Whether you’re installing on your roof or ground-based system, following best practices will help to ensure it lasts and performs as expected. Innovative designs make maintenance more accessible and ensure workers can work safely. First, precise connections prevent electrical arcing and overheating. These safety features also reduce the risk of system damage.
Choose a Good Company
When comparing solar companies, consider their customer reviews, warranties, and time in business. Be especially wary of companies that sell one-size-fits-all systems or promise to save money by rushing your installation. These types of installers often need better service and products. When reviewing quotes, ask each company to show you the systems they’ve installed for previous customers. If a contractor can’t or won’t provide you with this information, they shouldn’t be considered for your project. Also, ask each company how they handle any issues during solar panels reinstallation in NJ process. A good solar company will make sure all concerns are addressed and resolved in a timely fashion. Finally, look for a company that acknowledges energy use habits are the most significant predictor of how much electricity a household uses. A quality installer should be able to advise you on lighting, heating, and air conditioning upgrades and energy-efficient appliances that can significantly lower your power bill regardless of whether you have solar panels or not. Additionally, you should ask each company to have an engineer visit your home or business to evaluate the electrical status for proper wiring before installation.
Get Permits
Permit requirements vary widely by state, town, and house. Some neighborhoods may need homeowners association (HOA) permission before installing solar panels, while others might have stricter building codes and zoning laws. Obtaining these permits requires research, customization of installation drawings, and sometimes even a site visit. This adds to the overall cost of your system but is essential for ensuring that you meet all the necessary safety guidelines. Most places also require a separate permit for the interconnection to the grid. This allows the local utility to ensure that your new system adheres to wiring and interconnection standards set by the company. Your installer can help you determine which permits are needed for your project and can usually complete all the paperwork.
Plan Your Installation
Once your paperwork has been approved and permits are in place, the installation team will work with you to schedule an installation date. This may take a few weeks, depending on where you live and how much sun your area receives throughout the year. When the installation date arrives, the team will assess your roof to determine the best place for the panels. They should be installed on a south-facing roof without trees or structures obstructing sunlight. The team will also need to set up a solar mounting system, typically built into the contract price for turnkey installations. Once the installation is complete, your installer will submit the paperwork for you to apply for state and local solar incentives like rebates. Once approved, your system will be inspected and connected to the utility grid. Once the inspection is passed, you can power up your system and begin saving on energy costs! Home solar power reduces your dependence on the utility, offsetting or eliminating your electricity bills and positively impacting our environment.
Install the Panels
Once you have the necessary materials, it’s time to start the installation process. First, installers will survey your roof to determine its structural integrity. This will help them know whether or not you have enough space for solar panels and what size they should be. They’ll also look at your electrical panel to see if you need to upgrade it to accommodate the additional electricity your new system produces. They will begin the installation once they determine the best location for your solar panels. They’ll set up the mounting systems on your roof or ground, depending on what type of system you choose. You’ll typically have a choice between rail systems that attach directly to your roof or ballasted mounts that sit on the ground and are attached with weights. They’ll then install the electric wiring, turning off your house’s power supply while they do so. They’ll connect the solar panels to an inverter, a battery (if you opt for one), and your home’s meter. Then they’ll run a test to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Connect to the Grid
Your installers will shut off the power to your home during this step. They will install the electric wiring that will connect the solar panels to your home, the solar inverter (which converts DC electricity into AC), and a meter that allows for the two-way energy flow between your house and the city grid. The meter measures how much energy your solar panels generate and how much your household uses. It also keeps track of any electricity supplied to the grid. This is done using a “net meter” installed in your home and your new solar system. You want to stay connected to the grid after solar panel installation because remaining connected allows your home to draw power from the grid during nights and cloudy days when your renewable energy system can’t provide enough. It also gives you the option to push any excess energy back to the grid, which will result in a credit on your next utility bill or even a refund depending on the policy of your local electricity company.
