Once you decide you want a solar-power system for your home, choosing a contractor to install the system is your most important decision. Your contractor, somebody like TerraSol Energies Inc. in Glen Mills, Pa., will walk you through the details.
Some things will vary depending on your home and the amount electricity you hope to generate with your system, but here’s a general idea of what the installation process looks like:
Your system will installers will visit your home for a consultation. They’ll help you decide the best placement for solar panels based on the size of the solar system you need, the amount of sun your area receives and whether you want the system to be connected to the electrical power grid. You may be able to have your solar panel system installed on your grounds, rather than on the roof.
Paperwork
It’s not glamorous, but as with any construction project, there’s a certain amount of paperwork to be done. Luckily, your installer will handle most of it, include obtaining construction permits, filling out forms for government incentive programs and financing programs.
Installation
Installation of your new solar power system will take one to three days depending on the size of the system. Your installer will prepare the roof or the area where the panels will be installed. The next step is installing wiring so the solar system is connected to your home’s electrical panel and to the general power system.
Once the wiring is in place, the installers will build racks to support the solar panels. Once the racks are firmly attached to the roof and leveled, the installers will lay the solar panels. The last step is to connect an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternative current (AC) that can be used in your home. The inverter is usually installed close to the main electrical panel. This can be either outdoors or indoors. But since it has been made using solid-state electronics and usually performs best in cool conditions, it is important to remember to protect it from direct sunlight.
Tied to the Grid
If you’re worried that a solar panel system will have you in the dark on a stormy day, then you’ll be happy to know that most customers choose a grid-tied system. This means your home or business stays connected to the local utility grid, so during the night or on a cloudy day, you’ll still have power. If your system creates more electricity than you use, you can receive credits that go towards your electric bill.
A solar panel system will dramatically reduce your electricity costs and set you on the path to energy independence. With the solar industry growing, there’s never been a better time than now to get on board with a solar panel system.
For more information about installing a solar power system for your home of business call TerraSol Energies, 888-873-9995. We install solar systems in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.