Path-Q Solar
What project milestones should I expect between signing a solar contract and turning the system on?
Answer
Typical milestones are site verification, final design, contract and financing completion, permitting, equipment procurement, installation, electrical and structural inspection, utility or other required approval, commissioning, monitoring setup, and handover. The exact sequence and duration vary, so the contract should assign responsibility and define evidence for each milestone.
Key points
- Confirm the design before equipment is ordered or work begins.
- Distinguish installation completion from permission or approval to operate.
- Ensure failed inspections and punch-list items have a correction process.
- Obtain manuals, warranties, monitoring credentials, inspection records, and final documents at handover.
What it depends on
- Project design
- Permitting and inspection process
- Utility or grid-connection process
- Equipment delivery and site readiness
Risks and trade-offs
- A system can be physically installed but not legally or technically ready to operate.
- Delays may arise from third parties even when installation is complete.
- Paying before final handover can leave documentation and corrections unresolved.
Information you may need
- Installer milestone schedule
- Party responsible for each approval
- Inspection and commissioning criteria
- Handover document list
Your next step
What to do next
Ask the installer to place these milestones, responsible parties, target dates, and payment triggers in the contract.
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