Summary: Build multiple sites and Site Collections by loading solution onto server.
Directions: If the site
template is going to be applied in multiple Site Collections, it is best to
install onto the server, have it deployed, then activated. These steps
require Server Administration rights and Site Collection Administration
permission.
1. Within the web front end, open the SharePoint Management Shell.
2. Place the WSP on your server to be added to the Farm Solutions Gallery. Note where the WSP is stored.
3. Type Add-SPSolution within the Management Shell.
4. In the LiteralPath, provide the directory structure for the WSP (i.e., C:\<<directories>>\file.wsp) and press Enter. This adds the solution to the environment. It must be deployed.
5. On the Web Front End, choose SharePoint Central Administration.
6. Click on System Settings.
7. Click on Manage Farm Solutions.
8. Click on the solution to be deployed.
9. Click Deploy Solution, then click OK. This will globally deploy the site template. To use the site template, it needs to be activated.
10. Within the top site of the Site Collection or Web Application, access the Site Settings.
11. In the Site Collection Administration section, click on Site Collection Features link.
12. Click on the Activate button next to the solution. This will make the site template available for use within the Site Collection or Web Application.