Solar panels are panel devices capable of gathering solar energy from the sun and converting this energy into direct currents responsible for heating or providing electricity inside the house. It is made up of solar cells combined to accumulate enough solar energy for the energy conversion. These solar cells are exposed directly to the sun and thus collecting sunrays. The sun’s energy is then processed into current energy and delivered to the different areas of the house where electricity is needed.
When you want to install your own solar panels, you have to know first the location on where to place your panels as well as the exact position your solar panel will take up. This is important since location is a vital factor in the efficiency of your solar panel. If you place your solar panel in a more shaded area, then you would expect lesser accumulation of solar energy.
Moreover if you position your solar panel where half of it does not fully acquire sunrays, also expect fewer energy conversion. All this might sound too obvious, but some people usually neglect it hence, failed to maximize the function of their solar panels.
Two effective locations are found to create full exposure to the sun. First is above the house or on the roof. You may notice some houses having a rectangular shiny panel. That is their own solar panels up on their roof. Where else can you obtain maximized sunlight than on your roof? If your roof is not facing a good position to the sun or maybe tree branches block your roof from the sun, find an empty lot just beside your house where it can fully be exposed to the sun for so long. Make sure this is still in good distance to your house as it can fail to provide much electricity when at a far distance.
After you found your perfect location, it is time to install your solar panels. If you plan to buy your ready to assemble solar panels, you can see a guideline on how to install them. Ensure first that you have all the tools needed so that you do not need to stop your work and look for other required tools. But, if you are making your own solar panels, all you need to do is to create a complete rack system to secure your solar panels, check on your rafters and mount your rack system. After which, you can install you solar panels.
It may sound easy, but let us consider first a few tips. When mounting your rack system, you must initially check on your roof support. It is critical that your mount must be attached on top of your rafter. If in case it is impossible to place your mount on top of a rafter, secure it in a solid wood underside the roof. Remember, never to mount your rack system in your roof plywood sheathing.
You can do this more conveniently if you plan to reroof your house. Exposing the underside of your roof will allow you to see where you can effectively place your mount for full support.
When placing your rack system and solar panel, consider also the position of your solar panel. You can either flush it up or tilt it. This depends on where your solar panel can be fully exposed to the sun. You can test your solar panel position first before mounting it. Primarily, a south facing position would definitely acquire most of the sun’s energy.
Always secure your mount base with a stainless steel lag bolts. To prevent serious roof leaks, put some roof flashing over each mount. You can finish it off by linking your solar racks to the metal rails. Just make sure that there is enough space between your roof and your solar panel for a sufficient airflow beneath your solar panels.
Watch this video to know the different solar panel tools needed in the installation: