Over the last 15 years or so, homeowners around the globe have been investing in solar panels to help power their homes. Instead of using traditional electricity, these people have decided to use the sun to provide their house with energy.
When solar panels and other solar products first came on the scene, the price of installing these devices burned a hole in many homeowners’ pockets, and not everybody could afford them. However, as time went by, they grew in popularity so the cost of most of these devices fell. These days, most solar products are affordable, and in the long run, homeowners can save a lot of money on utility bills.
With growing concern about the planet’s environment and global warming being a major issue, it is not surprising that so many people have invested in solar equipment. People are encouraged to use a renewable source of energy to power their homes. Government officials and celebrities are constantly promoting the idea of energy conservation. At the end of the day, these famous people just want the world to be a cleaner and safer place.
How can you install a Solar Panel safely on a Roof?
The most common area to install solar panels is on the roof of the house in an area where it gets a lot of exposure to the sun. Hiring a reputable solar panel company to install your system is vital. Here are the steps they will take when installing your solar panel system on your roof:
- They will find out where the Location of Stanchions is: Most solar panels are held on the roof by large screws known as Stanchions. Before they install the panels, they will have to identify exactly where they plan on putting these Stanchions. This is probably the most important step that needs to be taken when installing a solar panel. These large screws will help the panels to stay stable, even during bad weather conditions.
- Drill holes: They will then create holes in the roof’s rafters so they can attach the system. Once this is complete, they will need to make sure that each screw is securely installed.
- They must install the middle rail, and make sure that it is installed alongside the lower and the upper rails.
- Connect the panels to the power wires: They must make sure that the panels are working properly. They will connect the wires up to the solar inverters and connect them under the solar panels. Once this is complete and everything is running smoothly, they will connect the wires on each panel.
- Connect the panels: The final step is to install the panels to the stanchions. They will make sure that all the clips and screws can hold up the panels.
Make sure that the company you hire to take on the task has plenty of experience, and don’t hesitate to ask them questions on how the system works, how you should maintain the panel, and what type of warranty it comes with.
Ground Mounted Solar Panels
The majority of people associate solar panels with rooftops because it is the most popular place to install the devices, but many opt for ground mounted solar panels instead. Not everybody likes the idea of installing solar panels on a roof, while in some homes the roof is not an ideal location. Some rooftops are located in a shaded area so they don’t get enough exposure to the sun to create enough energy to power a home.
If you don’t want to or you can’t install a solar panel on your roof, there are other alternatives, like ground mount panels. You will need to have access to a large piece of land that gets plenty of sunlight.
How do you Install Ground Mounted Solar Panels?
When it comes to installing a ground mounted solar panel, keep in mind that the principles of installing a roof solar panel system are very similar. It is highly recommended that you employ professionals to install ground mounted solar panels, a lot of homeowners are taking on the challenge themselves. If you are planning on doing the job yourself, make sure that you wear protective gear at all times to reduce the chances of sustaining an injury.
The first thing you must do is create a solid foundation. Before installing anything, make sure the ground is level. Make sure that all your measurements are correct, and consider making a lumber substructure so that you can put the piping in the best area. Once the foundations have been completed, leave the foundation for about one week before you start installing the panels.
Once this is complete, you must install the racking rails. Make sure you accommodate the panel when you are spacing out the system. Make sure that you keep a small space between each of the panels.
Once all the above has been completed, and you are confident both the raking rails are housed properly and that the concrete is completely dried and ready for the panels, then it’s time to start mounting each of the panels.
Should I Install the Solar Panels Myself?
Even if you have a little bit of experiencing installing solar panels, it’s probably best to pay someone to take on the project. Finding a reputable company whose employees hold a certification that allows them to install solar panels is by far your safest option. However, in recent years, solar panels have become easier to install, and more people than ever before are installing solar equipment in their own homes. Solar panel companies are constantly on the lookout for new ideas, so you can expect a lot more products in the coming years. These companies are well aware that people want to install these devices themselves instead of hiring a professional to service, so a lot of the devices that you will see on the market will be easy to use, plug and play products.
Although the cost of solar panels has been decreasing over the past few years, it is still a major investment for most homeowners. To avoid the device getting damaged, or to make sure it works properly, employing a company that knows the industry inside out might prove worthwhile.
Conclusion
To help reduce your carbon footprint, installing a solar panel system in your home is a great idea. It provides your home with a green source of energy, and it helps create a better future for the next generation. Unlike other sources of energy, solar energy doesn’t pollute the planet because it doesn’t release any greenhouse gases. It is strange that there are people still on the fence on whether or not they should install a solar panel system, as some don’t feel that it is any good and it can cause a lot of issues. When people first started to install solar devices into their homes, many people ran into problems, but as the technology improved over time, the systems became a lot more reliable. Solar panels must pass an international inspection before they are sold in today’s market, so they are extremely safe. By investing in an installing service, they will make sure that it meets the fire, electrical, and building codes.
