What to Expect During Your Solar Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Switching to solar is one of the best investments Alberta homeowners can make — for their homes, their budgets, and the planet. But once you’ve signed your contract, you might wonder — what happens next?
At Evalence Renewables, we believe your solar journey should be simple, transparent, and stress-free. Our professional team manages every step — from design to activation — so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your home and the energy savings that come with it.
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect during your solar installation process:

Ground-Mount Solar System near Red Deer, Alberta.
Step 1: Design Proposal and Site Assessment
Your solar journey with Evalence Renewables begins with a personalized design and quote — no commitment required, just a clear picture of your home’s solar potential.
Getting Started Online
To get started, simply share a few details about your home through our online form:
- A photo of your electrical panel (with breakers visible) and any subpanels.
- Your most recent utility bill (with the 12-month usage graph).
This information helps our design and engineering team assess your current energy setup and create an accurate, customized proposal for your property.
Designing a System That Fits Your Needs
Next, we examine your energy usage using the information you have provided—to design a system that meets your household’s real needs. Our goal is to size your system to offset as much of your power bill as possible while remaining cost-effective.
Smart Solar Design Tools
We use advanced software like Aurora Solar to simulate your system’s performance. This technology allows us to:
- Predict monthly and annual energy production
- Optimize panel placement for maximum efficiency
- Visualize how your system will look on your roof before installation
This combination of science and creativity ensures your solar system works efficiently and looks great.


Irradiance View using Aurora Solar
Your Design Review
Once the design is complete, we provide a clear, easy-to-read proposal including:
- Panel placement diagrams
- Expected energy production and savings
- Details on all equipment, including panels, inverters, and racking systems
We review the plan with you, answer any questions, and make adjustments as needed. By the end of this stage, your system is ready for the next step: permits and approvals.
Getting to Know Your Home
Now that your project is approved and the contract is signed, our next step is to confirm that your solar design fits your home perfectly. We may visit your home for an on-site inspection or use satellite imagery and digital tools to create a virtual roof model.
Here’s what we evaluate:
- Roof size, angle, and direction – to identify the best sunlight exposure for your panels.
- Shading – to check for trees, vents, or nearby buildings that could block the sun.
- Roof condition – to ensure it can safely support the solar equipment.
- Electrical setup – our electricians review your main panel and wiring to ensure compatibility with a solar system.
- Attic assessment – to verify access points, roof truss condition, insulation, and available space for cable routing. This helps confirm that your roof structure is sound and suitable for the installation.
- Electrical room measure-up – to record the exact space and layout for inverters, disconnects, and metering equipment.
- Verification of electrical route to attic – to confirm the best path for running cables between the roof and electrical panel.
During this stage, our team ensures your proposed design can be safely and practically implemented based on your home’s structure and electrical layout. If adjustments are needed, the design is modified before moving forward to the permitting stage. Every step adheres to Alberta’s building and electrical safety codes, ensuring a compliant, safe installation.
Step 2: Permitting and Approvals
Once your solar design is ready and you’ve given us the green light, it’s time for the paperwork — but don’t worry, Evalence Renewables handles it all for you.
This step is all about making sure your system is officially approved and ready for installation. Solar projects in Alberta require a few key permits and applications, and we take care of each one from start to finish.
Project Deposit
To begin the permitting process, we require a 10% project deposit. This allows our team to secure your project in the schedule and start submitting the necessary applications and permits.
The deposit is fully refundable in the event that your local utility does not approve your project for interconnection.
Once approvals are received, this deposit is applied toward your total project cost.
We Handle the Red Tape for You
We submit your micro-generation application to your local utility provider (like EPCOR, ENMAX, ATCO, or FortisAlberta). This allows your solar system to connect to the grid so you can earn credits for the power you produce.
We apply for all necessary electrical and building permits with your municipality. These ensure that your system meets all local safety and construction standards.
We coordinate with inspection authorities to make sure everything is approved before installation begins.
Our experienced team knows exactly what each utility and municipality requires, which helps prevent delays and keeps your project on track.
How Long Does Permitting Take?
Permitting timelines can vary depending on your utility provider and location. On average, it takes about four weeks, but it could take longer if the utility needs to complete a technical review or infrastructure needs to be upgraded for all approvals to come through. Throughout this stage, you’ll receive regular updates from our team — so you’ll always know where things stand.
Your Role
The best part? You don’t have to lift a finger. We handle all submissions, follow-ups, and approvals on your behalf. If your utility or municipality requires additional information, we’ll contact you right away to make it quick and easy.
Step 3: Procurement and Scheduling
With all permits and approvals in place, it’s time to bring your solar design to life. This is where Evalence Renewables moves into action — ordering your equipment, preparing the schedule, and getting everything ready for installation day.
Sourcing Quality Equipment
We believe your solar system should be built to last. That’s why we only source Tier 1 solar panels, CSA-certified inverters, and premium mounting hardware from trusted manufacturers.
Every component we use meets or exceeds Canadian safety and performance standards, ensuring long-term reliability, efficiency, and warranty protection. Our procurement team carefully coordinates deliveries to make sure all materials arrive on time and in perfect condition.
Scheduling Your Installation
Once all equipment is ready, our project coordinator will reach out to schedule your installation. The timeline for this stage typically runs about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on equipment availability, weather, and your location.
You’ll receive a detailed schedule that outlines what to expect before, during, and after the installation — so there are no surprises.
Keeping You Informed
Throughout this step, communication is key. We’ll update you on equipment arrival dates, confirm installation timing, and answer any questions you may have along the way. Our goal is to make sure you always feel informed, confident, and excited about the next phase of your solar journey. Once your materials are on-site and the schedule is confirmed, it’s time for the most exciting part —
installation day!
Step 4: Installation Day(s)

