Electrical panel capacity: Your main electrical panel (breaker box) needs enough capacity to accommodate the solar system. Homes with older 100-amp panels may need an upgrade to 200-amp service.
Based on the assessment, the installer designs a system sized to offset your electricity usage. A typical residential system is 6–12 kW (16–32 panels).
Step 2: Permits & Paperwork
This is typically the longest part of the process — not because of complexity, but because of municipal timelines. Your installer handles:
| Document | Filed With | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | Local building department | 1–4 weeks |
| Electrical permit | Local building department | Included with building permit |
| Utility interconnection application | Your electric utility | 2–6 weeks |
| HOA architectural review | Your HOA (if applicable) | 2–4 weeks |
| Federal tax credit (Form 5695) | IRS (with your tax return) | At tax filing time |
In Texas, solar permitting is generally straightforward. State law (Senate Bill 398) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels, though they can impose reasonable aesthetic guidelines regarding placement.
Step 3: Equipment Procurement
Once permits are approved, the installer orders equipment. A typical residential solar system includes:
Step 4: Installation Day
The physical installation typically takes 1–3 days for a standard residential system. Here’s what the crew does:
- Install racking. Mounting rails are attached to your roof using lag bolts that penetrate into the rafters. Flashing (waterproof barriers) is installed at each penetration point to prevent leaks.
- Mount the panels. Solar panels are carried onto the roof and clamped to the racking system. Each panel weighs about 45–50 lbs. A crew of 3–4 installers can mount 20+ panels in a day.
- Wire the panels. Panels are connected in series (strings) using weatherproof MC4 connectors. The wiring runs down to the inverter location, usually near your main electrical panel.
- Install the inverter. The inverter (or microinverters, if used) is mounted and connected. For string inverters, this is typically on a wall in the garage or on the exterior near the panel.
- Connect to electrical panel. A dedicated solar breaker is added to your main electrical panel. This is the point where your solar system feeds power into your home’s electrical system.
- Install monitoring system. A monitoring device (usually built into the inverter) is connected to your WiFi, allowing you to track solar production in real time via a phone app.
Step 5: Inspection & Grid Connection
After installation, two inspections must pass before your system can be activated:
| Inspection | Who Conducts It | What They Check | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building/electrical inspection | City or county inspector | Wiring, grounding, code compliance, structural attachment | 1–2 weeks after installation |
| Utility interconnection | Your electric utility | Meter configuration, net metering setup, system verification | 1–4 weeks after city inspection passes |
Once both inspections pass, your utility installs a bidirectional meter (or reprograms your existing smart meter) and grants “Permission to Operate” (PTO). You can now flip the switch and start generating your own electricity.
Solar Panel Costs in 2026
| System Size | Panels (est.) | Cost Before ITC | After 30% Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | 14–16 | $16,000–$20,000 | $11,200–$14,000 |
| 8 kW | 19–21 | $20,000–$25,000 | $14,000–$17,500 |
| 10 kW | 24–26 | $25,000–$30,000 | $17,500–$21,000 |
| 12 kW | 28–32 | $28,000–$36,000 | $19,600–$25,200 |
Costs include panels, inverter, racking, labor, permits, and interconnection. Battery storage ($8,000–$15,000) is additional. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) applies through 2032.
Solar & Your Electricity Plan
If you live in a deregulated state like Texas, your electricity plan matters even after going solar. Here’s why:
- Net metering / buyback rates: Texas doesn’t have mandatory net metering, but many providers offer solar buyback plans that credit you for excess power you send to the grid.
- Time-of-use alignment: Solar produces most during midday, but peak electricity rates are often in the late afternoon. A battery can bridge this gap.
- TDU delivery charges still apply: Even with solar, you still pay your TDU’s delivery charges for any electricity drawn from the grid.
Compare Texas electricity plans with solar buyback options to maximize your savings.
Sources
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) residential solar cost benchmarks, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) market data, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), Texas SB 398 (HOA solar rights), IRS Form 5695 instructions. Last updated March 17, 2026.