Over the last few years, more individuals have understood the need to conserve the environment. It’s important to know that most fossil fuels may impact the nature negatively. For this reason, many households and industries are opting to use solar energy. Energy from the sun is considered a clean source of power, with little or no impact on the environment.
The following article discusses all you need to know about solar energy—the benefits of solar energy, solar panel installations, and much more. Read on.
Benefits of Solar Energy
A solar panel is a device used to harness energy from the sunlight to generate solar power. Over the last few years, solar energy has become an outstanding source of electricity for many households and industries. It’s important to understand that solar energy has several benefits, including:
1. Reduced Air Pollution
Unlike fossil fuels which produce a lot of pollutants, solar energy is considered a safe source of energy. These pollutants may affect the outlook of the environment and lead to health-related issues.
2. Reduced Dependence On Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Most people opt to utilize energy from the sun mainly because it’s clean and a renewable energy source. This will reduce your dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
As mentioned above, fossil fuels produce lots of pollutants, impacting the environment and health negatively. Thus, utilizing solar energy will play a huge role in conserving and maintaining the environment as well as other species.
3. Versatile Installation
Given the ease and simplicity of solar panel installation, it’s possible to install your system almost anywhere. Other aspects such as flexibility of the system mean that you can expand your system depending on the needs at any given time.
4. Economic Savings
Utilizing power from the sun will reduce costs and other related expenses. The sun offers an infinite energy source that isn’t affected by market fluctuations and effects generated by speculation. Although installing a solar panel system may be costly, you should know that it doesn’t require extra maintenance and usage costs.
Is It Safe To Install Solar Panels By Yourself?
In this era of do-it-yourself (DIY), most individuals may prefer to do the installation for themselves. Installing the system by yourself may save you a few bucks, but it’s important to understand that any error may lead to extra costs in the long run. Also, before beginning the installation process, it’s crucial to visit the local administration office to get all the necessary documentation.
Installing solar PV panels on your roof.
Safety Consideration
The process of solar panel installation involves lifting, electricity, and other potentially dangerous activities. For this reason, safety should be your priority.
The following will ensure your safety and that of others when installing your panels:
Protective Clothing
Solar equipment can cause scratches, gouges, cuts, and wounds. Thus, it’s important to wear protective equipment to protect yourself. It’s advisable to wear eye protection, closed-toe boots, and gloves throughout the installation process. Also, make sure you wear long-sleeve clothing when dealing with concrete to avoid skin burns.
Fall Protection Equipment
If you’re setting up a roof-mounted solar panel system, ensure you or your crew wear fall protection equipment anytime they’re on the roof. Start by installing roof anchors where you can fasten your safety harness. Also, it’s important to have roof-ready boots with flat soles to help improve your grip on tiles and metals.
Ground Mount Safety
Before you begin your digging activities, ensure you call the local administration to assess the area to avoid destroying buried gas, water pipes, and others. Wear protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from burns caused by concrete.
Electrical Safety
It’s important to strip all metallic jewelry, including rings, to avoid electrocution and other related issues. It’s crucial that you have a multimeter with you to determine there’s no voltage present before proceeding.
Ensure you strip all the wires and ensure you route them away from sharp edges that could damage the wire, leading to unnecessary costs.
Factors To Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Planning will play a huge role in ensuring you get the most out of your solar panel installation. While it’s important to understand how solar panel works and how the energy is stored, there are a few extra things you should ask yourself. What’s the ideal solar panel size? Does your roof able to withstand extra weight? What’s the correct tilt for your solar?
Also, each state has rules and regulations regarding solar panel installation. Make sure you visit the local authority to get your approval before you start the installation process.
How To Install Solar Panels?
Here’s the step-by-step process of installing solar panels:
1. Set up the scaffolding
This should be your first step to ensure your crew’s safety throughout the installation process.
2. Install the solar panels’ mounts.
The solar mounts will support your solar panels in position. Depending on your geographical location, the mounts should be tilted at an angle between 18-36 degrees. This will ensure the panels absorb maximum sunlight.
3. Set up the solar panels
Install the solar panels on the mounting structure. Follow the given instructions when installing the solar panels and make sure you tighten all the bolts and nuts to maintain their stability.
4. Put the wiring
It’d be best if you’re cautious when wiring the solar panels. Any mistake can lead to the destruction of equipment as well as health hazards such as fire. Only experienced individuals should be allowed to undertake the wiring process.
5. Install solar inverter
After the wiring process, you should connect the solar inverter to the system. Depending on your preference, it can be installed both in an outdoor and indoor setup. The place should have a free flow of air to improve the efficiency of your inverter.
6. Connect solar inverter and battery
The battery will save you from worrying about a lack of usable energy during unfavorable weather conditions such as rainfall.
7. Bond the inverter to the consumer unit
This will lead to the generation of electricity. It’s also important to connect a generation meter to determine the amount of electricity produced by your system. Another device to connect to the system is a monitoring computer to check your system’s performance. For instance, you can use the device to check how much electricity you produce at different times of the day.
8. Start and test your system
This is the final step of the installation process. Switch your system and test for any issues.
Takeaway
As discussed above, solar energy has become sought-after for individuals who want a clean, renewable energy source. Safety should be your priority before you begin the installation process. Follow the above steps when installing your solar panel system.
