Shining A Light On Solar Installation: What You Need To Know
4 min readDid you know solar panels have emerged as one of the best renewable energy sources? You can use it almost anywhere because sunlight is abundant in many places. Moreover, solar energy is clean. It produces power without emitting dangerous greenhouse gases.
However, if you are not an expert, you cannot install a solar panel because of the risks involved. When planning to harness this renewable energy, you can do a few things to be safe. Read on for a complete guide on what you should do to be successful.
Step 1: Determine the Nature of Your Energy Needs
The journey to harnessing renewable power starts with evaluating your needs. How can you do this? First, adopt valuable energy conservation solutions. If you have been cooking on an electric stove, switch to one of the green alternatives you cherish. If possible, use an oven.
Another great solution is using energy-efficient LED bulbs. After reducing your energy needs, you can approximate the daily minimum amount. You will use the information during Solar installation to create accurate budget estimates. If you need help, consult a reputable solar installer. Never make wild guesses.
Step 2: Invite the Installer for Site Evaluation
Qualified solar installers have the skills required to ensure your security. Once you invite them, they plan for site assessment. They evaluate the sunlight intensity and the orientation and tilt of your roof. Besides, these experts assess the shading from nearby structures that affect your solar panel’s efficiency.
By now, you know an accredited contractor with a track record and generous service warranties can guide you in meeting your immediate and future goals. Moreover, the installer can advise you on ways to choose quality panels and batteries and respect the law.
Also See: Challenges of India’s Power Transmission System
Step 3: Design and Permitting
This third stage involves designing the solar panel system and seeking permission from the authorities. Your solar installers will determine the layout of your panels and the optimal placement. They will specify the components that you need. Some of these are mounting systems, wiring, and inverters.
These experts can give you crucial information on how and when to get the necessary permits from the government. The contractors can only install your panels after you get the permit.
Step 4: Installation
This stage is the most delicate one. It involves the mounting of the panel onto the roof or on the ground.
If your installers find the top the most suitable, they will use frames or racks at an angle that maximizes your panel’s exposure to sunlight. They will connect the panels to inverters when using the ground mounting method.
Step 5: Testing
Once connected to the electrical grid, you can use renewable energy. However, testing is mandatory. In many cases, it involves installing a bidirectional meter, which measures the power supplied to the grid and consumed. Testing will help you keep your solar panel in the best working condition.
Step 6: Maintain Your Solar Panel
After the installation, you should continue monitoring your panel’s performance. You can do this alone. However, you might require an expert if the work requires advanced skills. For example, some repair works are complex and might require a trained installer.
If you ask about regular cleaning, it is part of maintenance responsibilities. Sometimes, you should remove debris that might cause issues.
Since your panel will deteriorate in value with time, you also need the support of your insurer. Inform the company about the new installation. Besides, check the types of damages that the policy covers damage. The best insurance should cover common damages, like fires, power surges, and extreme weather.
What about using online trackers? These devices are great for monitoring your system’s health and electricity generation. It can help you protect your solar system and take the right action before the damage goes beyond repair.
Also See: Amenities to Look for in Every Residential Property in Mumbai
How to Buy Solar Panels
If you are like many new homeowners and entrepreneurs, you notice that buying the right solar panel is difficult. But you can do it easily if you understand your energy needs and have a few basic details covered below.
Here are the main things you should consider: the poly or monocrystalline, the power and efficiency rating, the manufacturer’s guarantees, and the overall quality and durability.
Manufacturers use cells from silicon single-crystal to make monocrystalline panel cells.
Nevertheless, they use melted silicon fragments to make polycrystalline solar panels.
From this information, you can see why monocrystalline panels have higher efficiencies but are more expensive.
Which solar ratings are ideal? Solar panels with higher power ratings are the best options in the market. They produce sustainable and reliable power.
Also, consider efficiency, especially if you have large energy bills and limited roof space. Those that meet quality standards are ISO 9000-compliant and certified.
What about manufacturer warranties? Look for an extended or inclusive warranty to cover any problem after installation.
Summing Up
Installing solar panels is a great way to seize the opportunity to minimize your energy expenses. It will also help you to preserve the environment for generations. While the benefits are outstanding, installation is often complicated and risky.
An expert installer can fix this for you. So, if you are serious about harnessing free power from the sun for your long-term benefit, your qualified installer has what you need to achieve this noble goal.