The Sun First Process

Throughout our 25 years of experience designing and installing solar systems, Sun First has developed a highly effective and efficient procedure. When deciding which product is right for you there are some initial thoughts to consider:

There are three main factors that help us design a system to fit your needs.

1. Your electrical usage to determine the best financial strategy
2. Best available unshaded location for panels
3. Your budget

To size a system accurately, we like to take a year’s history of your usage, which can be obtained by reviewing your past bills or directly contacting PG&E 800-743-5000. In addition, we believe it is an advantage to have an on-line account with PG&E if you have not already done so, create an account www.pge.com. The website feature functionality for you to review your account usage directly and this information is generally accessed by setting up a password for your account.

If you do not have past usage for your residence or business (perhaps you just obtained the property) Sun First! Solar, with your input, can forecast a general range of future usage.

Contact Sun First: Give us a call at 415-458-5870. We will discuss your expectations, and what size and type of system will best meet your wants and needs. We will discuss price, mounting location and technique, utility rebates and incentives, expectations of your solar electric or hot water system, and we will address any other questions you may have.

Site Evaluation and Quote: If you are interested in pursuing a system, one of Sun First Solar experts will come out with the most technologically advanced tools to determine the Solar Access and the best location for a given location and will discuss with you the strongest options, take measurements, evaluate your electrical setup, review a history of your electric usage (if available) and develop system estimates for your review and consideration. These estimates will include a financial analysis detailing average annual energy savings, payback period, estimated rebates, net costs, and return on investment.

Initiate Project: Client accepts system design and system quote. A deposit is collected from the customer. Sun First Solar prepares system drawings and utility documents, coordinates system installation approval with your HOA, pulls building permits from proper authorities, and begins procurement of installation materials and major system components. Installation is scheduled with homeowner or project manager.

System Commissioning: After installation is complete and all electrical inspections have occurred, Sun First Solar tests various system components for safe operation and commissions the system in conjunction with the customer’s utility company.

Sun First Solar guarantees its workmanship on residential and commercial projects for a period of 10 years from the date of system acceptance. This includes all wiring, conduit and the physical installation of the major system components.

Customer Walk Through: A full walk through of the system is done prior to or after commissioning. System operation guidelines and maintenance issues are addressed with client. The System Operations Manual is presented and an optional maintenance contract is offered to the client (semi-annual maintenance for systems incorporating batteries, annual maintenance for systems without batteries).

Note: Final payment is due for all remaining invoices upon completion of customer walk through and system acceptance.

If you have any questions or comments regarding our Design / Build Process or would like to make an appointment to discuss a project with Sun First Solar, please call our sales office at (415) 458-5870.