Our Process
We know solar can feel complex. This page is your roadmap—so you always know what’s next.
For us, solar isn’t a one-time installation. It’s a partnership that lasts for decades.
People First
We care for our people so they can care for you.
Doing right by customers starts with supporting our team—through safety, growth, and certification. When our people thrive, your project does too.
Customer Commitment
Every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our customers, from honest communication to dependable results.
Skilled & Certified Teams
Many of our staff earn NABCEP certification, ensuring your project is designed and installed to the highest standards.
Culture of Care
When our employees are safe, supported, and empowered, they deliver the kind of craftsmanship and service our customers deserve.
Going solar is a big decision. We want you to feel fully informed, confident, and comfortable before moving forward. Here’s what you can expect at this stage of the process:
A Clear and Honest Proposal
Doing right by customers starts with supporting our team—through safety, growth, and certification. When our people thrive, your project does too.
No hidden line items or vague promises — everything is spelled out clearly.
We evaluate your roof, energy usage, and long-term goals to design the right system for your home.
Your proposal includes a transparent breakdown: equipment, incentives, and projected savings.
Straightforward Financing Options
We’ll help you understand your options, purchase or financing, so you can choose what fits best.
We’ll explain the pros and cons of each approach, including tax credits and incentives you may qualify for.
A&R Solar does not offer financing. If financing makes sense, we’ll outline third-party options, introduce vetted lenders, and model how terms affect your monthly payments and cash flow. Final agreements are between you and the lender.
You’ll see how each option affects your long-term savings, allowing you to make an informed decision with confidence.
Education at Every Step
We believe informed customers make the best decisions, so we take the time to explain how everything works.
We’ll explain how solar integrates with your roof, your utility, and your lifestyle.
You’ll learn about warranties, system monitoring, and what happens if your needs change in the future.
Have questions? We’ll answer them honestly, with no jargon or pressure. [link to sunvoy portal?]
We’ll make sure you understand your options before you ever feel pressure to decide.
A No-Pressure Timeline
You’ll never be rushed into signing.
Our proposals remain valid for a set period, giving you time to review and decide.
If your situation changes (for example, a new roof or updated energy needs), we’ll adjust your design.
We want you to move forward only when you’re ready.
Our Commitment to You
From day one, your investment is protected.
This stage is all about clarity: we want you to understand your system, your savings, and your choices before you commit. Once you’re comfortable, the next step is exploring how we get everything ready behind the scenes before your installation.
Every system is backed by our Perfect 10 Guarantee™: 10 years of performance, workmanship, and labor coverage.
Your equipment comes with 25+ year warranties from trusted manufacturers.
If something doesn’t meet expectations, we’ll make it right — that’s our promise.
Once you’ve signed your contract, our team starts preparing everything needed for a smooth installation. Here’s what happens behind the scenes and what you can expect:
Going Over the Details
Shortly after signing, you’ll receive a welcome email and we’ll begin refining your system design
Within a few days of signing, we’ll send a welcome email outlining the next steps in your solar journey.
At this time, you’ll make your down payment — typically 10% of the total — by check or credit card (no processing fees).
Our design team will carefully review your proposed system, make refinements as needed, and prepare detailed installation documents.
These documents are used both for our installation crew and for securing permits and approvals from local jurisdictions.
Reviewing Paperwork
We file everything needed to connect your system to the grid and secure the required permits and incentives.
Utility interconnection
We prepare and submit the paperwork authorizing your system to connect to the grid and export excess energy.
Oregon incentives
If applicable, we handle Energy Trust of Oregon documentation on your behalf.
Permits
We secure electrical (and, if required, building) permits with your city or county.
Timelines vary by jurisdiction
Some permits are issued “over the counter” (online or same-day); others require design review and potential engineering analysis, which can add a few weeks.
What we need from you
If a signature or utility account detail is required, we’ll let you know promptly and keep you updated on the status.
Ordering Equipment
Doing right by customers starts with supporting our team—through safety, growth, and certification. When our people thrive, your project does too.
Along with your receipt for the down payment, we’ll send an invoice for the equipment deposit — typically 70% of your system cost.
Once we receive this deposit, we immediately place orders for your solar panels, inverters, and racking materials.
Like many industries, lead times can vary by manufacturer and product availability. We monitor supply closely and keep you updated on timing.
Final Touches
Doing right by customers starts with supporting our team—through safety, growth, and certification. When our people thrive, your project does too.
About two weeks before your installation, your dedicated project manager will reach out.
Together, you’ll review the details of your solar energy system and walk through what to expect.
Depending on your project’s scope, this conversation may happen over the phone or in person.
Your project manager will also confirm your installation date and time, ensuring everything is set for a smooth start.
Your project manager will stay in touch from here through installation day, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
Installation day is a big milestone; it’s when your solar system starts becoming real. Our job is to make the process as smooth, safe, and transparent as possible, while treating your home with the same care we’d give our own.
Meet Your Crew
We take pride in making the process safe, smooth, and respectful of your home. Our in-house crew arrives on time, introduces themselves, and explains what to expect.
All A&R installers are full-time employees who share our commitment to quality and customer care.
Your project manager or crew lead will walk you through the day’s schedule and answer any immediate questions.
You’ll always know who is on-site and how to reach us if you need anything during installation.
How Long Does It Take
Most solar installations take between two and five days to complete. Smaller systems may go faster, while larger or more complex projects may take longer, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
The process usually starts with mounting the racking system, then placing and securing panels.
Electrical work includes wiring the panels to your inverter and connecting safely to your home’s electrical system.
At the end of each day, your project manager will give you a progress update so you always know where things stand.
Safety and Cleanliness
We take safety seriously — for both your household and our crew. We also keep the worksite clean so your home never feels like a construction zone.
Our teams follow strict safety protocols to protect people, pets, and property.
At the end of each day, we secure ladders, tools, and materials so nothing is left lying around.
We tidy up daily, and after installation is complete, the only thing we leave behind is your new solar system.
Inspections and Quality Checks
Before your system can be turned on, it must pass our own quality checks and inspections from your local building department or utility. We coordinate all inspections and approvals, so you don’t have to juggle paperwork or appointments.
Our crew performs internal quality checks at each stage of the installation.
We schedule all required inspections on your behalf.
Local inspectors review our work to ensure it meets electrical and building codes.
Once approvals are secured, your system is officially cleared for activation.
Your System Walkthrough
When installation is complete, we’ll walk you through your new solar system so you understand how it works. You’ll also know what to expect for the final activation step.
With installation complete, your solar system is built, inspected, and ready for the last stage: activation and beyond.
Your crew lead or project manager will explain the key components of your system.
We’ll show you how to access your monitoring tools to track production (if applicable).
You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions so you feel confident before we leave.
Finally, we’ll confirm the next steps for getting your system turned on and powering your home.
After Installation
Once inspections are complete, your utility gives permission to operate, and then your system goes live.
We’ll guide you through activation, system monitoring, and long-term maintenance. Your solar journey doesn’t end when the panels turn on; it’s just getting started.