Our process
From signed to solar — and we'll tell you the truth about timing
Most complaints in solar come from the post-sale phase: permitting, inspections, and utility delays. We attack that head-on with transparency and a process you can watch.
How it works
How your OC Solar system works
- Step 1 · Sunlight
It starts with the sun.
All-black, high-efficiency panels soak up Southern California sunshine from dawn to dusk.
- Step 2 · Clean power
Power, made on your roof.
Your inverter turns that sunlight into the everyday electricity your home already runs on.
- Step 3 · Storage
Bank it in a Powerwall.
Store the extra for outage backup — and to keep the lights on after the sun goes down.
- Step 4 · Independence
Your home, day and night.
Live on your own clean power around the clock. The grid becomes your backup, not your bill.
How it works
How your OC Solar system works
It starts with the sun.
All-black, high-efficiency panels soak up Southern California sunshine from dawn to dusk.
Power, made on your roof.
Your inverter turns that sunlight into the everyday electricity your home already runs on.
Bank it in a Powerwall.
Store the extra for outage backup — and to keep the lights on after the sun goes down.
Your home, day and night.
Live on your own clean power around the clock. The grid becomes your backup, not your bill.
See the project timelineOur process
From signed to solar — with no surprises.
Median: 30 days to install · 60 days to power-on
01Design & Sign
Days 1–3We confirm measurements, shading, and a custom roof-first layout, then lock your price. Your dedicated project manager is assigned on day one.
OC Solar
02Permits & Approvals
≈ 2–4 weeks*We prepare and submit every form and stamp to your city and utility, and track each one. You do nothing — and we report status weekly.
Utility / City (we manage it)
03Install Day
1–2 daysOur crews install your system — typically in 1–2 days — clean, safe, on time, with photo updates. Every job is run and warrantied by OC Solar.
OC Solar
04Inspection
≈ 1–2 weeks*We schedule and meet the city inspector and handle any corrections same-week so you're not stuck waiting.
Utility / City (we manage it)
05Power On (PTO)
varies by utility*We submit your interconnection application and push for Permission to Operate, then activate your system and set up monitoring. The moment it's live, your savings start.
Utility / City (we manage it)
*Steps marked with an asterisk are controlled by your utility (SCE, SDG&E, PG&E) or city. We can't change their queues — but we own the paperwork end-to-end and keep you updated every week until your system is on.
Our process
From signed to solar — with no surprises.
Design & Sign
Days 1–3We confirm measurements, shading, and a custom roof-first layout, then lock your price. Your dedicated project manager is assigned on day one.
OC SolarPermits & Approvals
≈ 2–4 weeks*We prepare and submit every form and stamp to your city and utility, and track each one. You do nothing — and we report status weekly.
Utility / City (we manage it)Install Day
1–2 daysOur crews install your system — typically in 1–2 days — clean, safe, on time, with photo updates. Every job is run and warrantied by OC Solar.
OC SolarInspection
≈ 1–2 weeks*We schedule and meet the city inspector and handle any corrections same-week so you're not stuck waiting.
Utility / City (we manage it)Power On (PTO)
varies by utility*We submit your interconnection application and push for Permission to Operate, then activate your system and set up monitoring. The moment it's live, your savings start.
Utility / City (we manage it)Day 1
Median timeline; utility queues vary
▨ = utility/city-controlled
Day 30
median install (sign → panels on)
Day 60
median power-on (PTO)
*Steps marked with an asterisk are controlled by your utility (SCE, SDG&E, PG&E) or city. We can't change their queues — but we own the paperwork end-to-end and keep you updated every week until your system is on.
Behind the process
The tools and supply network behind a buildable design
Design software helps us compare roof planes, shade, production, storage, and commercial layouts. Established distribution relationships support equipment availability and technical documentation. Field verification, engineering, permitting, and the signed proposal still control the final system.
What you can count on
The part other companies get wrong — handled
Slow communication and PTO surprises are the industry's biggest failure. These are our commitments to make sure they're not yours.
A dedicated project manager
One named point of contact who owns your project from signing to power-on.
A real response window
We commit to a response time on every question — not a black hole after you sign.
Weekly status updates
Proactive updates at every milestone, especially through permitting and PTO.
We own the paperwork
Permits, interconnection, and utility applications are handled and tracked by us.
Want to see exactly what we're navigating on your behalf? How California solar permits, inspections & PTO actually work — the full guide. If an association reviews your design, use our California HOA solar rights and approval checklist.
Life after install
We're here for the next 25 years — not just install day
The job isn't done when the panels go up. Your system comes with proactive monitoring that catches issues — often before you'd notice — and a real, named service channel staffed by our in-house team. Curious what the finished work looks like? See real installs we've documented, step by step.
24/7 system monitoring
We watch performance continuously and flag problems early.
A named service channel
Reach a real person — not an endless phone tree — when you need support.
Warranty & service in-house
Our own team handles service requests, backed by manufacturer warranties.
Common questions
What homeowners ask about the process
Straight answers on timing, paperwork, and when your savings actually start.
The physical install is usually just 1–2 days. But total time from signing to power-on depends on city permitting and utility interconnection, which we don't control. We give you a realistic timeline up front and manage every step, so there are no surprises along the way.
We assign your dedicated project manager on day one and confirm measurements, shading, and your roof-first layout. Then we prepare and submit every permit and utility form. You do nothing — we own the paperwork end-to-end and report status to you every week.
We do. OC Solar prepares and submits every permit and utility application, tracks each one, and schedules and meets the city inspector ourselves. If corrections come up, we handle them. Permitting and inspection timelines are set by your city and utility, not us.
Your savings begin the moment your system is granted Permission to Operate (PTO) and switched on. PTO timing is controlled by your utility, so it varies. We submit your interconnection application, push for approval, and activate monitoring as soon as you're cleared.
Refer & earn
Refer a friend.
Know someone tired of rising utility bills? Send them our way. When your friend or family member goes solar with OC Solar, we'll thank you with $500.
- 1
Send their info
Share your friend's name and a way to reach them — takes a minute.
- 2
They go solar
We design, install, and power on their system, start to finish.
- 3
You get $500
Paid after their system is installed. Refer as many as you like.
Or call 949-427-8817 to refer someone. Terms apply.
Ready to take control of your power bill?
Get a fast, honest, no-pressure estimate from a real local advisor — built from your actual roof and usage.
Already a customer? Refer a friend & get $500 · See all OC Solar reviews
Licensed, Bonded & Insured · CSLB #1023627