Step-by-Step McKinney Solar Installation Timeline
Going solar in McKinney 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
McKinney Specific: Review of Oncor's service area considerations
Output: Custom system design & proposal
Design & Permitting
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Activity: Engineering plans, City of McKinney permit application
McKinney Specific: Submission to Development Services Department
Output: Approved building & electrical permits
Equipment Procurement
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Activity: Order panels, inverters, mounting hardware
McKinney Specific: Selection of Oncor-approved equipment
Output: All equipment delivered to your home
Physical Installation
Duration: 2-4 days
Activity: Roof mounting, electrical wiring, inverter setup
McKinney Specific: Adherence to McKinney's building codes
Output: Fully installed solar system
Inspections & Approvals
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Activity: City electrical inspection, Oncor review
McKinney Specific: City inspector visit, Oncor interconnection approval
Output: Permission to Operate (PTO) from Oncor
System Activation & Monitoring
Duration: 1 day
Activity: Final system commissioning, app setup
McKinney Specific: Oncor net metering activation
Output: Live solar production & immediate savings
McKinney Solar Permit Process Details
All solar installations in McKinney require permits from the City of McKinney Development Services Department. Here's what you need to know:
City of McKinney Development Services
Permit Type: Residential Solar Photovoltaic System Permit
Application Method: Online via MyGovernmentOnline or in-person
Typical Fee: $450 - $750 (based on system size)
Required Documents: Site plan, electrical diagram, structural calculations
Contact: Development Services: (972) 547-7575
McKinney-Specific Requirements
Structural Review: Required for all roof-mounted systems
Historic Districts: Additional review if in McKinney Historic District
Setback Requirements: Compliance with McKinney zoning ordinances
Roof Material: Specific requirements for tile roofs common in Eldorado and Craig Ranch
Energy Code: Must meet 2018 IRC with Texas amendments
Expedited Solar Permitting
Eligibility: Standard residential systems under 25 kW
Process: Over-the-counter review for compliant designs
Timeline: Permit issuance in 5-7 business days
Requirement: Installer must be Oncor-qualified contractor
Benefit: Faster approval, predictable timeline
McKinney City Inspection Requirements
After installation, your solar system must pass multiple inspections before receiving Permission to Operate (PTO) from Oncor:
Electrical Rough-In Inspection
Timing: After wiring, before wall/ceiling closure
Inspector: City of McKinney Electrical Inspector
Focus: Wiring methods, grounding, junction boxes
Code: National Electrical Code (NEC) + Texas amendments
Result: Green tag if approved
Final Electrical Inspection
Timing: After full system installation
Inspector: City of McKinney Electrical Inspector
Focus: Complete system safety, labeling, disconnect switches
Critical Check: Rapid shutdown compliance (NEC 690.12)
Result: Final approval for electrical work
Oncor Interconnection Inspection
Timing: After City electrical approval
Reviewer: Oncor Distributed Generation Specialist
Focus: Net metering equipment, production meter
Requirement: Must use Oncor-approved bi-directional meter
Result: Permission to Operate (PTO) letter
McKinney Inspection Tip:
Schedule your City electrical inspection through the MyGovernmentOnline portal or by calling Development Services. Most inspections can be scheduled within 2-3 business days. Your solar installer typically handles all inspection scheduling and coordination.
Oncor Connection Process
Oncor has specific requirements for connecting your solar system to the grid. Following their process ensures smooth net metering activation:
Interconnection Application
Form: Oncor Distributed Generation Interconnection Request
Timing: Submit with permit application
Requirements: System specifications, single-line diagram
Fee: $50 application fee
Approval Time: 10-15 business days
Equipment Requirements
Meter: Oncor provides bi-directional meter
Inverter: Must be UL 1741 SA compliant
Disconnect: Visible, accessible AC disconnect required
Labeling: Specific warning labels per Oncor standards
Monitoring: Production meter data accessible to Oncor
Net Metering Program
Program: Oncor's net metering for residential customers
Rate: Credits at retail electricity rate (varies by REP)
Benefit: Rollover credits month-to-month
True-Up: Annual settlement with your Retail Electric Provider
Billing: Oncor handles metering, REP handles billing
McKinney Solar: Timeline from Quote to Activation
Understanding the complete timeline helps set proper expectations for your McKinney solar project. Here's the typical schedule from start to finish:
Complete McKinney 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 McKinney permit submission, Oncor application
Key Milestone: Permit approval from 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, Oncor review
Key Milestone: Permission to Operate from Oncor
Week 9: Activation & Monitoring
Activities: System commissioning, app setup, monitoring activation
Result: Solar production begins, savings start immediately
Explore More Texas Solar Information
Looking for solar information in other Texas cities or statewide programs?
View all Texas Solar Information