Solar panel installation guide: Save Money, Energy, and the Planet

Introduction

Do you want to learn how you can install solar panels? Or what techniques should you apply while installing solar panels? What factors should you consider while installing them? This article is a Solar panel installation guide. It will answer all your questions regarding solar panels and their installation process, such as planning and selecting a solar panel, obtaining permits and approvals, purchasing the solar panel, and its installation step by step. Solar panel installation is a complex process. Rather it needs careful planning and professional assistance. All steps are necessary to learn how to find the best location on your roof and connect your solar panel to the grid. 

Planning Your Solar Panel Installation

Several steps come under solar panels installation planning, such as identifying your energy needs and potential savings and determining the payback period of solar energy to electrical energy. This estimation and planning help you find the right size of solar panels per your needs and the expected cost. 

To Determine Your Electricity Needs

First, check your electricity bills to identify how much electricity you use yearly. You can consider an average of the total amount to make the process simple and easy. You also can use tools like solar panel calculators. 

To Determine Your Potential Savings

Identify your solar panel’s power generation capacity and compare it with the maintenance cost of the solar panel and its installation process cost. To determine your potential savings, you can use the following formula:

Potential savings = (electricity generated – electricity consumed)  electricity price – installation and maintenance costs

To determine your payback period

Divide the total amount you have invested in your solar panel by the savings amount you get per year. It will tell you the payback period of your solar panel. 

Other factors you can consider while planning your solar panel installation are the right size, location, and orientation selection. 

To choose the best size for your solar system

Consider your budget and select the one that is fit for your home size, not too big as buying this will save you money, and not too small as it will not fulfil your electricity needs. Always remember a solid rule that you should buy a solar panel that can fulfil your 80% electricity needs throughout the year. 

To choose the best location and orientation for your solar system

 Set your solar panel at the right angle to get maximum sun exposure, as getting solar energy is directly proportional to converting it to electricity, so the solar energy intake should be higher. Avoid the location with shadings and obstructions. Ideally, you want to install your panels on a south-facing roof or ground or a north-facing roof or ground at an angle that matches your latitude. 

Obtaining Permits and Approvals for Solar Panels

Always ensure you have permits from the utility company you buy electricity from before installing a solar panel. You may also need several other permits, such as those of your local authorities and homeowners associations. Depending on your situation, you may also need a fire permit, a land use permit, a historical commission approval, or an HOA approval. These permits ensure the solar panel you install is of standard quality and safety. 

To apply for permits and approvals

• You must provide information and documents about your solar system, such as the design, specifications, equipment, wiring, location, orientation, etc. 
• You may also need to pay some fees to cover the costs of processing and reviewing your application.

The permit-obtaining process may take some time, but it’s an imperative step, and you must work hard to bypass it. To know the legal aspects of solar panel installation, you can explore the local regulations. You can also use online sources SolarAPP+ or SolSmart. 

Purchasing Solar Panels and Equipment

You have two options, either you can buy a solar panel, or you can lease a solar panel. While buying a solar panel, you further have two options. Either you will pay cash and own the system outright or take a loan. Taking a loan, you will have to pay interest as well, so try to avoid taking a loan if you can buy a car. In both ways, a buyer benefits from the federal tax credit. 

On the other hand, when you lease a solar panel, you have to pay a pre-decided fixed amount, and a third party takes ownership of your system. You pay the third party to use the system. While you lease a solar panel,  focus on the quality of the panel. Also, consider the panel’s efficiency the most crucial factor when buying a solar panel. 

Check whether the solar panel is durable and long-lasting or not. Always focus on the compatibility between the product and your home’s design. Consider the products with a good guarantee and high-performance ratings. 

Installing Solar Panels and Equipment

 The next step is to install the solar panels, including technical skills and the use of the tools. The main components included are solar panels, rackings to support the panels on the roof, inverters that convert solar energy’s DC  to AC, battery to store the excessive energy in the day to use at night, and wiring that connects all components. 

To install the solar panels

• Identify a suitable place with enough sunlight and space and without shade to install the solar panels. 
• Then measuring and marking the layout for the system means marking every point according to its functionality. 
• Now install the rackings for the panel by drilling holes and attaching the racking to the roof with screws etc.
• Then install the panels on the rackings using supplied clamps. It will make them secure and fix them in place. 
• After installing the solar panels, install the battery and inverters and connect the whole system to the main electric network. Now test your system to see if it is working properly, and if you find any problem, then troubleshoot it. 

After the installation, connect the solar panels to the grid. You need to seek permission from a utility company for that. After getting approval, set up the panels on solid mounts, focus on electrical wiring and attach the panel to the inverter and then the inverter to the battery. Then attach the inverter to the main grid. You have to pass an on-site inspection conducted by your utility company and, after passing that, start to generate your own clean, cheap, and renewable energy.

FAQs

Final Analysis

Solar panel installation is tricky and time-consuming, so you need a professional installer to avoid damage and risk. While installing solar panels, go in the right way step by step, such as taking legal approvals, consulting with your utility company, and measuring the accurate size you need for a solar panel as per your expected solar energy production. Installing solar panels is beneficial for you and your environment as well as It cuts your electricity bills and does not emit greenhouse gases, lowering your carbon footprint.