Solar panel installation is a process that involves several overlapping steps. It can be a bit confusing at first, but Palmetto has put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate every step of the way.
Start by choosing an installer that specializes in Solar panels and can provide a warranty on labor and equipment. Check online reviews of their previous work and customer service to make sure that they are reputable and trustworthy.
Estimate how many panels you'll need for your system and what the price will be, then find out if you can get a tax credit or other incentive for going solar. Some websites, like SolarReviews, offer a calculator to estimate the size of your solar panel system and how much it will cost.
Choose a location for your solar panels
Once you've decided on the right place, it's time to get started installing your solar panels. A solar professional will visit your home to inspect it and take measurements of the roof rafters, determining which types of panels are best for your space.
This step should only take a day or two, depending on the size of your roof and the number of panels you'll be installing. Then, you'll need to prepare your roof for the installation by removing any trees that could interfere with the panels' ability to collect energy.
Install the mounting hardware
The next step of solar panel installation is to mount your panels onto the roof rafters. You'll need to attach racking rails and flashings, which will secure the panels to the rafters and spread their weight evenly across the mounting surface. You'll want to make sure that the racking rails are the right length and that your mounting lugs are properly positioned and angled.
Lastly, you'll need to secure your solar panels to the racking with a grounding solution. This is the most important part of your installation, because it's the only way to ensure that your solar panel system is grounded and safe for use.
Grounding solutions vary between solar panel manufacturers, so it's important to consult your manufacturer's instructions before you begin to mount your panels. Some, like IronRidge, offer a bonded fastener that allows the entire racking system to be grounded with a single lug.
Keep in mind that your racking system should be grounded by a UL-listed grounding lug, not a wire or rod. This is especially important for rooftop systems where the racking system may be exposed to moisture, rain, and snow.
Connect the meter and inverter
After the wiring is complete, the Solar Companies will connect the meter to track how much electricity your panels are producing and connect the inverter to your consumer unit to begin converting that energy into usable power. Using this information, you'll be able to see how much energy your solar panels are generating and determine whether or not you need to draw power from the grid at certain times of the day. Check out this related post that will enlighten you more on this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power.