Preparing for rooftop solar panel installation doesn’t take much time or effort on your part – your professional photovoltaic contractor will handle almost everything. However, to streamline the process and ensure your solar power project doesn’t hit any snags, take the following steps.
A reputable photovoltaic contractor will let you know if your roof has obvious damage or doesn’t appear to be in good enough shape for solar panels. However, only a roofer, structural engineer or certified building professional can determine if your rooftop can accommodate the weight of a solar power system. Before you proceed with the installation, find an expert and schedule an inspection to make sure your rooftop is structurally sound.
If you have shade trees near your home, trimming their branches back can give the sun full access to your solar panels – which allows for optimal rooftop solar power production. As giving your trees a trim can be dangerous work, you may want to hire a local landscaper or arborist instead of taking on the task yourself.
Do you live in a planned community, subdivision or townhome development? Before your rooftop solar panel installation begins, you may need to get approval from your homeowners association. This may simply require your solar power system to meet certain design guidelines, but your photovoltaic contractor can help if your HOA has any concerns about the project.
To safely install your solar panels, your photovoltaic contractor will likely need to temporarily turn off the power. The electricity shouldn’t be off for long, but now that you know, the outage should be less of an inconvenience. And if you like, you don’t have to stay home during the installation – you only need to be there in the morning to meet the crew and provide attic access and toward the end of the project to allow for setup of the solar power system monitor.
Are you ready to make the switch to solar power? With Intermountain Wind & Solar, the leading residential and commercial photovoltaic provider in the Intermountain West for more than a decade, rooftop solar panel installation is both easy and affordable.
Our professional photovoltaic contractors can design an efficient, cost-effective rooftop solar power system, and we’ll let you know exactly what to expect through every step of the installation process. We’re happy to answer your questions, too, and we’ll take the time to explain how to operate the equipment.
To learn more about Intermountain Wind & Solar, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss rooftop solar panel installation anywhere in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming or Nevada
In Utah, most rooftop solar projects move from contract signing to grid-tie in 4–6 weeks. Intermountain Wind & Solar handles all permits in-house and schedules a 1-day install with our full-time crew. You’ll have panels live after final inspection and utility approval—typically under 7 days post-install.
Begin with a free roof inspection from Intermountain Wind & Solar. We’ve completed over 2,000 installs on Utah and Idaho homes since 2008. Clear debris, fix leaks, and ensure shingles are under 10 years old. If your roof needs work, our in-house roofing team can upgrade under the same permit, saving you up to 15% on combined projects.
Our 4–6 certified IWS installers need clear access to your roof, driveway, and main electrical panel. Secure pets, move vehicles, and clear a 3-foot path around attic or garage entry. Plan for a 7–8 hour window—most homeowners in Wyoming and Oregon complete prep in under 30 minutes before crews arrive.
Homeowners in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Oregon can claim a 30% federal tax credit and local utility rebates up to $500. Intermountain Wind & Solar offers 12–20 year loans with 0% down, plus bulk-purchase discounts for multi-panel systems. Our project advisors will run ROI models showing payback in 6–8 years on average.
Solar mounts from Intermountain Wind & Solar use low-penetration flashing compatible with most asphalt and metal warranties. Over 3,500 installations since 2008 maintain original roof warranties. We coordinate with your shingle manufacturer if needed, ensuring you keep both roof and solar coverage intact.
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