Could you be saving money on your electric bills? Or how about free electricity, no bills, and feeding the extra power you generate into the power grid for others to use? That last one might sound too good to be true, but with solar, it’s entirely possible.
So why not go solar?
As much as we might think we know about solar panel installation, there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to participate in the installation process or know everything that needs to be done. Here are some things you need to know.
Preparations for Installation Day
Solar panel installation can be an exciting process! On installation day, the first step is to make sure you have all necessary preparations completed.
This includes gathering all necessary permits and documents, submitting all required forms and fees, turning off all power to the electrical system, removing any furniture or obstacles, and clearing a path from the delivery vehicle to the installation site.
Additionally, the solar panel installer will need access to the roof, electrical panels, and other components. Once these steps are complete, the installer can begin the installation.
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Running Initial Performance Tests
Before you install panels, it is important to run initial performance tests. This is done to ensure the panels are functioning properly and will generate power efficiently.
Expect that technicians will test open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power output of each individual panel or block of panels. Additionally, technicians will inspect and mount the solar panels on the roof.
They will also check electrical components such as:
- solar inverter
- combiner boxes
- conduits
- switch gear
On the day of solar panel installation, expect the entire installation process to be overseen and monitored by expert technicians to ensure everything runs smoothly and all components are secure and functioning safely.
Setting up the Solar Panels
On solar panel installation day, you can expect the panel installation technicians to come to your home or business and begin by assessing the best placement of solar for your house.
Depending on the size and complexity, this may involve staking out the location and marking the roof or ground for the array. They may also need to set up ladders, scaffolding, and any other necessary equipment to safely set up the panels.
The technician will then position the array in the predefined area and mount them to the roof or ground.
Connecting the Wiring
Connecting the wiring is one of the final steps of solar panel installation day. Prior to wiring, installers need to make sure that the mounting racks and PV modules are in place.
Once the wiring is connected, the ground fault-protected switch needs to be used to connect the solar panel array to the home’s breaker box. The wiring is then checked for proper voltage and current readings.
The inverter will then need to be connected. This consists of two main steps: a three-wire connection from the module junction box and a two-wire connection to the inverter.
In the final step of wiring, the conductor outlets head and the ground lug need to be connected as well. The wiring is complete after all of these steps have been performed, and a final check of the system is done.
On solar panel installation day, expect to have the wiring connected as one of the final steps.
System Test and Inspection
On solar panel installation day, you can expect a system test and inspection. On this day, the solar panel installer will test and inspect each component of the solar energy system to ensure that they are properly connected and functioning properly.
The installer will also take readings of the system’s performance to ensure that it is producing as much energy as it needs to. In this step, the installer will measure the voltage, current, power, and other performance parameters and check if these readings match up to the performance specifications provided.
The installer may make slight adjustments to the system to ensure it’s working optimally. He or she may test the system in real-world conditions to determine how the solar energy system will operate in varying weather conditions.
After all of this, the installer will provide you with a certificate of completion.
Post-installation Follow-up
Once installation is complete, your technician will ensure that everything is up and running properly. After installation is complete, your technician may schedule a follow-up within a few weeks of the installation, depending on your system.
During the follow-up, they will test the system to make sure it is running efficiently and answer any questions or concerns you may have. They may also provide suggestions on ways to further improve your system’s efficiency or energy savings.
Documenting Your Solar System
Once the access points and framework have been created, it is important to document the installation process as it progresses. Throughout the day, the technician may take photos to document the installation of the solar system to ensure the system is installed correctly, such as:
- solar array
- racking
- wiring
- inverter
- switchgear
The technician will also provide the homeowner with a checklist of completed tasks once the installation has been completed. It is important for the homeowner to review this checklist and ensure that all the necessary components have been installed as specified.
On-Site Safety Precautions
It is important for homeowners to know what to expect on the day of solar panel installation in terms of safety precautions. Prior to the installation day, the installers will conduct a site assessment to ensure that the area is suitable for the solar panel system.
On the day of the installation, the installers will wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and a hard hat, and they will keep work areas clean and organized with proper access to the roof.
They will also take certain safety steps that should be followed by the homeowner, such as notifying neighbors and using caution near fragile areas, such as skylights.
In addition, they will use fall protection systems, such as guardrails, to protect themselves during the installation. Safety should always be the number one priority when it comes to installing solar panel systems.
Required Tools & Equipment for Installation
Solar panel installation day is an exciting day. You made the decision to invest in clean energy, and the sun is shining. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s important to be prepared with the right tools and materials.
The installer will provide most of the required tools and equipment. This includes ladders, roof jacks, racking, clamps, wires, mounting hardware, and a solar panel inverter.
The installer will also provide necessary safety gear and tools, such as:
- hard hats
- safety glasses
- gloves
You should have your local utility’s contact information and the manufacturer’s instruction booklet available in case the installer needs additional information.
Make sure to ask questions throughout the process so your solar panels are installed correctly. With the right preparation, your solar panel installation day will be an exciting day.
Quality Control During the Installation
It’s important to ensure quality control throughout the process. A qualified installer will be present to check for any issues with the equipment, such as differences in the size and shape of the solar panels, mounting hardware, and wiring.
The installer will also examine the panels for any damage, like cracks, dents, or scratches. Additionally, the installer will check for any dead spots in the solar array where the cells aren’t producing electricity.
With the right partner, expert installation, and quality control, customers can rest assured that their solar power systems are properly installed and will operate efficiently.
The installer will make sure that all connections are secure for optimal power production once the array is in operation. By ensuring the highest level of quality control, customers can feel confident in their investment in solar power.
Anticipated Timeline
Landscapers and electricians will come to measure the rooftop to ensure the correct specifications for the panel installation. They will also be looking at the electrical components inside and outside for any issues that could prevent the installation.
Depending on the size of the solar panel installation, the process can range from several hours up to a few days. After the site has been inspected, the installer will begin to assemble the solar panels and adjust the wiring for optimal power production.
If the property is already equipped with electrical components, the electricians will decommission them. Throughout the process, the installer will communicate with the customer to ensure the correct components are being used and to keep the customer updated on the progress.
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Learn All About Panel Installation
Ultimately, solar panel installation day should go smoothly with proper planning and preparation. Remember to always consult a trained professional and review your contract to ensure the process is done properly.
Start boosting your energy savings today and get your solar panel installation underway!
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