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How to Install a Solar Panel: A Complete Guide

How to Install a Solar Panel in Just 5 Steps

How to Install a Solar Panel in Just 5 Steps

Installing solar panels on your roof is actually easy.

In fact, even beginners can install solar panels if they have a good guide!

With the right guidance and a few simple steps, even novice DIYers can confidently tackle this project.

We will help you understand what solar panel installation is and how you can accomplish it with a few easy steps. 

So if you're up for an exciting challenge, let's start bringing sunshine and energy-efficiency to your home!

Planning to Go Solar: Here Are the Five Steps

Using solar energy will provide so many benefits for you and your home.

Not only will you enjoy substantial savings on electricity bills in the long run, but also, you’ll be making an invaluable contribution to reducing your carbon footprint.

Before taking this plunge, it’s important that you thoroughly assess if it makes financial and practical sense for your lifestyle and home needs.

1. Evaluate Your Electric Bill

Who enjoys reviewing their electric bill?

The prices keep increasing, adding a lot of strain to our finances.

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    What solar quotes do you need?

    Preferred time of installation?

    Which of these best describes your home?

    Property ownership?

    Which direction does your roof face?

    What is the pitch of your roof?

    What material is your roof?

    Is there any shading that impacts your roof?

    Are there any windows on your roof?

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    If you're tired of this problem, consider going solar instead. The upfront cost is higher, but you'll save so much electricity costs long term. 

    2. Determine Your Home’s Efficiency

    An energy-efficient home uses less power than other houses. We all strive to achieve this, especially if our homes allow it. 

    Do you plan to save on energy bills? We suggest installing a solar panel system.

    Considering how much a solar rechargeable battery can collect, solar panels would benefit homes with direct sunlight.

    3. Decide if Your Home’s a Good Fit for Solar

    Unfortunately, solar battery installation isn't possible in all types of homes.

    This is a major problem faced by many people who live in an always dark climate since their access to sunlight is limited. North-facing roofs produce less energy than west-facing roofs too.

    That being said, make sure there are no obstructions to your roof because these will affect how much solar power your panels can collect.

    Make sure your roof can handle the scaffolding needed for solar panels too.

    4. Explore Available Incentives

    A main reason we decided to use renewable energy is the many incentives we get in return.

    You can check with your local authorities if they offer any incentives that might convince you to go solar.

    Our favourite is the feed-in tariff and the discounted solar panels we get in return. Sometimes you can even get panels for free!

    5. Compare and Choose an Installer

    You won't have difficulty finding a solar panel installer near you. The only subject for debate is the solar panel installation cost, which sometimes tends to be pricey.

    With many installers, you can find one that will fit your price range. More importantly, you can choose an installer with the best solar panel system and energy collection. 

    Solar Panel Installation Guide

    Are you ready to get your solar panels installed? Keep reading this guide to have your very own solar energy system at home.

    1. Engineering Site Visit

    The first step in this guide is to allow engineers to visit the installation site and assess its potential.

    They can recommend what to do and if other places may be perfect for the setup. 

    2. Permits and Documents

    Never forget to obtain the necessary permits and documents before installing solar panels. 

    Before you start any construction, remember to check with your local authorities first. After all, you don't want your neighbours complaining about construction without any warning.

    3. Ordering Equipment

    We're always so excited when it's time to order solar panels. Solar companies offer many unique products, all very tempting to get. 

    Make sure to only order the equipment that your installers recommend. This ensures you get the right equipment and don't waste money.

    4. Solar Installation Day

    It's the day we're all waiting for when the installation process officially begins. Solar panels are generally easy to install, so everything should go as planned. 

    Soon enough, you'll get your house running on solar power! 

    5. Mount Installation

    Ensure your solar panel mounting system is up and secure in its place especially if your roof has an angle.

    After all, the last thing you want is to have your solar PV panels falling from your roof! On top of that, poor installation can also affect your solar system's performance.

    6. Install the Solar Panels

    We're all excited for the moment when we can finally install solar panels. They are generally installed on a flat roof or a south-facing roof.

    Solar panels require direct access to the sun, so be sure you get the proper placement for it.

    7. Do Electrical Wiring

    No one wants to deal with the electrical wiring of solar panels because they're usually so complicated. But it's part of the solar panel installation process you need to deal with. 

    Look up guides on connecting the wires properly yourself, or have a professional do the job. 

    8. Connect the System to Solar Inverter

    Your solar inverter is responsible for converting the energy it collects to DC electricity.

