A few things to consider before installing your solar panels are cost calculation, equipment needed, and the size of the system being installed. First, calculate the type and size of the system. Secondly, make a checklist of everything needed to install the solar panel system. Equipment includes solar panels, a charge controller, power inverter, and battery. Determining the correct size of your system will prevent the electrical wire from overheating and ensure maximum power is transferred.  

Finding the right size is as easy as adding up wattages from all electrical appliances you plan to use and how many hours you plan to use those appliances daily. Solar panels are installed on rooftops to get maximum sunlight and generate maximum energy from the system. The following includes a step-by-step guide to solar system installation:  

Step 1: Installing the Mount

Solar panels may use Roof-ground or flush mounts to provide structural support and stability. Mounting brackets are the first step to determining where you want your solar panels and how to optimize complete surface area while installing.   

For maximum solar energy, mounts should point in the direction of sunlight. Northern and Southern Hemispheres should position mounts opposite of their direction. In the Northern Hemisphere, you will place your solar panels south and vice versa. The same idea follows for the West and East Hemispheres.   

Step 2: Solar Panels

The solar panels are then placed within their mounts and secured by nuts and bolts. Check on solar panels at least once a year to prevent bolts from loosening. 

Step 3: Install electrical wiring

Next, MC4 is used as a connector, moving on to electrical wiring. MC4s are universal; therefore, they can connect to all types of solar panels. There are two different electrical connections; Series connection and parallel connection; both sequences include the following:   

1. Series Connection: One PV module’s positive (+) wire links to another module’s negative (–) wire in a series connection. The voltage match with the battery bank improves with this type of wiring. By connecting solar panels in series, voltages of solar panels add up.   

2. Parallel Connection: In this scenario, the connections are positive (+) to positive (+) and negative (–) to negative (–). Each panel’s wiring voltage remains the same with this style of wiring.  

Step 4: Connect Solar Inverter

The next step is connecting the solar panel system to the solar inverter. The systems’ positive and negative wires are then connected to the solar inverter’s positive and negative terminals, matching positive (+) with positive (+) and negative (-) with negative (-).  

Step 5: Connect the solar inverter to a solar battery

After connecting the inverter to the system, the next step is to connect the inverter to a solar battery to store backup electricity. The inverters’ positive and negative wires are connected to the batteries’ positive and negative terminals, matching positive (+) with positive (+) and negative (-) with negative (-).   

Step 6: Link solar inverter to the grid

Connecting the solar inverter to the grid can connect a standard plug to the main power switchboard. An output wire connects to the electrical board, which supplies electricity to the home.   

Step 7: Turn on the solar inverter

Once all cabling and electrical steps are completed, all you have to do now is turn on your system and enjoy years of free renewable energy.   

Ready for Energy Independence?  

Now is the perfect time to make the switch to solar. With the Solar Tax Credit, your home value increasing, and easy installation, going solar has never been easier. Thanks to Net Metering, which allows your energy meter to spin backward when your home produces surplus electricity, your energy bill will be reduced to dollars. That means your locked-in monthly finance payment is all you owe. Go solar today with zero upfront costs and start saving immediately. Your first 12 months of payments are on us if you qualify, so contact J Ferg Solar today!