Step-by-Step Lehi Solar Installation Timeline
Going solar in Lehi 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
Lehi Specific: Snow load analysis, altitude considerations
Output: Custom system design & proposal
Design & Permitting
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Activity: Engineering plans, City of Lehi permit application
Lehi Specific: Submission to Community Development Department
Output: Approved building & electrical permits
Equipment Procurement
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Activity: Order panels, inverters, mounting hardware
Lehi Specific: Selection of snow-shedding compatible equipment
Output: All equipment delivered to your home
Physical Installation
Duration: 2-4 days
Activity: Roof mounting, electrical wiring, inverter setup
Lehi Specific: Adherence to Utah's snow load building codes
Output: Fully installed solar system
Inspections & Approvals
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Activity: City electrical inspection, Rocky Mountain Power review
Lehi Specific: City inspector visit, RMP interconnection approval
Output: Permission to Operate (PTO) from Rocky Mountain Power
System Activation & Monitoring
Duration: 1 day
Activity: Final system commissioning, app setup
Lehi Specific: Rocky Mountain Power net metering activation
Output: Live solar production & immediate savings
Lehi Solar Permit Process Details
All solar installations in Lehi require permits from the City of Lehi Community Development Department. Here's what you need to know:
City of Lehi Community Development
Permit Type: Residential Solar Photovoltaic System Permit
Application Method: Online via Lehi Citizen Access Portal
Typical Fee: $400 - $700 (based on system size)
Required Documents: Site plan, electrical diagram, structural calculations for snow load
Contact: Building Division: (385) 201-1005
Lehi-Specific Requirements
Snow Load Calculation: Required - 60 psf minimum for Lehi
Altitude Considerations: Equipment rated for 4,500+ ft elevation
Historic Districts: Additional review if applicable
Setback Requirements: Compliance with Lehi zoning ordinances
Wind Load: Designed for 90 mph winds
Streamlined Solar Permitting
Eligibility: Standard residential systems under 25 kW
Process: Pre-approved plans for common Utah roof types
Timeline: Permit issuance in 5-7 business days
Requirement: Installer must be Utah licensed solar contractor
Benefit: Faster approval, predictable timeline
Lehi City Inspection Requirements
After installation, your solar system must pass multiple inspections before receiving Permission to Operate (PTO) from Rocky Mountain Power:
Electrical Rough-In Inspection
Timing: After wiring, before wall/ceiling closure
Inspector: City of Lehi Electrical Inspector
Focus: Wiring methods, grounding, junction boxes
Code: National Electrical Code (NEC) + Utah amendments
Result: Green tag if approved
Final Electrical Inspection
Timing: After full system installation
Inspector: City of Lehi Electrical Inspector
Focus: Complete system safety, labeling, disconnect switches
Critical Check: Rapid shutdown compliance (NEC 690.12)
Result: Final approval for electrical work
Rocky Mountain Power Interconnection Inspection
Timing: After City electrical approval
Reviewer: Rocky Mountain Power Solar Program Specialist
Focus: Net metering equipment, production meter
Requirement: Must use RMP-approved bi-directional meter
Result: Permission to Operate (PTO) letter
Lehi Inspection Tip:
Schedule your City electrical inspection through the Lehi Citizen Access Portal. Most inspections can be scheduled within 2-3 business days. Your solar installer typically handles all inspection scheduling and coordination.
Rocky Mountain Power Connection Process
Rocky Mountain Power has specific requirements for connecting your solar system to the grid. Following their process ensures smooth net metering activation:
Interconnection Application
Form: Rocky Mountain Power Schedule 135 Application
Timing: Submit with permit application
Requirements: System specifications, single-line diagram
Fee: $100 application fee (residential)
Approval Time: 15-20 business days
Equipment Requirements
Meter: Rocky Mountain Power provides bi-directional meter
Inverter: Must be UL 1741 SA compliant
Disconnect: Visible, accessible AC disconnect required
Labeling: Specific warning labels per RMP standards
Monitoring: Production meter data accessible to RMP
Net Metering Program
Program: Schedule 135 Net Metering
Rate: Full retail credit for excess generation
Benefit: Monthly rollover of credits
Annual True-Up: Settlement each April
System Limit: 25 kW maximum for residential
Lehi Solar: Timeline from Quote to Activation
Understanding the complete timeline helps set proper expectations for your Lehi solar project. Here's the typical schedule from start to finish:
Complete Lehi 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 Lehi permit submission, RMP application
Key Milestone: Permit approval from Community Development
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, Rocky Mountain Power review
Key Milestone: Permission to Operate from RMP
Week 9: Activation & Monitoring
Activities: System commissioning, app setup, monitoring activation
Result: Solar production begins, savings start immediately
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