    This is why it's a crucial part of solar panel installation. You SHOULD NOT skip this step at all times!

    9. Connect Solar Inverter and Solar Battery

    Solar battery storage is important for storing any excess energy your solar panels might collect. 

    You'll have enough energy to power all your electrical appliances and heat water at home. 

    10. Connect Solar Inverter to the Grid

    Once everything is set, you can now connect the inverter to the electrical grid. This lets you generate electricity at home. 

    You'll be able to have your home running using solar energy in no time!

    11. Start Solar Inverter

    The moment we've all been waiting for — it's time to power up your solar inverter! Watch your solar panels come to life and let you experience energy independence.

    Be sure to also observe energy-saving tips to maximise your solar photovoltaic panels. 

    Safety Considerations

    Safety is always our priority. Observing the necessary safety considerations, no matter how much solar power we want to collect, is vital.

    This is especially important for people who want to become solar panel installers in the UK!

    1. Tools

    Always use the proper tools for solar panel installation. Most engineers already come equipped with them to get straight to work. 

    2. Materials

    Never compromise the quality of your solar panels and other materials that need to be used. It's better to pay more if it means guaranteeing your safety.

    3. Instructions

    Always stick to the instructions during solar panel installation. This ensures you get your mounting structure and solar panels running properly.

    4. Check for Compatibility

    Remember that NOT ALL solar panels work with every mounting system.

    Check the compatibility of your solar panels first to ensure you're using the right equipment. 

    5. Select the Size

    Make sure to choose the right size for your solar system. 

    For instance, you might need something large enough to handle electricity generation for a large home. Or, if you only have a small space, you won't need huge solar panel mounts.

    6. Get Permits

    Before you embark on solar panel installations, be sure that your plan is a permitted development by your local authorities. You don't want to violate any community guidelines.

    7. Apply for Incentives

    After the solar panel installation, you can apply for incentives with your local authorities. 

    They might offer many incentives to help you save money, so we highly encourage you to maximise these opportunities.

    8. Preparation

    If you want to install solar panels, then be sure you observe the proper preparation procedures — starting from getting planning permission down to securing all the bolts in place.

    9. Install Racking System

    Solar panel mounts are important when you install solar panels. This ensures it holds the PV panels in place and won't fall from your roof tiles. 

    10. Install Panels

    There's a certain way you should install solar panels so you ensure optimal performance in your PV system. Be sure to find the best setup to get the most out of your solar system. 

    11. Install Heat Sink

    Always have a heat sink ready in your solar system. This ensures it doesn't overheat your solar panel, especially if exposed to extreme heat. 

    12. Install Charge Controller

    A charge controller ensures a steady power flow from the grid input to the solar batteries. You don't have to worry about overloading your solar installations. 

    13. Install Battery Bank

    A battery bank is vital for your panels because it stores any excess electricity you generate. This ensures you don't waste any precious power your panels collect up your roof. 

    14. Install Power Inverter

    You should ALWAYS have a power inverter in the solar panel system AT ALL TIMES. That's because it's in charge of converting direct current to alternating current.

    15. Install Energy Metre

    An energy metre is a great tool to determine how much power is consumed. This differs from a generation metre, which records how much electricity your panels generate. 

    16. Check Electrical Wiring

    You can never go wrong with checking the electrical wiring of your setup, starting from the panels on the roof and down the inverter.

    Observe the proper solar panel maintenance procedure to help you out.

    17. Connect to Electrical Panel

    Get your set-up running, and be sure to connect it to your electric panel properly — whether they're on the roof or not.

    Make sure it's connected to the consumer unit so it starts producing electricity.

    Conclusion

    Installing solar thermal and PV panels on your roof is a relatively easy job.

    Make sure to install them where you can get maximum sunlight, so your consumer unit can generate a lot of electricity. 

    Solar panels require very little maintenance, making them a great power source for your home! 

    You might want to try starting your own installation business once you've mastered the installation process. 

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    Mark McShane
    Content Writer
    Mark McShane is a seasoned professional in the solar industry and the owner of Skills Training Group, a leading provider of solar training and education. With years of experience in the field, Mark has developed a deep understanding of the latest trends, technologies and best practices in the industry. His expertise and passion for solar energy have helped countless professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-growing field of solar energy. Whether you’re an aspiring solar professional or an experienced industry veteran, Mark is an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge of the solar industry.
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