Deciding to use solar energy at home can be a really smart decision. But it can be a bit overwhelming to try and set it up. There are various steps required to install solar panels on the roof. If you just follow the process from one step to the next; installation of solar panels is quite simple.
Here are the seven steps to install solar panels.
First, you need to find a contractor for the job.
There are various solar panel installation companies across the world working on residential and commercial projects. You can search for reputed solar panel installation companies and contractors in your area to find one suited for your requirements.
Ask for quotations from the contractors or the companies to see if they meet your budget requirements. Ask the companies about the quality of the panels, warranty if any, and maintenance services included in the cost of the project. Assess the services relative to the overall cost of the project. Also study the cost relative to the energy savings and the utility bill reduction from use of solar panels in the long run.
At this time, it is also better to ask any questions you might have about the project. If you have already researched about the different materials for the panels then ask the contractor about value of each for your home.
The contractor or an engineer from the solar company will visit the site to finalize technical aspects of the job. The inspection helps the contractor assess the site’s viability for solar panels.
The roof where the panel will be installed needs to be strong enough to tolerate the extra load. The structure of the house or the building will also need to be sturdy to bear the weight of the panels. The contractor will study the roof to see the amount of sunlight it receives and at what time. If the place where you want to install the panels doesn’t receive proper sunlight in the late mornings and all through the afternoon then it might not be ideal for installing solar panels.
Based on the site inspection, the contractor will design the solar panels for the project.
The contractor will show the design layout to you for approval. It is important to carefully study the design specifications so that it is perfect for the project. Faulty or less-than-ideal design can become a deterrent to your requisite energy needs. Only after receiving the approval, the contractor or the company will begin to build the system.
You need permits from local authorities before installing solar panels.
Professional solar panel installation companies help their clients prepare and file the documents for permit to regulatory bodies in your area.
The installation work can begin once you receive the permit to use the solar panels on the roof of your house or the building.
The construction work will include foundation work, columns for mounting structures, bolting of the solar panels on the mounts, cable work, inverter connection, and grid synchronization.
After the installation work is complete, it needs to be inspected and approved by the local authorities. Based on your state or area laws, the inspection might be conducted by the utility company instead.
The inspection may take place within a few days of the installation work completion. If the authorities deem the solar panels all right then you will receive the paperwork for the permit to use them in your building.
Now, this is the most exciting part of the whole project as it is now ready for operation.
The contractor will help you understand the system and the way to operate it. You will also need to learn to monitor the system. Professional solar panel installation companies always help their clients understand the operating system of the solar panel system before deeming the project as completed.
The total duration of the installation project will depend on the time used for permits and the construction work. It can take a few days to a few weeks.