Planning for your solar panel installation
The first step to Installing Solar Panels is planning. Before you purchase any equipment or begin the installation, you should consider the following:
Your energy needs
What is your average daily energy consumption? This information will help you determine how many solar panels you need to install.
Location
The location of your solar panels is critical to ensure optimal sun exposure. Ideally, solar panels should be installed in areas that receive maximum sunlight throughout the day. Shade from nearby trees or buildings can also affect solar panels. The panels may need to be tilted at an angle to achieve the best possible performance, so consider the surrounding environment when selecting a location.
Roof condition
The condition of your roof is another factor to consider when planning for solar panel installation. If your roof is old or in disrepair, it may not be suitable for supporting solar panels. Consider the age and condition of your roof and have it inspected before installing solar panels to ensure it can handle the weight of the panels and withstand the weather conditions in your area.
Installation restrictions
If you live in a complex or area regulated by a governing body, you may need to get permission before installing PV panels on your home or business’s roof. Before installing solar panels, it’s essential to check any rules that affect the placement and installation of solar panels on your property.
Find out everything you need to know about solar panels and how you can benefit from them by clicking here.
Assessing your energy needs
It’s crucial to assess your energy needs to determine the size and type of solar panel system that will meet your needs. Here are some factors to consider when assessing your energy needs:
Energy Consumption
The first step in assessing your energy needs is to determine your current energy consumption. You can do this by reviewing your electricity bills and calculating your average monthly energy usage. This will give you an idea of how much energy you need to produce with your solar panel system.
Climate
The climate in your area can also affect your energy needs. If you live in a region with cold winters, you may need more energy to heat your home. If you live in a hot and sunny area, you may need more energy to power your air conditioning.
Energy Goals
Finally, consider your energy goals when assessing your energy needs. Do you want to completely offset your energy usage with solar power, or are you looking to reduce your energy bills by a certain amount? Or would you like to generate excess power that can be pushed back into the grid? Understanding your energy goals can help you determine the size and type of solar panel system that will best meet your needs.
Designing your PV system
There are a few requirements to properly spec your solar system.
Site Assessment
Our professionals are available to perform a thorough site assessment to determine the best size and location for your solar panel system based on your needs.
PV System Design
If your installation is more complex and requires a more sophisticated layout and design, we are able to use Helioscope to design your PV system to meet your specific energy needs and optimize its performance. The software allows us to create a 3D model of your site, taking into account shading analysis, the amount of sunlight your site receives, and the orientation and slope of your roof. By using Helioscope, we can ensure that your system is tailored to your needs and performs at its best.
Buying your Solar system
Once the planning phase is complete, it’s time to purchase your equipment. Our team is ready to assist! Drop us a WhatsApp message, email or give us a call and a member of our SrsSolar team will assist you. If you require finance for your solar solution, simply fill in our finance enquiry form to get started.
Here are the essential components you will need:
Solar panels: These are the devices that convert sunlight into electricity. You will need to calculate how many panels you need based on your energy consumption and the panel’s wattage. Panel efficiency is determined by the solar panel’s construction. Choosing the correct solar panels is essential for efficient energy production.
Inverter: The inverter is responsible for converting the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home or business.
Batteries: Batteries are required in order to store the power generated.
Mounting hardware: This includes brackets, rails, and screws that will be used to mount the solar panels on your roof.
Wiring & Connectors: You will need wiring, connectors, fuses and breakers to connect the solar panels to the inverter and then to your electrical panel.
Hiring a professional solar installer
It is essential to hire a professional solar installer to ensure that your system is installed safely and correctly. Now that you have all your equipment, it’s time to begin the installation process. The installation team will need to follow these steps:
- Install the mounting hardware on your roof. Making sure it’s secure and can support the weight of the solar panels.
- Install the solar panels on the mounting hardware. Make sure they are level and facing the right direction.
- Mount the inverter and battery
- Connect the panels in series or parallel as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Run the wiring from the panels to the inverter and then to your electrical panel. The wiring will need to be insulated and secured.
Solar System Inspection & Certification
Once the installation is completed, your system will be inspected by a qualified electrician. They will check the wiring, connections, and overall safety of your system. Once approved, the system can be turned on and tested. You can then generate energy from the sun and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy! A COC (Certificate of Compliance) will be issued within 7 days of the installation.