Roof-mounted solar installation in Edmonton, AB.
After weeks of careful planning and preparation, it’s finally time to see your solar system take shape on your roof. This is the most exciting part of your solar journey — when the design becomes reality.
At Evalence Renewables, we make sure your installation experience is smooth, safe, and completely stress-free from start to finish. Every detail is handled by our in-house, certified installers who take pride in their craftsmanship and professionalism.
What to Expect When Our Team Arrives
Our friendly, professional installation crew will arrive early, introduce themselves, and walk you through the day’s plan before starting any work. We’ll make sure you know exactly what’s happening and when, so there are no surprises along the way. To complete the installation efficiently, we’ll need access to the following areas:
- Driveway or yard – for unloading materials and staging equipment
- Electrical panel – typically located in your basement or utility area
- Roof area – where solar panels will be securely mounted
- Attic space – to run the wiring connections safely and neatly
Once everything is set up, our technicians carefully install the racking, solar panels, and inverters, following all safety protocols and Alberta electrical codes. You can expect a clean, professional workspace throughout the entire process.
Safe and Efficient Work
Safety is always our top priority. Our installers use approved protective gear, follow all safety procedures, and ensure every component is properly secured and tested. We also treat your property with care — keeping the workspace neat, minimizing disruption to your household, and cleaning up thoroughly once the job is done. For most homes, installation typically takes one to three days, depending on your system’s size, roof type, and weather conditions. By the end of this step, your home will be ready for the next exciting stage — electrical inspection and commissioning.
Our Promise: Quality, Safety, and Accountability
At Evalence Renewables, we believe your solar experience should be simple, transparent, and worry-free. From design to activation, our team takes care of every detail with the same care and precision we’d expect in our own homes. All electrical work is completed by our in-house certified electricians, ensuring your system meets Alberta’s building and electrical standards. Every installation is carefully inspected for safety, performance, and long-term reliability — so you can enjoy clean energy with total confidence.
When your project calls for specialized work, such as structural reviews or minor roof adjustments such as roof vent relocation, we collaborate with experienced professionals who meet our high standards for quality and craftsmanship. Our project team manages every step to keep your installation on schedule and up to our promise of excellence. With Evalence, you’re not just getting solar panels — you’re getting a system built to last, installed by people who care, and backed by a team you can trust.
After the Installation
Once the panels are mounted and wired, we’ll double-check every connection and prepare your system for inspection and commissioning. Before we leave, our team will make sure your property is clean, safe, and exactly as we found it — with one big improvement: a brand-new solar system ready to start generating clean energy.
Step 5: Electrical Inspection and Commissioning
Once your solar panels are securely installed, the next step is to make sure everything is safe, compliant, and ready to start producing power. This phase includes two important milestones: inspection and commissioning.
The Electrical Inspection
Every solar system in Alberta must pass an electrical inspection before it can be turned on. Don’t worry — Evalence Renewables handles all the coordination for you.
Here’s what happens:
We schedule the inspection with your local authority or utility provider. An electrical inspector visits your home to verify that all wiring, grounding, and system components meet Alberta’s safety and code requirements.
The inspector prepares a report showing the system complies with the Canadian Electrical Code. We share that with the utility. You don’t need to be an expert or handle any paperwork — our team manages everything and keeps you updated every step of the way.
Your Solar Walkthrough
Before we wrap up, our team provides a
personalized walkthrough of your system. We’ll show you how everything works, explain
How to Read Your Solar Monitoring App and answer any questions you might have about system maintenance or performance tracking. By the end of this step, your solar power system will be fully approved, connected, and producing electricity — officially marking the start of your journey as a solar homeowner.
Step 6: Monitoring and Support
Your solar system is now up and running! But the journey doesn’t stop at installation. At Evalence Renewables, we make sure you can track your system’s performance and get support whenever you need it.
Keep an Eye on Your Solar Production
With tools like the APsystems EMA app, you can monitor your solar energy in real-time right from your phone, tablet, or computer. You’ll be able to see:
- How much electricity your system is producing each day
- Energy generated by each individual panel
- Historical trends to see how much energy you’ve produced over time
This gives you the power to watch your savings grow while understanding exactly how your system is performing.

Spot Potential Issues Early
The monitoring app isn’t just for tracking production — it also helps identify any performance issues. If a panel or inverter isn’t working as expected, the system sends an alert so we can take action quickly. Our proactive approach helps keep your solar system operating at peak efficiency, maximizing your energy savings year after year.
Ongoing Support from Evalence
Whether you have a question about your monitoring app, need guidance on system maintenance, or want to discuss warranty coverage, our friendly support team is just a call or email away.
We’re committed to helping you get the most out of your solar investment, providing assistance whenever you need it — long after your system is installed.
9. Conclusion
Switching to solar is an exciting journey, and at Evalence Renewables, we’re here to make every step simple, transparent, and stress-free.
From site assessment and custom design to installation, inspection, and ongoing support, we manage the details so you can focus on enjoying the benefits — lower energy bills, clean power, and a positive impact on the environment.
Whether it’s your first solar system or an upgrade with EV charging or battery storage, our team is here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you get the most out of your solar investment.
Start your solar journey today and experience the peace of mind that comes with professional, reliable, and efficient solar energy — right on your rooftop.
📞 Contact Evalence Renewables:
Phone: +1 (587)435-7349
Email: inquiries@evalence.ca
Website: https://www.evalence.ca
Recent Posts

