Step-by-Step Tempe Solar Installation Timeline
Going solar in Tempe follows a clear, predictable path. Here are the six key steps from your initial consultation to powering your home with clean energy:
Consultation & Site Assessment
Duration: 1-2 days
Activity: Energy analysis, roof evaluation, shading study
Tempe Specific: Review of SRP solar production estimates
Output: Custom system design & proposal
Design & Permitting
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Activity: Engineering plans, City of Tempe permit application
Tempe Specific: Submission to Tempe Development Services
Output: Approved building & electrical permits
Equipment Procurement
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Activity: Order panels, inverters, mounting hardware
Tempe Specific: Selection of high-heat tolerant equipment
Output: All equipment delivered to your home
Physical Installation
Duration: 2-4 days
Activity: Roof mounting, electrical wiring, inverter setup
Tempe Specific: Adherence to Tempe's building codes
Output: Fully installed solar system
Inspections & Approvals
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Activity: City electrical inspection, SRP review
Tempe Specific: Tempe inspector visit, SRP interconnection approval
Output: Permission to Operate (PTO) from SRP
System Activation & Monitoring
Duration: 1 day
Activity: Final system commissioning, app setup
Tempe Specific: SRP net metering activation
Output: Live solar production & immediate savings
Tempe Solar Permit Process Details
All solar installations in Tempe require permits from the City of Tempe Development Services. Here's what you need to know:
City of Tempe Development Services
Permit Type: Residential Solar Photovoltaic System Permit
Application Method: Online via Tempe ePermits Portal
Typical Fee: $400 - $700 (based on system size)
Required Documents: Site plan, electrical diagram, structural calculations
Contact: Tempe Development Services: (480) 350-4311
Tempe-Specific Requirements
Structural Review: Required for all roof-mounted systems
Historic Districts: Additional review if in Tempe Historic District
Heat Considerations: Equipment rated for desert temperatures
ASU Proximity: Special considerations near ASU campus
Energy Code: Must meet 2018 IECC with Arizona amendments
Expedited Solar Permitting
Eligibility: Standard residential systems under 20 kW
Process: Streamlined review for typical installations
Timeline: Permit issuance in 5-7 business days
Requirement: Installer must be licensed Arizona contractor
Benefit: Faster approval, predictable timeline
Tempe City Inspection Requirements
After installation, your solar system must pass multiple inspections before receiving Permission to Operate (PTO) from SRP:
Electrical Rough-In Inspection
Timing: After wiring, before wall/ceiling closure
Inspector: City of Tempe Electrical Inspector
Focus: Wiring methods, grounding, junction boxes
Code: National Electrical Code (NEC) + Arizona amendments
Result: Green tag if approved
Final Electrical Inspection
Timing: After full system installation
Inspector: City of Tempe Electrical Inspector
Focus: Complete system safety, labeling, disconnect switches
Critical Check: Rapid shutdown compliance (NEC 690.12)
Result: Final approval for electrical work
SRP Interconnection Inspection
Timing: After City electrical approval
Reviewer: SRP Distributed Generation Team
Focus: Net metering equipment, production meter
Requirement: Must use SRP-approved bi-directional meter
Result: Permission to Operate (PTO) letter
Tempe Inspection Tip:
Schedule your City electrical inspection through the Tempe ePermits Portal. Most inspections can be scheduled within 2-3 business days. Your solar installer typically handles all inspection scheduling and coordination.
SRP Connection Process
SRP has specific requirements for connecting your solar system to the grid. Following their process ensures smooth solar activation:
Interconnection Application
Form: SRP Solar Interconnection Application
Timing: Submit with permit application
Requirements: System specifications, single-line diagram
Fee: $50 application fee
Approval Time: 10-15 business days
Equipment Requirements
Meter: SRP provides bi-directional meter
Inverter: Must be UL 1741 SA compliant
Disconnect: Visible, accessible AC disconnect required
Labeling: Specific warning labels per SRP standards
Monitoring: Production meter data accessible to SRP
SRP Price Plans
Program: E-27 or E-28 Price Plan required
Benefit: Lower demand charges for solar customers
Consideration: Different from traditional net metering
Savings: Bill credit for excess generation
Advantage: Predictable solar economics
Tempe Solar: Timeline from Quote to Activation
Understanding the complete timeline helps set proper expectations for your Tempe solar project. Here's the typical schedule from start to finish:
Complete Tempe Solar Project Timeline
Weeks 1-2: Consultation & Design
Activities: Site assessment, energy analysis, proposal review
Decision Point: Sign contract, select equipment
Weeks 3-5: Permitting & Planning
Activities: Engineering plans, City of Tempe permit submission, SRP application
Key Milestone: Permit approval from Tempe Development Services
Week 6: Installation
Activities: Equipment delivery, roof mounting, electrical work
Duration: Typically 2-4 days of active work
Weeks 7-8: Inspections & Approval
Activities: City electrical inspections, SRP review
Key Milestone: Permission to Operate from SRP
Week 9: Activation & Monitoring
Activities: System commissioning, app setup, monitoring activation
Result: Solar production begins, savings start immediately
Explore More Arizona Solar Information
Looking for solar information in other Arizona cities or statewide programs?
View all Arizona Solar Information