What to Expect During Solar Panel Installation
- Initial Consultation: A technician or consultant will visit your property to assess its suitability for solar panels. They will evaluate factors like roof condition, angle, shading, and energy consumption.
- System Design: Based on the assessment, a custom solar system design will be created. This includes choosing the right size and type of panels, inverter, and other necessary components. You’ll review and approve the design.
- Permits and Approvals: The installation company will handle the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities and your utility company. This step ensures that the installation complies with all regulations and standards.
- Installation Day:
- Site Preparation: The installation team will prepare your roof by cleaning it and ensuring it’s ready for mounting the solar panels.
- Mounting: They will install mounting systems to secure the panels. These mounts are typically attached to the roof rafters.
- Panel Installation: Solar panels are then attached to the mounts securely.
- Electrical Setup: An inverter is installed to convert the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity for home use. Wiring is run from the panels to the inverter and into your main electrical panel.
- System Testing: Once the installation is complete, the system will be thoroughly tested to ensure everything works correctly. This includes checking the electrical connections, inverter, and overall performance.
- Inspection: An inspector from the local authorities may need to review the installation to confirm it meets all codes and regulations.
- Activation: After passing inspection and receiving approval from the utility company, the system can be activated, and you can start generating solar power.
Post-Installation
- Monitoring: Many solar systems come with monitoring software to track the performance and energy production.
- Maintenance: While solar panels require minimal maintenance, it’s important to keep them clean and check for any issues periodically.
