How to Get Solar: The Purchase Process

Horizon Solar, LLC provides one of the most thorough and precise solar site evaluations in the industry.  A trained professional will visit your property and conduct the following:

• Assessment of power needs based on previous utility bills and anticipated increases or decreases in energy utilization.
• Determination of the ideal PV system installation location based on customers’ preferences and logistical considerations (shading issues, roof condition, etc.)
• A complete analysis of your solar exposure from multiple points of the proposed PV system location using digital imaging from a Solar Pathfinder.
• Identification of significant shading objects with time of day and month they will impact a potential system.

The initial site evaluation can usually be conducted within a few days of contacting Horizon Solar, LLC, depending on weather and customer availability.

Numerous variables must be considered when designing a PV system.  Information obtained in the Site Evaluation will be used to produce a detailed site analysis and system proposal which will include the following:

• Energy Consumption Profile: evaluates typical energy use and associated costs
• Recommended PV System: details system size, major components, and estimates the electrical production.
• PV System Costs: details equipment and installation costs, less all applicable Federal, State and utility rebates.
• Financial Analysis: provides a system financial analysis which details direct savings, system payback, positive cash flow, annual rate of return, and home value increase.
• Environmental Benefits: describes the positive benefits of owning a PV system attributed to reduced emissions (e.g. greenhouse gases).

The comprehensive system design takes 2-3 business days to conduct.

Prior to installation, it is important to secure all necessary construction permits and obtain pre-approval for the utility (LIPA) rebates.  All paperwork will be drafted and submitted by Horizon Solar, LLC.  The following are the steps in the process:

• A contract between Horizon Solar, LLC and the customer will be drafted.  It will detail system costs, payment schedule, and system warrantees.
• Horizon Solar, LLC will submit the “LIPA Rebate Application Form”, in order to get pre-approval for the PV system rebates.  We will prepare the necessary paperwork for the net-metering contract with LIPA.
• We will provide the customer with information regarding the Federal and State tax credit programs. We advise that you contact a tax attorney to verify your eligibility with the tax credit programs.
• Horizon Solar, LLC will obtain information on applicable local building codes, and acquire all necessary building permits for the PV system.  An additional site visit will be conducted with a licensed engineer to ensure the PV system can safely be installed to building codes.

Due to the wait time associated with building permits and pre-approval from LIPA regarding, this step takes approximately 12-16 weeks.

Once approval for building permits and rebates have been approved, installation may commence.

• PV system equipment will be ordered, and delivered to the local distributor.  Installation by a professional and courteous team will occur within 2 weeks of equipment availability.
• All necessary inspections (electrical and structural) will be performed as per building and fire codes.
• All necessary paperwork will be submitted to LIPA, who will conduct a field inspection.  Upon approval of the PV system, LIPA will change out your meter to a “net meter” which is capable of running backwards as you produce energy.
• Horizon Solar, LLC will conduct a free PV system check-up each year for 5 years to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible.

Procuring the equipment and installing the PV system takes approximately 6 weeks, depending on equipment availability.  The inspections associated with the building permits and LIPA connection can take up to 2 months to complete.  LIPA issues the rebate check within two months of system approval.