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Solar panels consist of solar panel PV cells that capture sunlight and convert the energy to DC voltage. The produced power is then stored or utilized as electricity to power different systems.
Rooftops play a crucial role when it comes to the installation of solar panels. This is because they are primarily in direct contact with sunlight and have a sturdy design that can hold the panels in place.
Giant bolts are used to keep panels in place when they are attached to your roof. This article will take you through the steps used in installing solar panels on a roof.
Process For Installing Solar Panels
Here are the steps used when installing solar panels:
Step One: Identify where to place the stanchions
These are giant screws that keep the panels in place. The mounting must be durable to ensure that it can withstand any pull that can detach the panels from the roof.
The best place to position the stanchions is on the rafters, and you can find the rafters using a stud finder or your home's blueprint. Also, it's vital to ensure that the stanchions are four feet apart.
Step Two: Attach all the screws to the roofs
For this process, you can use a drill to bore holes into the rafters carefully.
Step Three: Place a screw in each hole and secure them
The next step is to place the screw in each hole and secure them. Ensure that the lower and upper aluminum rails are firmly attached to the stanchions. For this, impact drivers are the recommended device to ensure maximum tightness. It's also vital to ensure that the screws are sealed.
Another way to do this is by thermoseal roofing. This will help to maintain a tight lock on the roof and further ensure that the stanchions won't leak.
Step Four: Measure the distance between rails
The next step is to measure the distance between rails. This is done by diagonally placing a tape from one rail to the next across it and repeating for the other side. Both measurements should be equal to show that the rails are parallel to each other. You'll need to make necessary adjustments if the measurements are different.
Step Five: Make sure the nails are in a squared shape
Ensure that the rails are square before installing the middle rail. This rail must be aligned with the lower and upper rails.
Step Six: Connect the wires to power the solar system
This step powers the solar panels and involves connecting wires between them and the power inverter kits. This helps create a conductor system, after which you install an inverter kit under all the panels.
You'll also install a 6-gauge copper grounding wire on the inverter to complete the conductor system. It's worth mentioning that all the wire connections should be connected across the different solar arrays.
Step Seven: Placing the panels on the installed stanchions
The last step involves placing the panels on the installed stanchions. This also includes joining the plug connections and screwing the retaining clips on the rail to secure the panels.
With that, the only thing left is the electrical work, which includes extending and connecting wires from the panels to your electrical meter.
Installing Solar Panel Roof Mounts
Tile roofs
Installing solar panels on tile roofs is similar to installing solar panels on shingle roofs. Getting solar panels attached to tile roofs begins by removing a few tiles and attaching tile hooks with flashings to the roof. This is to keep the panel secure, after which the removed tiles are replaced.
Spanish roofing is the most expensive type of tile roof you can place solar panels on. This is because installers can't avoid breaking some tiles during installation. You'll need to get a replacement for the broken tiles. Also, solar panel installation on Spanish roofs generally takes more time.
Wood shake roofs
Wood shake roofs are decorative and stylish roofing options, even though the wood pieces are usually brittle. Like Spanish roofs, solar panel installation on wood shake roofs should be done with caution. However, the installation process is generally easy, and it involves placing the panels under shake roof layers to keep them secure.
Standing-seam metal roofs
Metal roof systems with an upright seam that goes down are generally the best option for solar panel installation. With this option, there's no need to bore any hole in the roof because the standing seam makes it easy for you to install a mounting clamp.
Another exciting thing about this option is that it guarantees that the solar array will last long. Also, standing-seam metal roofing systems are ideal for solar panel installation because of the enhanced air circulation under the array. This further enhances the efficiency of solar panels.
Other Methods To Mount Solar Panels
In addition to the methods above, here are some other techniques to consider:
Flat roof system
The methods of solar installation on conventional roofing systems also apply to flat roofing systems. With flat roofing systems, the installation is a lot easier. You won't have to bore so many holes in the roof. You'll generally find this roofing system on tall office buildings and big stores.
Solar panels ground mounted
If you don't want to consider installing solar PV panels on your roof, this option is for you. It's an excellent option to consider, especially if you have enough ground space for a ground-mounted solar panel.
The exciting thing about this option is that they are easy to install, and you can place the panels in any direction. Also, you're not limited by the type of roofing system you have.
Roof space converters
If you don't have adequate room for a ground-mounted solar panel or a large roof, this is an option you should consider. With this, you can easily create more space on your roofing system. This will result in a more extensive attic with sufficient space to hold your solar panels.
Portable solar panels
Another option to consider is the portable solar array option. This is a great choice if you opt for your solar panels to be mobile. This option allows you to take the panels anywhere, including RV trips and camping.
This is an ideal option for people with small energy requirements, which makes it a great option to consider if you're looking for portable solar panels. You'll need to invest in solar charger power packs to try this option. The solar panels will store energy in these charger power packs, and you can use the stored energy at your convenience.
Powering your panels
This is a DIY solar generator option to consider. You can save more money by considering this option. It's also an interesting project to carry out on your own.
SunPower solar cells
SunPower Solar Panels are an excellent option for top-notch solar panels. The cells are made of pure silicon, a unique surface, and a solid copper foundation. Together, these features allow the SunPower Solar Cells to collect more energy, unlike traditional solar panels.
It's worth noting that with time, SunPower solar cells will yield more than 60% more energy than traditional solar panels. This is a fantastic choice if you want something that will last many years. SunPower solar cells generally last up to 25 years.
Solar panel kits
The last option you might want to consider is the solar panel kits, which are also an excellent option for anyone who want all the supplies and hardware to be included in the purchase.
With solar panel kits, the installation process becomes super easy. You'll have everything you require at your disposal, and the only thing left is to perform the installation using the tools in the kit.
Professional Solar Panel Installation
Installing solar panels is generally easy, but you also need to be careful so that you don't damage your roofing system. Consider contacting a solar panel installer to help you get the solar panels installed on your roof.
