How To Install Solar Panels On Your Home

Residential solar panel installation is more that a process, it's a commitment that comprises four phases: Preparation, Design, Installation, and Maintenance and Operation. Each phase is discussed below.

Preparation for Residential Solar Panel Installation

1.      Determine how much energy your home actually needs. Conduct an energy audit.

2.      Determine the amount of long-term cost savings, and establish a construction budget.

3.      Determine how large the solar panels must be to meet your needs.

4.      Determine where to mount the panels.

5.      Determine the dimensions of the entire solar array, and where all controls and operating components are to be installed.

Residential Solar Panel Design

1.      Evaluate the positions and structural suitability of the areas chosen for installation.

2.      Select system components and configuration that complies with local, state, and federal incentive programs.

3.      Ensure that all documents required by the local utility company interconnecting and metering are completed and submitted.

4.      Review documents to ensure that your system conforms to all local ordinances.

5.      Acquire all necessary equipment.

6.      Lay out the solar array on the plan of your roof or other selected mounting structure.

7.      If roof mounted, determine where to locate any places requiring access through the roof to ensure that no electrical or plumbing networks are in the way.

8.      Take time to design a layout that is aesthetically pleasing as well as efficient.

9.      Evaluate the effect of shade, during the day, upon the solar system layout.

Residential Solar Panel Installation

1.      Ensure that all needed equipment is on hand. Check each component for damage during shipping.

2.      Become familiar with each component and its installation requirements by thoroughly reading all accompanying technical literature.

3.      Estimate the finished length of all wires that connect the solar panels to the combiner and inverter modules.

4.      Check the current capacity of the assembled photovoltaic arrays in order to select appropriately sized wires.

5.      Select a wiring size that will ensure a power drop of no more that three percent between the solar panels and the inverter.

6.      Calculate the length of wire needed to connect the inverter to the main electrical control panel.

7.      Ensure that the main electrical control panel has room for mounting the circuit breaker protecting the solar system.

8.      Ensure that if the system has a battery standby system that the critical circuits are designed to hand the anticipated current.

9.      Locate and install the battery standby system panel, and relocate the circuits.

10.  Install the solar panels, following manufacturer's instructions if you have a commercially manufactured system. The following are suggestions for reviewing installation procedures:

l      Prepare structure for mounting solar array. If roof-mounted, have the roof mounts installed by a professional contractor. Use only the necessary attachments point to the roof as identified in the solar panel plans.

l      Visually inspect each solar panel, and check the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of each module.

l      Interconnect panels using plug connectors, and mount the solar panels to the support structure.

11.  Install the solar system combiner, inverter, and associated controls.

12.  Connect the circuits of each module to the circuit combiners.

(WARNING: Terminate the circuits in the combiner before connecting each string at the solar array end of the circuit.)

13.  Connect the circuit combiner to the inverter over-current/disconnect switch.

14.  Connect the inverter to the utility disconnect switch.
(WARNING: Ensure that the neutral wire is not routed any switch poles in the disconnect box.)

15.  Connect the utility disconnect switch to the main service panel and connect the circuit to the main utility service.

16.  Ensure that all solar arrays are operating properly.

17.  Arrange for and participate in final inspection.

18.  After approval of utility company, begin system operation.

Maintenance and Operation

1.      Remove any buildup of soil or bird droppings from the solar panels. Best if done in cool weather.

2.      Conduct periodic inspections of the system and all wiring connections.

3.      With a recently cleaned system, on a sunny day, check the output of the system and compare this to the same inspection the previous year to confirm consistent performance.