Going Solar, Solar Panels: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Homeowners
Solar panel installation is becoming widely adopted as people switch to solar energy. Even though you must get your solar panels installed by professionals, you still need to know the important steps here. The fact is truer, especially because professionally installed solar panels help ensure maximum efficiency and optimal performance.
A comprehensive solar panels installation guide for homeowners.
Are you planning to go solar? Solar panel installation is arguably the most important aspect for homeowners to consider here. Here we have enlisted all the steps involved in the solar panel installation process.
How to install solar panels?
Despite being the intricate kit bits that generate electricity, solar panels are easier to set up. Before cracking what you need, conduct a professional surveyor to identify the roof and rafters’ integrity.
A professional survey is always an integral part of the process. It is mainly because the process will let you understand whether installing solar panels on your roof is feasible. You must choose a certified company only to complete the survey and installation process. It is because a poorly done installation can significantly affect your system’s efficiency. In addition, it will also lead to solar panels damage that may increase your maintenance costs over time.
Still, here we have outlined the important steps of solar panel installation that you must learn.
So, here we go:
- Setting up scaffolding
If you are planning to install solar panels on your roof, constructing scaffolding around your property is imperative before cracking on with the solar panel’s installation process. Setting up scaffolding typically takes longer than all the other steps involved in the procedure of solar panels installation. You may need to wait about a day to finish the process. However, the practice is imperative to ensure secure access to your roof.
- Attaching the roof anchors
Do you wonder how all the solar panels stay put on your roof? Anchor points are responsible for this. A professional solar panel installation company usually lifts some tiles from your roof to attach roof anchors with rafters in the loft.
These roof anchors can provide a sufficiently stable foundation for your roof mounts. In addition, these will also ensure that your solar panels aren’t damaged during extreme weather conditions.
- Connecting the roof mounts
The next step here is the installation of the mount. You can use flush mounts or roof-ground mounts per your system requirements. The base structure will provide sturdiness and support to your solar panels. However, taking care of the direction you are installing the roof mounts is always important. It is because the installation will impact how you will install your solar panels.
Title your entire solar panel mounting structure. The structure must have an angle ranging between 18 to 36 degrees for ensured sunlight exposure throughout the day. Slightly adjust your mounting structure on the roof to proceed.
- Installing solar panels on the roof
Once you have established a foundation for your solar panel installation, it is time to process the installation. In this step, you must carefully set up your solar panels on the mounted structure. You must choose the angle of your solar panels carefully. Keep these away from obstructions and choose the angle where solar panels can receive sunlight throughout the day.
In addition, you should ensure to tighten up all the bolts and nuts when installing solar panels. The practice will ensure to keep your solar panels stable on the mounts.
- Wire your solar panels with the inverter.
Currently, most of the solar panels are available pre-wired. If you have a pre-wired solar panel, you just have to connect that to an inverter only. However, it is worth understanding that smaller solar panels connect a single wires series to the inverter. On the other hand, large systems typically have parallel wires connecting to the inverter.
- Overall, the inverter is the most important component of your solar power system. It is because the inverter converts the direct current of solar energy into AC electricity to use within your house.
- Typically, you should install an inverter near your breaker panel, a key distribution point for your home’s electrical circuits.
- You can place it indoors and outdoors per your system’s settings and preferences.
Typically, the inverter installation process takes up to 6 hours, based on the complexity and size of your system.
*Important information*
Even though it seems easy to install an inverter and wire your solar system, it isn’t. It is the step that you should ask a professional to complete for the ensured safety and optimal performance of your system. Wiring your solar panels with an inverter can cause a system failure in some cases.
So, be careful!
- Connect the inverter with the unit.
You should connect your inverter to a consumer unit for electricity generation. In addition, you should also connect a generation meter to your system to determine the electricity amount your system has produced.
You can also use any device in your house to check how your solar energy system is performing.
- Connect the solar power system with a battery for energy storage, if you want
Some people also prefer to connect their solar power system to a battery. The battery helps store excess energy during the night or on cloudy days.
If you want to connect a battery to your solar power system, you must also connect it to the inverter.
- Test the system for appropriate function.
Testing is the final step of installing a solar power system in your house. Testing the functioning of your solar panels can help you identify how effectively the system works. The step you should perform after completing the process of connecting the inverter with your consumer unit.
Final Verdict
Once you complete the steps above, you can start enjoying your solar energy. However, scheduling periodic maintenance for your solar power system is always imperative. Regularly maintaining your solar power system ensures optimal performance and higher energy production.
Meta Description
The solar panel installation process comprises multiple steps, from connecting roof anchors to testing the system. We have described all the steps in detail to let you understand how the installation process works. Learn more about it here.
r, you can rest assured that your solar panel system will be installed with precision and care.
