Installing Solar Panels

The Process Of Installing Solar Panels

With the price of electricity and other utilities rising at alarming rates, finding alternatives to generate power is now a necessity. On top of this, the production of energy through coal, gas and other methods is harmful towards the environment, scaring the ozone and possibly damaging and promoting global warming. Thankfully, there are other methods available for producing energy, one of which is the harnessing of solar power. Solar power, once absorbed by solar panels, is able to convert the suns energy into power. Plus with solar paneling and solar power equipment dropping in price, it is becoming easier for homeowners to have the panels installed on their own property. From a roof top to a large open yard, solar panels help cut down, if not eliminate a dependency on the local electric company. And with installing solar panels, it only takes a few hours until the entire system is ready for use.

Select Location for Installation
Before installing solar panels, an adequate location for the panels must be selected. Depending on the facilities current location, the exact rooftop location is going to vary. Monitor the total amount of sun exposure each side of the roof, and the yard, receives. There are small solar power readers available for purchase, which reads the total amount of sun exposure each area of the house receives. This equipment helps anyone make an informed decision on what the best location for installing solar panels is.

Begin Installation
Before the actual solar panels are put into place, the mounts for the panel arrays must be assembled and attached to the roof top. The mounts have a circular base and extended tube that stretches upwards. The base is drilled directly into the rafters of the roof, so a stud finder must be on hand in order to locate the rafters underneath the shingles. The mounts are secured to the roof using stainless steel bolts. The bolts must be stainless steel; otherwise the bolts rust after rain and moisture exposure. The mounts do vary in size, depending on the angle required to receive the best overall sun exposure for the solar panels.

Install Panel Flashing
The solar panel flashings are metal rods that run across the face of the mounts. These flashings are used to hold up the solar arrays once in position. The flashings are secured directly to the mounts using provided bolts. The exact sizes of the bolts are going to vary, depending on the solar panel units currently being installed. Make sure the flashings are secured to the mounts before continuing the installing solar panels process.

Installing Solar Panel
Slide the solar panels into the panel flashings and tighten the panels down to the array. A gentle touch is required to perform the installation, as any crack or damage to the solar panels is going to prevent the equipment from functioning properly. Once in place, the conduit connects into the solar panel and runs down to the inverter, which takes and holds electricity generated by the array.

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