7 Steps to Install Solar Panel Perfectly
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular because they efficiently produce clean, renewable energy. Not only are these panels a boon for the environment, but they will also allow you to save money on your electricity bills.
Here are the steps to ensure that solar panels are installed perfectly:
1. Proper direction of Panels
The mounting structure of the panel provides the base for the entire system. The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the structure is sturdy and securely fastened to the rooftop.
Once that is done, you need to consider the direction in which you are to place the panels. The performance of the solar panels depends largely upon which direction they are facing.
In the northern hemisphere, the panels should face south and in the southern, north. These directions will make the panels receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day.
2. Assemble the Solar Panels
Once you’re done installing the solar structure properly, you need to place the panels on it. Make sure to fasten them to the structure properly by tightening all the nuts and bolts.
Another thing that you need to take care of is the angle at which they must be placed. The tilt angle of the panels needs to be decided based on the geographical location where they are being placed.
Panels placed at tilt angles similar to the latitude of the location generally tend to produce energy more efficiently.
3. Electrical Wiring
Getting the electrical wiring right is essential for making the solar panel efficient. Typically, MV4 connectors are used to connect solar panels because they make the array wiring simpler. However, you can use something else if that meets your requirements.
If you’re having a multiple panel setup, make sure that you use a good quality solar combiner box. You will have to connect the positive wire from one module to the negative of another in order to ensure proper wiring.
4. Connections with the Solar Inverter
A proper connection between the solar panels and the solar inverter is one of the most important steps. You need to connect the positive wire from the solar panel with the positive terminal that is located on the inverter and the negative wire with the negative terminal.
Other connections that you will have to take care of include – battery wire connection and output wire connection. The solar panel, solar battery, and grid input all need to be connected with the inverter in order to produce electricity. Do remember to turn off the inverter when dealing with the connections.
5. Connection between Solar Inverter and Solar Battery
The battery stores the power backup in an off-grid solar energy system. The battery needs to be recharged from time to time so that it can recharge the panels and the grid. This is why it is important to connect it with the solar inverter.
Similar to the panels, the positive connection of the battery needs to be connected to the positive terminal on the inverter and the same with the negative wire.
6. Connection between Solar Inverter and Grid
To connect the solar grid with the inverter, all you have to do is plug the inverter into the main power switchboard so that it is able to get power from the grid. Connect the output wire with the board that will be supplying electricity to your home or facility.
Also, it is important that you connect a metering device to the inverter. This will allow you to calculate any excess energy that is being generated by the system.
The positive wire of the metering device should be connected with the line terminal and the negative wire with the neutral terminal of the inverter.
7. Start Solar Inverter through Panel & Grid
Once you are done making all the connections properly, it is time to turn on the mains. Before you do this, make sure that you double-check all the electrical connections to avoid any chances of damage to the system.
After you’ve done that, you can safely turn on the mains and get your solar energy system working. There will be a digital panel where you’ll be able to see how many units of electricity are being generated through the day, the supply voltage, and other details.
Follow these steps carefully and you’ll be able to perfectly set up your solar panels and get clean, renewable energy to run your facility while also saving up on bills.