How to Put Solar Panel on a Roof
Using solar energy requires a relatively affordable investment of about $6,000, depending on the system you choose. After about six to eight years of use, the investment should pay for itself and your energy will then be free. Best of all, aside from the electrical work, installing a solar panel system can be accomplished by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Stud finder
- Laser level
- Chalk
- Drill with pilot bit
- Flush mounts
- Solar panels
- Metal flashings
- Metal mounting rails
- Stainless steel lag bolts
- 3/8-inch stainless steel bolts
- Grid inverter
Instructions
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1
Use the ladder to get on the roof. Use the buddy system, so there's someone on the ground to hold the ladder.
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2
Locate the roof's rafters using the stud finder. Use chalk to mark the location of each rafter as you find it.
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3
Use a laser level to align the flush mounts for the solar panel mounts on the rafters.
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4
Pre-drill the entry holes using a pilot bit to keep the rafters from splintering.
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5
Using the lag bolts, attach the flush mounts to the roof rafters. There should be 2 to 4 inches of space between the roof and the solar panels to allow air to circulate and cool the panels.
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6
Cover each mount with a metal flashing.
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7
Using the 3/8-inch stainless steel bolts, secure the metal rails to the mounts.
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8
Install the solar panels. Some snap into place on the rail-and-mount system, while others slide into it. Check your system's manufacturer documentation to see which method to use. Your panels should be installed facing south at the same degree as your location's latitude.
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9
Have an electrician assist you in connecting the panels to one another.
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Have an electrician connect the solar panels to the grid inverter via your home's electrical conduit and complete the AC and DC disconnects.
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Have the electrician install the new breaker and connect the solar system to it.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, install your solar panels while roofing or re-roofing your home; it's easier to locate the rafters with the roof off.
