Solar electric system installation

You can choose between two kinds of solar panels: traditional crystalline solar modules , and thin-film solar panels. Crystalline modules are the large solid panels that people usually associate with solar power.

They are more expensive, and more efficient, than thin film. Thin film comes on a flexible roll of metal or plastic that can be applied to any flat surface, such as a metal roof. They are much simpler to install, but when roof surface area is an issue, high-efficiency crystalline panels may be a better choice. With crystalline panels, you have three options for location: Mounting the panels on your roof, on the ground, or on a pivoting stand. You choose your racking depending on where you plan on mounting your solar energy system.

Most people think that a roof mount is the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing, but there are many reasons that people choose other options: if your roof is small, unstable, or in the shade; if you aren't able to face the panel towards the equator facing south in the northern hemisphere and facing north in the southern hemisphere ; if you like the simplicity of a ground mount; or if you have extra land. Pivoting stands are an attractive alternative because they are able to follow the sun throughout the day, so they can be far more efficient, but they're also more expensive.

If you have enough open space, a ground mount may be better. With any of these mounting options, you should make sure that there are no local ordinances or homeowners association rules against them.

While most people want to focus on panels and inverters, it's important to remember that solar panel racks are critical. Besides the orientation and shading issues we discussed above, you also need to find out the wind category in your area as well as your soil conditions if you plan to install a ground mount system.

Even with off-the-shelf parts, many permit offices will not give you a permit if the racking approach does not have a civil engineer's stamp of approval. Solar is still new to a lot of people, including engineers, but solar racking systems are in essence just giant erector sets and getting an engineer's approval of a proposed structure is often required.

Now, having chosen your solar modules, you'll need to decide on a solar inverter. Again, the inverter changes direct current DC from the panel into alternating current AC that your appliances can use. There are several considerations here. First, you'll need to make sure to choose a grid tie inverter rather than an off-grid inverter. Second, you need an inverter that can handle what your panels generate, so make sure the wattage of the inverter is as strong as the wattage of your array.

Third, you can consider solar micro inverters , smaller inverters that are connected to each panel instead of the entire system as a whole. After selecting panels and an inverter, the rest of the system known as balance of system , or BOS is simple to plan. You'll need to contact your local utility about the metering system - in most cases, they will give you the two-way meter also known as a "net meter" for free.

You can also consider a battery backup. For safety reasons, solar inverters will shut off current in a blackout, even if the array is making power, so that linesmen aren't zapped by errant solar systems while making repairs. If you install a backup battery bank, you can power critical loads independent of utility power.

This requires specific wiring from the battery to the critical loads, but enables you to have power if the grid goes down. PV systems with battery backup are considerably more expensive. Now that your system is planned, you only need to figure out installation, solar financing for your solar power system, and other various legal issues.

DSIRE also has information on utilities that will buy electricity back from you. While you are reviewing this material, keep in mind that some incentive programs limits the benefits to those systems installed by an approved installer and are not available to those who install the system themselves, so be clear on the eligibility requirements of any programs you investigate.

At SolarTown, we will be launching a special solar financing program to allow you to defer payments on your purchase for up to one year. Please contact us for more information. Now all you need to do is plan your installation or you may choose to select a solar energy installer through Cooler Planet. If you do install the system yourself be sure to read our DIY solar installation tips!

More importantly, you can install your system all the way into your breaker box, but it will need inspection. Do not install a solar energy system without obtaining the permits required by your local government authority. Your local laws may require this, and other safety measures such as building permits, so be sure of these things before you begin. Once you're sure you're in the clear, you can start building!

We hope that this guide has helped demystify some of the elements of a solar array and shown you what to consider to install a solar array. You've seen the layout of a system from the panels to the grid, and understand what parts you'll need to buy. You know how to make smart decisions about solar panels, and you know how to pick the right inverter. We also covered the importance of looking into legal matters and eligibility for government incentives.

There are plenty of guides on this site about more specific considerations, and if you have any questions about your new solar array, please do not hesitate to contact us at SolarTown. Obtain at least three bids for the PV system installation and make sure the bids are based on the same characteristics and metrics to enable comparison shopping. Bids should clearly state the maximum generating capacity of the system—measured in Watts W or kilowatts kW. Also request an estimate of the amount of energy that the system will produce on an annual or monthly basis measured in kilowatt-hours.

This figure is most useful for comparison with your existing utility bills. Bids also should include the total cost of getting the PV system up and running, including hardware, installation, connection to the grid, permitting, sales tax, and warranty.

If you opt for a solar lease or power-purchase agreement, remember that you will not be eligible for this tax benefit, since you will not own the solar energy system.

