Solar installers put panels on a rooftop

Do you wonder what it takes to put solar panels on your home?  What about the people that help you with a home solar install?

Let’s walk through a solar installation, step by step.  In some instances, it can be done in a single day!  And, for those of you that are considering becoming a solar installers, you may just be inspired to go after one of these great green jobs.

Typically, a team of 3-4 workers can complete a solar installation within several days, depending on weather conditions, the size of the solar array, and whether the roof is flat or sloped.  Flat roofs will need a mount rail system to set up the solar panels at an angle.

Sure, you could try to do-it-yourself… and there are plenty of videos and websites set up to inspire the “Tim the Toolman Taylor” in you or your handyman friend.  Yet, you do get what you pay for.  This is arguably one of the home improvement projects for which you’ll want to call in professionals.

So let’s get started!

1.  Brackets on sloped roofs or a mount rail system on flat roofs often are the first items to be installed.

2.  A solar inverter is usually required and can be installed in a garage or outbuilding.  The inverter takes direct current (DC) and converts it into usable alternating current (AC).

3.  Solar panels – of course!  They need to be hoisted to the roof, laid out one by one, and then screwed into the brackets or rail system.

4.  Wiring is one of the most complicated aspects of a solar installation.  Three different wires are required: negative, positive and ground wire.  I find that its usually best to leave this up to the experts – the electricians!

Once the panels have been aligned in place, wiring needs to be connected underneath, with care to ensure that wire doesn’t touch the actual roof.  Then the wiring from the panels needs to be connected to the power meter and inverter.

As you can see, it can be relatively easy to install solar panels on your home.  The payoff is immediate – many see their power bills go from several hundred dollars down to practically nothing!

With spring around the corner, you’ll want to schedule a solar panel installation soon.  Beat the rush now and be the first home on your block that doesn’t have to worry about the high cost of air conditioning when temps start rising.