How Solar Panel Installation Works

Solar panel installation is a complex process that requires careful planning and permits. It also entails the construction of electrical infrastructure and a roof. It’s a lengthy process, but it pays off in the long run with a significant resale value boost for your home.

The cost of a solar energy system is determined by your energy usage and the size of the panel you need to power your home. According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, a 5-kW solar panel system typically costs between $3 and $5 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits are applied.

First, an engineer will come to your house and inspect the roof. This will ensure that your home is suitable for installing solar panels and that you’ll have no structural issues with your roof. You should also consult an electrician for this step, because you’ll need to replace your breaker panel (the gray box in your basement) to allow for the extra amps that solar panels require.

Next, the electrician will set up wiring for the panels, inverter and a meter. This will connect the panels to your electrical grid and the meter will track how much electricity your solar panel system generates, allowing you to send excess energy back into the electric grid.

After this, the wiring is connected to your inverter, which converts the incoming solar energy into electricity that can be used by your home. You can also add a battery to your system to store energy for use at night or in the event of an emergency.

Once the wiring is complete, your installer will mount the solar panels onto a platform. It is recommended that the platform be made of metal, and that it be grounded with a UL listed grounding system.

Depending on the type of mounting that you’ve chosen, you’ll need to install a number of hardware parts. Racking hardware, BOS pieces (balance of system), grounding hardware and other attachments are all important to the installation process.

If you’re a DIYer, make sure you have the proper tools and supplies for the job. These include insulated tools, a voltmeter with fresh batteries and a rubber mat to insulate yourself from the ground.

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