Can you install your own solar panels
A home solar kit may be less expensive, but solar installers offer tremendous value for relatively little additional cost remember that 10 percent figure? Some of the best solar installers have been in the business for decades — experience that no amount of online research or DIY guides can replicate. Your solar installer will also help you complete and file the permits and applications that you need to submit to get your solar energy system up and running. Lastly, it is important to note that many equipment manufacturers will only honor their warranties if a qualified installer installed their equipment.
Many installers will also offer an additional warranty on their own work too. DIY solar panels may be tempting to install, but their long-term worth may be up for debate due to quality alone. However, when it comes to installing a costly electrical system on your property, we recommend relying on the professionals—their experience is invaluable and it can make a huge difference in the overall quality and performance of your system.
Plus, solar installers will help you fill out permits and file important paperwork that you might not otherwise know is required. With our Solar Calculator , you can see upfront cost and long-term savings estimates based on your location and roof type to determine if a solar installation is the best choice for you.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. We only link to products that we think are great. This post originally appeared on Mother Earth News. This way, if any problems occur or any performance lapses happen, you can easily troubleshoot. Connecting the exterior wiring to the interior control panels can be quite confusing if it is your first time.
The solar breaker must first be connected to a circuit breaker disconnect. The energy will flow from the disconnect to a charge controller and then to a battery bank to be stored. When needed, energy flows from the batteries back to the circuit breaker disconnect and from the disconnect to a power inverter this will change the power from DC to AC. Now that you understand how the wiring works for solar panels, you are finally ready to connect them to the house.
So run the electrical cable from the solar array into the house through the underground conduit. Connecting the cables to a nylon rope can be used for easy threading, then pull through the conduit to inverter panels.
Connect the cables at the fuse combiner box located at the base of the solar array, this may vary depending on the brand. As mentioned above:. In order for the solar panel arrays to be safe for human hands to touch without being grounded, you will need proper grounding for them. To do this, bury a grounding rod with about six inches of its body sticking out.
You can do this either on a wood surface or on the ground. Once that is done, run a copper grounding wire from the rod to the fuse box and from the solar panels to the fuse box. The panels should now be grounded safely. Once everything is complete outside, go back inside the building to make finish the wiring. Run the cables from the array to the inverter panel disconnect.
It is up to you where to install the battery bank for the solar panel setup, but it is recommended to put it near the control panels. Once you have a location run the conduit through the ceiling into the inverter panel. Next, feed two heavy-duty battery cables into the panel disconnect.
The other ends of the cables will be connected to the battery pack. The battery system must be installed in a series — alternating positive and negatives — and secured into place. Regulations — Obviously there are certain laws, regulations and safety standards that need to be followed when installing solar panels. Your local power company will also have additional guidelines that need to be followed for proper installation.
Depending on your exact location, there may be a need to get approval from city planning departments and municipalities, as well as getting an inspector to sign off on the install.
The beauty about getting your solar panels installed by a professional is that you will have a warranty should anything malfunction or break. Condition of Your Roof — The size, angle, materials and age of your roof all play a factor when you are mounting solar panels on your roof.
Since your roof will likely be the best spot to place your solar panels, knowing the integrity of your roof is an integral part to proper solar panel installation.
Your solar panels are built to last for decades, so if your roof is more than 20 years old, you may want to consider getting your roof inspected prior to installation. If you forgo this step, it could result in leaking, sagging, and the inevitability of your roof collapsing. Traditional shingles are the easiest surface to affix solar paneling to. Clay and slate roofing can have a tendency to crack or break, so extra care is needed when installing solar panels to this type of roofing.
The way your home and roof is positioned is also important. The majority of solar professionals will suggest pitching the panels due south, anywhere between degrees to receive the most direct sunlight and maximize output. Be sure to check with your solar panel professional to understand how your roof and shingles will hold up and how to best position your solar panels. Then you can get busy enjoying your energy efficient home. Previous Post. Next Post. Related Blogs.
Posted by jpadmin November 19, February 13, With almost here, home builders and developers in California gear up to meet the requirement of solar photovoltaic systems on most residential new builds. This article was originally Posted by Mike Iwamuro November 12, February 14,
0コメント