There are several reasons for choosing a solar panel and setting up solar systems. Some want to turn to clean and renewable energy. Some people have the idea of reducing their reliance on the electricity grid, and some people choose solar systems because they do not have access to the utility network.
Before learning how to install a home solar panel, you need to choose the right type of solar power system for your purpose. All types of systems have common features: they all include solar panels, inverters, bases, and wiring. However, there are fundamental differences that can affect the cost and complexity of the project. The followings are some of them.
- Network solar panel system:
- Hybrid solar panel system:
- Off-grid solar system:
Steps to install a home solar panel
Step 1: Mark the installation location of the solar panel
At the beginning of the home solar panel installation tutorial, you should find and mark the right place to install the solar panel bases. It is better to install the strongest part of the roof to easily support the weight of the solar panels. Do not forget that one of the best places to choose for installation is the passage of metal roof beams. Because these beams can easily bear heavy weights.
Step 2. Install the ceiling fittings
Start the installation when you have determined the right place for the connections or the location of the roof beams and connect the installation rails in the place you have already specified. This process will be different depending on the type of roof you have.
Step 3. Install the rails
As the third step in learning how to install a home solar panel, you need to install the rails carefully. Prepare to connect the rails by placing the corners in place. Measure and cut your rails on the ground so that there are no metal chips on the roof.
Step 4. Place the solar panels on the roof
Remember: safety first, then work! Consider safety procedures as you prepare to move your panels to the ceiling. Make sure you use the right protective equipment. You can wrap your solar panels in a blanket to protect hard surfaces when moving them.
Step 5. Do the electrical wiring
In the sixth step of the home solar panel installation tutorial, you are dealing with electricity and wiring. Connectors such as MC4 are used when wiring; Because these connectors can be connected to a variety of solar panels. These connections are made in 2 ways, which are:
- Series connection
- Parallel connection
Step 6. Connect the system to the solar inverter
The next step is to connect the system to a solar inverter. The positive wire of the solar panel is connected to the positive terminal of the inverter and the negative wire is connected to the negative terminal of the inverter. The solar inverter is then connected to the solar battery and the mains input to generate electricity.
Step 7. Connect the solar inverter and the solar battery
In this step of the home solar panel installation tutorial, you must connect the solar inverter to the solar battery. The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal of the inverter and the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the negative terminal of the inverter. Batteries in off-grid solar systems are required to store backup power.
Step 8. Connect the solar inverter to the mains
The next step is to connect the inverter to the mains. To make this connection, a normal plug is used to connect to the main power switch board. An output wire is connected to an electrical board that supplies power to the house.
Step 9. Start the solar inverter
Now that all the wiring and wiring is done, it is time to start the inverter switch on the main switch of the house. Remember to turn off the fuse box before doing anything at this stage. Most solar inverters have a digital display to show you the production and usage statistics of the solar unit.