How to Install Solar Panels: The Complete Guide

 

The trend of shifting to solar power continues to rise due to its benefits and its impact on the environment. It is a sustainable source of energy to power homes and other devices.

This makes it the optimal choice for homesteads out in the wilderness. This is made possible due to how readily available sunlight is.

As you get a solar panel, the question stands. How do you set it up?

Today, we will look at steps on how to install solar panels. These will detail pointers and steps.

This includes finding the optimal position for your solar panel. Take notes as we look at the whole process.

Scout the Best Location for the Panel

As you plan out how to install solar panels, you need to look for an optimal position. For this, check around your house for a great spot. Look for an area that has a lot of exposure to sunlight.

During the preparations, you would have an engineer visit to assess the area. Join them and they can help you find a suitable spot for your solar panels. They need to take into account what they are up against with the installation.

They would also take pictures of the property for reference. This notes the area where they would put the panel and how they would plot the lines for the installation.

Secure the Paperwork

The next thing you need is to secure the paperwork. In this case, you would need to secure permits for construction.

There are some organizations that you should consult before shifting towards solar power. The good thing is that the installer would assist and take care of these things behind the scenes. This is to ensure you have a smooth process.

After which, take note of the needed regulations and requirements. Most especially when setting up your solar panels. Secure your permits as well (in the case of building permits) and check them since they vary by location.

Your installer would know the restrictions and requirements, helping you during the process. This also includes the paperwork related to this.

Getting the Panels and Other Related Equipment

Once all the paperwork gets settled down, it is time to find the right solar panels and the equipment that goes with them. The installer gets to work with the distributor to help you get the equipment for your solar panel system.

One thing to note about this is that during this stage, the equipment you chose gets noted in the contract. That would be what the installer orders from the distributor.

Among the materials, you will need for the setup are solar panels and inverters. The solar panels collect the energy from the sunlight that goes into the unit.

Once collected, the cells within the solar panels turn the light into electrical energy. This then goes towards the inverters to change it from DC to AC.

This is a portion that would need a good deal of research to know what you are up against. A good suggestion would be to read up and see how these components work. This includes solar panels, inverters, as well as mounting systems, and monitoring equipment.

Solar Panel Installation

Before we proceed, note that the safest arrangement for installing solar panels is with the assistance of professionals. This can ensure that they place the panels in the most optimal position while ensuring a smooth and safe installation. They can also help you meet the needed regulations.

With that said, the installation process would begin as they set up the mounting rack. This first phase covers the area where the panels would sit on your rooftop. Depending on the arrangement, you would have either fixed or track mounts installed.

The difference between the two is that while the fixed mount keeps the panel in place for good, the track mounts allow the panels to “follow” the sunlight in the sky. The latter would be the more expensive option due to its arrangement. A good thing to note is that it can provide you with more electricity.

Do note that there are three variants of solar panels. You have two solar panels connected to the grid, one with the battery and the other without. These variants let you use the utilities and would still need to pay, but have the solar panels as a backup.

There is also another variant that lets you push to go off the grid. For this variant, you would not need to pay bills and connect to the power utilities.

Set Up and Secure the Wiring

Once you have the modules mounted on the railings, the next stage would be to set up the wiring. This is a dedicated process that puts the modules together with the inverter. From there, it goes to your home.

The first part is the connection of solar modules via junction connectors or by fuse combiner box. After which, the external wiring goes to the interior control panels.

This is a crucial stage for the system to work. It also is one of the more dangerous aspects of the installation as it could result in injury if you are not careful.

This is where a professional can put the whole system into great condition. Consider checking out Blue Raven Solar to help you with the whole process.

Conduct a Test Run

Once you have everything mounted and wired, it’s time to test if it works. The good thing about this is that once the solar panel system runs without issues, you are all set. You can now enjoy having the sun as your power source.

Learn How to Install Solar Panels

Once you managed to leverage how to install solar panels, you can use a renewable energy source that can help you reduce carbon emissions and stay independent from standard sources of electricity. When everything works well, you now have a home that runs off the grid.

The decision to use solar energy for your home ultimately rests with you. Regardless of the option you select, you must guarantee its high quality. A quality solar panel is an investment that will last for a very long time and provide power. Additionally, you can guarantee that the installation process will go off without a hitch.

Did you find this helpful? We also have other articles for you to check out, tackling various topics that may suit your fancy.