1. A location on the property where solar panels can be installed away from any obstructions or large pets which can damage solar panels.
You will want to choose a location which will get the maximum sunlight exposure and plan to install the panels facing in the direction of the equator. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)This area should not have any shade during any time of the day.
2. Solar Panels – enough to meet or exceed your energy needs.
Using the Solar Calculator (link provided) on this site will help you determine how much electricity you need to generate to get off the grid or significantly reduce your electric bill.
Using this information, you can calculate how many panels are needed depending upon which panels you choose to install.
3. Framework to hold the Panels. – If the panels are installed on a roof using standard construction methods, use a qualified roofing contractor to build the framework for the panels so as not to compromise the integrity of the roof. Framework for solar panels do not have to be installed on the roof.
Note: e-How suggests to use a map or GPS to determine your latitude above or below the equator and add 15 degrees for your winter solar panel angle and subtract 15 degrees for your summer solar panel angle. (Hessong 2010)
There are three types of mounts for a solar panel system:
Flush Mounts – these are typically installed upon RV’s or motor homes and should be installed 2 – 4 inches above the surface to allow airflow around the solar panel to prevent the panel from getting overheated. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)
Universal Mounts – these mounts can be installed either on rooftops or on the ground. While they are meant for larger solar panel systems, some city ordinances my not permit you to use this type of mount because of aesthetic reasons. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)
Pole Mounts – these mounts are installed using racks and poles and can be easily constructed on your own. The pole is generally set in the ground with cement to support the weight of the pole and the solar panel with the mount. Poles are usually 2 – 4 inches in diameter with a sleeve or way to attach the framework and panel to the pole. Poles may be set higher allowing panels to be kept up and away from small animals. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)
4. Wiring to wire the solar panel system to your home – This wiring must meet the current electrical codes, check with your electrician or have your electrician wire your system for you.
It should be noted here that it is possible to wire a solar panel system yourself if you are handy and educated in such matters.
I personally recommend an electrician to avoid any costly mistakes. A certified electrician is aware of the proper methods for attaching an electrical system or grid into the public utility meter.
5. A Power Inverter to convert the energy harvested into usable electricity for your home. A good inverter will also allow you to switch to the public utility when your solar panel system is down for maintenance. Or, vise-versa, to stop your solar panel system from feeding the public utility if the utility has a power outage. It should also enable you to sell any excess power back to the public utility.
Solarpanelinfo.com recommends the True Sine wave inverters because they work better when motors are involved such as those found in a water pump. (Solarpanelinfo.com 2010)
Optional item
6. A meter which allows you to track how much electricity your solar panel system is generating.
References:
Solarpanelinfo.com (2010) Solar panel installation, article, solarpanelinfo.com, http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/installation, last accessed October 27, 2010.
Hessong, Athena, (2010, May 6). How to calculate solar panel angle, article, eHow.com, http://www.ehow.com/how_6053185_calculate-solar-panel-angle.html, last accessed October 27, 2010.
Solarpanelinfo.com (2010) Mounts (Solar Panel Accessories), article, solarpanelinfo.com, http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/solar-panels/accessories/mounts, last accessed October 27, 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment