How to Set Up Solar Panels

Solar panels are arguably the simplest part of your solar energy system to set up, and you can supply the necessary labor, saving yourself some money in the process. Roof-mounted panels for smaller systems are the easiest to install, using small flush-mount brackets which elevate the panels to the best angle for solar collection. You can simply follow the instructions in the box. Pole-mounted panels represent the most challenging yet doable installation for the homeowner.

Things You'll Need

• Pole
• Shovel
• Cement
• Mixing bucket
• Water
• Assistant
• Level
• Mount
• Socket wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Compass
• Solar panels

Instructions

Prepare the Base

1. Check with your solar dealer or the equipment manufacturer's literature to determine the size pole you will need. For an 8-foot-high finished mount, you will be using a 12-foot long pole that is 2 to 8 inches thick--inside diameter--depending on the size of your array. Have the pipe dealer or a machine shop drill holes a few inches from the bottom, straight through both sides, and insert an 18-inch-long--or longer depending on the thickness of your pipe-- and 1/2-inch-thick piece of rebar through the pipe perpendicularly. Weld in place if desired. This cross piece will help keep the pipe from turning or shifting once it is set in cement, making it stronger against high winds.

2. Dig a hole in the ground for setting the pole. As a general rule, 1/3 of the pipe's length should be positioned below ground for the strongest base. So, for a 12-foot pole, you will need a 4-foot-deep hole at least as wide as the rebar cross piece.

3. Mix your cement. Depending on the size of the hole, you will need from two to five bags of premix. Mix one bag at a time according to the manufacturer's instructions. When your first batch is ready, wet down the bottom and sides of the hole to prevent the soil from leaching water from the cement while it cures; set the pole in the hole with the rebar end down. Carefully shovel cement into the hole on all sides of your pole.

4. Have a helper with a level hold the pole plumb while you mix and add more cement. A plumb pole is critical to the stability of your pole mounted array. Cover the surface of the wet cement with plastic. Allow the cement to cure over the course of several days, removing the plastic after 24 hours.

Mount the Panels

1. Install the panel mount on your pole. Most pole-mounting structures will fit directly on top of the pole; others may slide down onto the pole. Using a compass, turn the mount so the panel surface faces due south provided you are in the Northern Hemisphere. Tighten the sleeve according to the mounting instructions.

2. Using a protractor, angle the mount assembly at the recommended tilt for your geographic location to optimize solar collection; ask your solar dealer for recommendations. By making sure the assembly is correctly positioned at this point, you can minimize major adjustments once the heavy panels are in place. Tighten nuts and bolts securely to create a firm surface for panel installation.

3. Following your manufacturer's directions, carefully install your solar panels, one at a time, on the mounting assembly. Have a helper hold each panel in place while you use the provided bolts or screws to secure it. Once you have installed the entire array, adjust the angle if necessary.

4. For best results, have a professional make the wiring connections between panels and to the rest of the solar system.

References

• Northern Arizona Wind & Sun: Mounts for Solar Electric Panels
• Shifting Solutions LLC: How to Install Pole-Mounted Solar Panel Systems
• Solarpanelinfo.com: Mounts