Are you thinking about installing solar panels on your commercial or residential rooftop? If yes, then this is a perfect time to do so because the purchase and installation cost of solar systems is comparatively less nowadays.
The solar subsidies provided by the government are expected to decrease in the coming years. So, there will be no better time for solar system installations than today. If you are wondering how challenging this task will be, then don’t worry. Getting a rooftop solar system installed by a reliable rooftop solar installation company is more convenient, effortless, and economical today than ever before.
In this post, you’ll find the basic requirements and step-by-step process of a rooftop solar system.
Things You Need to Confirm Before Solar Installation
When it comes to installing a solar system on a rooftop, there are certain things that you must take into consideration for effective installation.
Suitability for solar power
The first requirement of a rooftop solar system installation is to determine if your home is suitable for solar panels. For this, you need to evaluate the availability of space and your roof condition for installing rooftop solar panels.
Check the roof orientation and ensure that the sun shines bright on your rooftop during daylight hours. Examine if your roof is structurally strong enough to support solar systems and their structure weight throughout its longevity. Evaluate the rooftop area covered by shade to remove all obstacles and ensure a shade-free area.
The weather condition of your area
Another thing you need to know about is the climate of your local area. The number of solar panels and solar efficiency depends on the availability of sunlight in your area. If you live in an area with less sunlight, you need highly efficient solar panels that effectively capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity. However, if you live in an area with abundant sunlight, a solar system with slightly less efficiency will be the right option for you.
Analyze your electricity requirements
Before starting the solar panel installation, analyze the electricity requirements of your home. Find out how much energy your home uses to run electrical appliances. Look at your electricity bill to get an idea of monthly electricity consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh). Once you understand the electricity requirements of your home, it is easier for you to calculate the solar system size. Check the average monthly electricity usage, mainly the average of the past year.
Energy audits help in reducing monthly utility bills by doing away with unnecessary use. It will also help you to fulfill an important condition for rebates, loans, and tax credits. After load calculations and electricity audit, calculate solar system capacity and payback period for your solar system for commercial building and homes.
Determine your budget
The solar system installation cost is another factor to consider before installation. Although solar panels require very little maintenance cost, it is important to ensure that you can afford the installation and maintenance cost and warranty for the durability of a solar panel.
Permits and documentation
If you choose an on-grid solar network, you will be required to obtain some permits to opt for gross metering or net metering. Permits vary from state to state and depend on the scale and type of solar panel construction. Residential rooftop solar systems installation comprises lots of documentation. Check with your local government to understand if there are any special requirements or restrictions for solar subsidies in Delhi, solar installation, or other things.
Installing a Rooftop Solar System: A Step-By-Step Guide
Mount installation
First, install the mounting brackets to provide stability and support. South-facing direction is right for solar panels to receive plenty of sunlight. However, East and West directions also work effectively. The tilt angle of the mounting framework must range from 18 to 36 degrees. You can ask your installer if they use a solar tracker to boost conversion efficiency.
Place solar panels
Securely place solar panels to the mounting structure using quality nuts and bolts. The whole construction must be secured properly to make sure that solar panels work efficiently throughout their lifespan.
Electrical wiring
Now, the next step involves installing electrical wiring. Use universal connectors like MC4 during cabling. Connect the positive wire of one PV module to the negative wire of the module in a series network to improve the voltage match with a battery bank. Now, connect wires parallelly i.e. connect the positive wire to the positive one and the negative wire to the negative one. The parallel connection ensures the wiring voltage of each panel remains the same.
Connect solar inverter
The next step involves connecting the solar inverter to a solar system. Connect the positive wire from the solar panel to the inverter’s positive terminal. Similarly, connect the negative wire to the negative terminal of the inverter. Link a solar inverter to the solar battery and grid input to produce electricity.
Now, connect the solar inverter to a solar battery. Connect the positive terminal of a battery to the inverter’s positive terminal and the battery’s negative terminal to the inverter’s negative terminal. You will require a battery to store excess power backup in an off-grid solar system. Using a battery, you can access electricity whenever you require like during power outages and at night.
Link the solar inverter to the power grid. You can use a standard plug to link to the main power switchboard. Connect the electric board providing electricity to an output wire. Turn on your solar inverter on the main electrical switch of your home or workplace when all electrical cabling and connections are established. Modern solar inverters have a digital display to show the statistics about the production of your solar unit and consumption.
Now you are ready to enjoy the advantages of rooftop solar solutions i.e. free renewable electricity, reduced carbon footprints, and more for many years. Once your solar system is installed and operating effectively, you will not need anything more to keep it working properly and producing sufficient electricity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solar panel installation on your building’s rooftop comes with plenty of benefits. To get the most out of your solar panels, evaluate your home’s solar suitability, roof condition and age, and electricity consumption. Check local laws and regulations, and permissions you’ll need. Hire a professional and experienced installer to install quality solar panels securely and ensure long-lasting use.
Top installation companies like Megamax Solar provide a range of solar services for homes and commercial needs. They perform a feasibility and technical study to evaluate your building structure and choose the right solar panel. Right from comprehensive and safe installation to maintenance, Megamax Solar has got you covered in everything.