How to Go About Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy costs and help the environment. Installing them can be a DIY project or you can hire a professional to handle it for you. However, either way, you'll need to know what steps to take so that your solar installation goes as smoothly as possible.
The first step is to determine if your home is a good candidate for solar. This involves learning about your property, the average amount of sunlight you receive, and your household's electrical demand. Depending on these factors, you may be able to qualify for federal tax incentives.
Once you have an idea of your home's potential for solar, it's time to talk with the Solar Panel Installation specialist. They'll be able to provide you with a custom estimate based on your property's needs. They can also explain your options and what to expect from the installation process.
If you decide to go ahead with a solar system, you'll need to prepare your roof for mounting the panels. There are two primary ways to do this: roof mount or ground mount.
When roof-mounting, you will need to mark the locations of your rafters on the roof and install attachments that secure the solar panel mounting rails in place. Once the mounting rails are in place, you'll need to attach flashings and racking rails.
To do this, use a level to make sure that your rails are even across all of the rafters and that they're spaced properly according to your rack report. Next, use a quality torque wrench to tighten your rails.
As you work, be sure to keep your insulated tools close by and to shut off your household's electricity supply at the circuit breaker before working on your breaker panel. You'll need a voltmeter to measure voltage while you're working so that you can ensure your breaker panel is safe for use with your solar system.
Whether you're installing a roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar system, you'll need to wire your entire electrical run. Wiring your solar system is essential for safety and to meet code requirements. It also ensures that the solar array is grounded and feeds into the utility grid if you're connected to it. Incase you need help, you can consult with the Solar Companies professionals since their services are top notch.
Before you start, be sure to read your manufacturer's instructions and check your local building codes and utility regulations. This will ensure that your installation won't be nixed by the local building authority or utility provider.
You'll also need to ground your solar panel array and racking components to protect them from the elements and help prevent equipment damage. This is a process that can be challenging for DIYers, so it's best to hire a pro to handle this task for you.
Then, you'll need to install a solar backfeed breaker in your breaker panel. This device connects your solar system to the utility grid if it's not producing enough power to cover all of your energy needs.
You can also add a battery to store the excess energy your panels produce to use at night and during periods of cloudy weather. While a solar system and battery are not 100% efficient, they can help you save money on your electric bills in the long run by reducing your dependence on the grid. For more information, check out this related post: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_system.