Steps To Install Your System

SVEC is here to help you through the process of installing a renewable energy system for your home.

Though your contractor handles most of the steps, we recommend that you, as homeowner, play an active role. Understanding the key steps and the roles and responsibilities can help you set expectations and communicate effectively with your contractor.

STEP 1: Prepare your home and find a contractor

Key Roles: You

Start by making your home more energy efficient. It will allow you to install a smaller renewable energy system and save money. Here’s where to begin:

Complete a free TVA Energy Audit. The results will be a helpful guide in making choices about how to reduce your overall electricity consumption. Take the Energy Checkup.

Choose your contractor: check the How to Choose Your Contractor section for tips on this very important step.

STEP 2: Prepare the Interconnection Agreement

Key Roles: Your Contractor

After you and your contractor choose the appropriate renewable energy system for your home, the contractor fills out an application to connect your system to the SVEC electric grid. Your contractor processes the application paperwork and you must sign the Interconnection Agreement. Here’s what to do next:

Check on rebates. Find out about TVA incentive programs and ask your contractor whether you qualify for rebates.

Timeline:

Ensure that your contractor fills out the Interconnection Agreement application early so that you can start generating energy shortly after your system passes State of Tennessee inspections.

STEP 3: Complete installation

STEP 4: Get your system inspected by the State of Tennessee

Key Roles: Your contractor and city or county inspectors

To obtain a final building permit, your renewable energy system must pass city or county inspections for safety and code compliance.

For safety reasons, don’t turn on your system until SVEC gives you official written permission to operate it.

Timeline:

The timeframe depends on the city or county requirements. Help avoid delays by ensuring that your contractor has arranged for the building permit and scheduled the inspections.

STEP 5: Get permission to operate your system

Key Roles: Your contractor and SVEC

To get permission to operate your system, your contractor submits all required paperwork to SVEC. The paperwork includes the Interconnection Application, a line diagram of the system and a copy of the final building permit. After SVEC approves the documents, we’ll send you official written permission to operate.

Timeline:

After SVEC receives the required paperwork from your contractor, permission to operate your system typically takes 5 to 10 business days, up to a maximum of 30 business days. TIP: Include your email address on the Interconnection Application to receive approval faster by email.

PLEASE NOTE: During the SVEC engineering system review, we may determine that upgrades are needed to support your renewable system. These upgrades may incur a cost and cause delay.