Solar basics 2 min read
How a Solar Plant Is Installed: From Site Survey to Switch-On
What exactly happens from first call to commissioning? We walk through each project stage, how long it takes and your role in it.
GPS Engineering Team
Clients ask: what happens after we sign, and when will I see the first saving on my bill? Here is the solar installation journey with GPS, step by step.
Key takeaways
- Six stages: survey, design, offer, supply and installation, connection and net metering, operation and maintenance.
- Homes take days; large factories take weeks.
- Your operations continue during the works.
- You receive a full file: drawings, warranties, O&M manual and monitoring.
Stage 1: free site survey
Our engineer measures space, checks roof condition, maps shading and reviews the electrical board and the last 12 months of bills. Book a free survey.
Stage 2: engineering design
- Panel layout on the roof.
- Inverter selection and string design.
- Monthly yield simulation.
- Structural study where needed.
Stage 3: technical and financial offer
A clear offer listing components, expected yield, savings, payback, timeline and warranties.
Stage 4: supply and installation
| Size | Approx. installation time |
|---|---|
| Home, 5–10 kW | 2–4 days |
| Business, 50–100 kW | 1–2 weeks |
| Factory, 500 kW–1 MW | 4–8 weeks |
Stage 5: testing, connection and net metering
- Insulation, voltage and current tests on every string.
- Earthing and protection checks.
- The net-metering application, distribution-company inspection and meter installation.
Stage 6: commissioning, handover and maintenance
We energise the plant, train your team on the monitoring platform, hand over the project and warranty file, then start scheduled maintenance.
An engineer visits to measure the space, review consumption and give a final quote.
How much would your plant save?
Get system size, cost and expected savings in under a minute.
GPS engineers have designed and built solar plants across Egypt for 15+ years. Here they share what they learn in the field.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be on site during installation?
Not constantly — a site contact for access is enough, and we send regular progress reports with photos.
When will I see savings on the bill?
Self-consumption savings show from the first bill after switch-on; the net-metering effect appears once the bi-directional meter is installed.
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