Fall is a smart time to think about solar. Cooler weather makes roof work more comfortable, and a system installed now is up and running before the long, sunny days return in spring. If you’ve ever watched a crew on a neighbor’s roof and wondered what they’re actually doing up there, here’s what really happens.
1. The site assessment
A technician visits the building to inspect the roof and the electrical system. They check the roof’s age, condition, and pitch, which direction it faces, and what might shade it, like trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings. They also look at the electrical panel to confirm it can handle a new power source.
Why it matters: A roof that needs replacing in five years should be fixed before panels go on it. A good assessment prevents expensive surprises later.
2. Design and engineering
Designers turn the assessment into a plan: how many panels, where they sit, how they’re wired, and what equipment converts their power into electricity the building can use. In New York City, plans also have to show fire code clearances, the open pathways firefighters need to move across a roof safely.
Why it matters: This is where safety and performance are locked in. A well-designed system produces more power and passes inspection the first time.
3. Permits and paperwork
The installer submits plans to the local building department and applies to connect the system to the utility grid. In NYC, that can involve the Department of Buildings, the FDNY, and the utility (usually Con Edison or PSEG Long Island).
Why it matters: This step usually takes the longest. It’s also why solar companies need people who understand codes and compliance, not just people who can work on a roof.
4. Installation day
This is the part most people picture, and it typically takes 1 to 2 days. It goes roughly like this:
- Safety setup. Before anyone climbs, the crew sets up fall protection: anchors, harnesses, and guardrails or warning lines along the roof edge.
- Racking. Installers attach mounting hardware to the roof structure and seal every attachment point so the roof stays watertight.
- Panels. Panels are lifted to the roof and clamped onto the rails, then wired together.
- Inverter and electrical. An electrician connects the panels to an inverter (which converts the panels’ DC power into the AC power a building uses), then ties the system into the electrical panel with the required disconnects and labeling.
- Cleanup and check. The crew tests connections, tidies wiring, and clears the site.
Why it matters: Solar panels themselves are fairly simple. The skill is in doing everything around them safely and to code, on a roof, in every kind of weather.
5. Inspection
A local inspector checks that the system matches the approved plans and meets building, electrical, and fire codes. In NYC, a Department of Buildings sign-off is also required to qualify for the city’s solar property tax abatement.
Why it matters: Inspection is the final safety check. It protects the building, the people inside, and the firefighters who may one day need to get onto that roof. It’s also why crews who know the codes are so valuable: work done right passes the first time.
6. Permission to operate
Once the system passes inspection, the utility reviews it and grants “permission to operate.” Only then can the owner turn the system on and start producing their own power.
Why it matters: A grid-connected system can send extra power back to the utility, which can earn the owner credits on their electric bill. The utility’s review makes sure that power flows in safely, protecting line workers and the grid itself.
Who makes it happen
A rooftop installation is a team effort. Here are the people you’d typically find on a project:
Solar PV installers are the heart of the crew, and demand for them is strong. Their median pay is $53,140 a year, with the top 10% earning more than $79,970. Employment is projected to grow 37% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all jobs.
You don’t need a degree to get started. Most installers have a high school diploma plus focused training, with on-the-job training lasting anywhere from a month to a year. Construction experience can shorten that path.
How to get on the roof
The biggest risks on a solar job are falls, electrical shock, and burns from hot equipment. That’s why safety training comes first, and it’s where Soulful Synergy can help:
- Start with a safety credential. OSHA 30 and, for NYC job sites, Site Safety Training (SST) are often the first things employers ask for. They show you’re ready to work safely from day one.
- Add solar-specific skills. Programs like our Clean Energy Academy and Green Construction Training build the hands-on skills solar employers are hiring for.
- Use funded training. Several of our programs are free to eligible New Yorkers and include job-placement support.
- Get connected. We pair training with mentorship and direct employer connections, so a certificate turns into a real job.
Ready to see solar from the roof up?
Browse our courses and free programs at soulfulsynergy.org, call 866-917-SOUL, or email info@soulfulsynergy.org to find the right first step for you.