In addition to incentives, be sure to explore all of the available solar financing options. Every situation is different, and what is best for your property depends on a wide range of factors. The Clean Energy States Alliance guide helps homeowners understand their options, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each.

If you decide to install a solar energy system, your installer should be able to help you complete the necessary permitting and steps. Your installer will determine the appropriate size for your system. The size will be based on your electricity needs determined in step 4 as well as the following:. Your installer will also ensure that all equipment is installed correctly and oriented and tilted in such a way to maximize the daily and seasonal solar energy received and produced by your system.

Be sure you understand how billing and net metering will work, as well as any additional utility fees you will need to pay. A federal tax credit is available for solar energy systems. It expires December 31, Learn more and find state and local incentives.

Investigate your home's energy efficiency Assess your solar potential and any limitations Assess your options for going solar Estimate your solar electricity needs Obtain bids and site assessments from contractors Understand available financing and incentives Work with your installer and utility to install the system and set up agreements.

Investigate Your Home's Energy Efficiency. Explore the following resources to reduce your electricity use:. Home energy audits : A home energy audit can help you understand where your home is losing energy and what steps to take to improve the efficiency of your home. Appliances and electronics : Use your appliances and electronics more efficiently, or consider investing in highly efficient products.

Lighting : Switch to energy efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs. Heating and cooling : If you use electricity to heat and cool your home, your heating and cooling needs will significantly affect the amount of solar energy you need. Weatherizing your home and heating and cooling efficiently will reduce the amount of electricity you need to produce with solar. Assess Your Solar Potential. Consider the following:.

Nearby shade trees. Contractors will also help evaluate shading, but also consider your own or your neighbor's trees that are still growing and could shade your system in the future. The age of your roof and how long until it will need to be replaced. If you expect to need a new roof within the next few years, you may want to consider making that improvement before installing solar.

Neighborhood or homeowner association HOA restrictions or approval requirements. Some states now have "solar rights provisions" limiting the ability of HOAs to restrict solar installations or limit solar access. These provisions vary state to state, and by municipality; check into your own HOA covenants and state laws. Assess Your Options for Using Solar. Purchasing a Solar Energy System. Community or Shared Solar. Consider community solar if one or more of the following apply to you: You are unable or do not want to install solar at your home or property You are unable to claim state or federal investment tax credits You do not want to be responsible for maintenance or repairs Learn more about community and shared solar.

Solar Leases. Solar leases are a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: You want to install solar at your home, but you are unable or do not want to purchase a solar energy system You are ineligible for state or federal investment tax credits You do not want to be responsible for maintenance or repairs You want to reduce your electricity costs You want to sell unused electricity produced by your system back to your utility through a net-metering arrangement.

PPAs are a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: You want to install solar at your home, but you are unable or do not want to purchase a solar energy system You are ineligible for state or federal investment tax credits You do not want to be responsible for maintenance or repairs You want to reduce your electricity costs You want to sell unused electricity produced by your system back to your utility through a net-metering arrangement You are interested in procuring solar at a limited up-front cost.

Solarize Programs. Solarize programs are a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: A Solarize program is available in your area You want to purchase a solar energy system to install at your home You are eligible for state or federal investment tax credits You are willing to be responsible for maintenance or repairs note that most solar energy systems offer warranties, and many installers offer operations and maintenance plans You want to reduce your electricity costs and sell unused electricity produced by your system back to your utility through a net-metering arrangement You want to increase the value of your home.

Estimate Your Solar Electricity Needs. Review electricity bills to determine annual electricity needs. Your usage will be shown in kilowatt-hours kWh. Review each month of the year; you may use more electricity in some months than others e.

Some utilities offer tools that can help with this review. Consider any planned changes. If you will be purchasing an electric vehicle or are planning a home addition, your electricity needs may increase. If you are continuing to make significant changes to improve your home's energy efficiency, you may need less electricity than you used in the past. When interviewing installers, consider asking the following questions: Is your company familiar with local permitting and interconnection processes?

Often obtaining building permits and receiving permission to interconnect can be long and tedious processes.

Ensure that the installer is familiar with these local processes will ensure that your system is installed and connected in a prompt manner. Can the company provide references from other customers in your area?

Talk to other customers in the area to learn about any challenges they faced and how the company helped resolve them. Is the company properly licensed or certified? PV systems should be installed by an appropriately licensed installer.

This usually means that either the installer or a subcontractor has an electrical contractor's license. Your state electrical board can tell you whether a contractor has a valid electrician's license. Local building departments might also require that the installer have a general contractor's license. Call the city or county where you live for additional information on licensing.