A Five-Step Guide To Solar Panel Installation
A Five-Step Guide To Solar Panel Installation
Over a million houses have gone solar in the U.S. and more people are thinking about installing solar panels on their roofs. If you're looking for renewable energy, it makes sense to understand what happens in a typical installation or how to set up your own system. Before you can get those shiny black cells to power all your devices, there are five major steps. These are the five main steps that your chosen solar company will follow to install a solar system.
1. Engineering site visit
An engineer will visit your Arizona home to inspect the electrical system and confirm that everything is compatible with your new solar energy system after you have signed your contract with Arizona solar company. This visit is usually scheduled within 24 hours of you signing the contract.
The evaluation makes sure that the roof is free of cracks and allows natural light to enter panels. If problems arise, such as hail storm damage which can invalidate warranties, they can usually be resolved between the installer companies before actual installation takes place.
2. Documentation and permits
Other than applying for incentives, you will also need to complete paperwork such as building permits. The permits are specific to your location and your installer will help you determine them in many cases.
The Federal ITC, state, and local solar incentives, as well as clean energy financing initiatives such PACE or government rebates on SRECs, are some of the most popular things people apply for. These benefits can be obtained from many different sources so it is crucial to not only know what the applicant wants but also who did this type of work. This will ensure that one doesn't waste time trying out multiple companies before finding the perfect person.
3. Place an order
You will need to evaluate inverters and solar panel components for your system. Although your installer will recommend a specific brand, there are other options available. Brand comparisons should consider durability, efficiency, as well as aesthetics.
4. Solar panel installation
After wiring is completed, they will install the racking that will support your panels. This is the only piece that will actually be attached to your roof. After they have attached the electrical wiring, solar panels can be placed on the rack. An electrician connects the inverters to each other so that direct current energy can finally be converted into alternating current.
5. Approval and interconnection
Connecting your panels directly to the grid is the last step in solar. You will need to approve the inspection of your system by the local government before you can do so. This is essentially a double-checking of the installation work done in Arizona solar company's.
You will be ready to interconnect the grid after this local inspection. Before the system can be connected to the national grid, a representative from your electric company will inspect it.