Solar Installation

Many people are doing their own solar panel installation and solar systems installations.  In most cases, it’s relatively easy to do most of the solar installation yourself if you have the basic tools and knowledge necessary.  Any competent handyman can install today’s solar panels and much of the wiring required too.

If your solar system is not going to be grid connected (no connection to your main power or a utility-provided power meter), then you can likely do all of the solar panel installation yourself without any complex special knowledge.

For those who plan to use a grid-connected system, however, you should realize that finding professional solar installers will be a prriority as they are needed for all of the electrical hook-ups.  In many areas, this is a requirement in order to receive any benfits from the feed in tarrif and most utility companies will require that the hook-up be professionally installed and they be given access to inspect the connections to their meter.

Solar Panel Installers

Most solar installations will be of the arrayed panel type, which requires a frame and possibly a small elevation tower be built.  These often come in a kit as part of the system, but may require that you build them yourself.  Regardless, they should always be extremely sturdy, painted or protected from degradation due to the elements, and positioned carefully so that the panels will have maximum exposure to the sun for as long as possible during the day.

When mounting to a rooftop (which is most common), be sure the frames are well-secured, that any seals that need to be maintained for the roof’s integrity are in place, etc.

Once you’ve selected a site for the solar panels, installation of  “faux panels” (cardboard, wood scraps, etc.) cut to be sized exactly like the panels.  Put them in place with temporary fasteners (tape, weights) and then observe them throughout a day’s time.  Watch for obstructions you may not have noticed, such as long shadows from trees.  You may be able to move or relocate the panels to a better location and it’s much better to notice that now than after the solar panels installation.

Whatever you do, if you have questions or aren’t sure about how to install your panels, consult professional solar installers.