How to Set Up Solar Panels for Homes
Year after year, people around the world are building awareness of the impact their energy needs are placing on the environment. People are looking for renewable energy sources that reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. One way to reduce your carbon footprint with your home is by installing solar panels. You can save on the installation by doing the work yourself. If placed correctly and in direct sunlight, panels can provide 75 watts (or more) of electricity to the home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Chalk line
- Solar panel mounting kit
- Lag bolts (stainless steel)
- Solar panel mount hardware kit
- Pilot bit
- Solar panel posts
Instructions
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1
Find the best location for the solar panels to be installed. It is best to consider the amount of sunlight the area will get. Solar panels should be in an area that is exposed to the most amount of sunlight during the day. If possible solar panels should face the south; if that is not possible then having them face the east or the west will suffice. However, facing them in the east or west position will require you to add more panels to ensure you get the same amount of energy into the home.
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2
Use the stud finder to locate rafters to attach the panels to and reduce the risk of coming loose. Solar panels are typically 1 1/2 by 3 feet, so you will want to measure a sufficient amount of space on the roof.
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3
Lay out your solar panel mounting kit. The mounts should be approximately 48 inches apart and directly on a rafter. If this is not possible, then the mounts can be attached to a block of wood attached to the underside of the roof.
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4
Use your chalk line to ensure the mounts are installed in a straight line. Drill holes with the pilot bit (so you do not split a rafter when drilling), and secure the mounts to the rafters using the lag bolts. Thread the post into the hole and cover with roof flashing to prevent leaks.
Attach the rails found in your mounting kit to the mount and secure your panels to the rails with the bolts found in the provided hardware kit. Check to make sure that the panel is approximately 3-6 inches off the roof, this allows for adequate airflow around each solar panel. Continue the above steps to each individual panel.
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Open the junction box found on the back of each panel and connect the wires to the negative and positive terminal screws found in the box. You should also find a diagram on the back of the solar panel that will indicate the proper connection for the wires.
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Tips & Warnings
It is best to have a licensed electrician connect the panel wiring to the power supply of the home. If the installation is done incorrectly then it could result in personal injury or a fire.
Wear gloves when handling solar panel collectors they can become very hot and could cause severe burns when it comes in contact with skin.
Wear sunglasses, apply sunblock, drink plenty of water and take other precautions to protect yourself when working on the roof in direct sunlight.
References
- Photo Credit Solar energy image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com
