How to Mount Solar Panels
Switching to solar electricity lets you save money and invest in a reliable energy source, which isn't harmful to the environment. Solar panels are arrays of solar cells that collect the energy from the sun and transform it into electricity that we use at home. Since it involves physical labor, mounting solar panels can be a bit of a challenging task for an average DIY enthusiast. Still, many people choose to install solar system on their own, as it reduces the initial solar setup cost. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Solar panels
- Mounting brackets and metal rails
- Chalk or twine
- Stud finder/house blueprints
- Electric drill
- Pilot bit
- Stainless steel lag bolts
- Metal flashing
- Inverter
- Conduit
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide the spot on the rooftop where you want to install the solar cells. Make sure the area you select receives a lot of sunlight all day long. Depending on the shape of the roof and the angle at which it receives sunlight, you may have to slightly tilt the panels to get the optimum amount of sunlight. For countries lying in the Northern hemisphere, mount the solar panels facing south.
-
2
Locate the supporting rafters on the roof using a stud finder. Upon locating the rafters, mark them using a chalk or anything similar because this is where you are going to install the solar panel mounts.
-
-
3
Place the solar mounts on these rafters. Use an electric drill for pre-drilling small holes in the middle of each rafter. This will prevent splintering of the wood. You can use a twine or a laser level for keeping the mounts in a straight line; otherwise, it is difficult to keep them straight.
-
4
Insert stainless steel lag bolts into the holes you just drilled in the roof rafters. This will secure the mounts to the roof.
-
5
Secure the metal rails to the top of the mounts you just installed on rafters. These metal rails are secured using 3/8 inches stainless steel lag bolts. Now install the panels on these mounting rails. They usually snap into place on the rails and you can then secure them using lag bolts. The rails keep the panels elevated from the roof, thereby ensuring adequate ventilation. This also prevents moisture buildup, hence decreasing the chances of mold and mildew under the panels.
-
6
Connect the solar cells to a power inverter inside the house, which will convert the DC current into AC current. Though this task is doable by some people, you must keep in mind that it involves electric wiring, which must be tied into your utility company. For this reason, it is better to hire an electrician to take care of it. Besides, dealing with electric wiring is not permissible for homeowners in many residential areas.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit solar-cell image by carsten jacobs from Fotolia.com
