Solar Panel Installation Guide – Step-by-Step Process

The ideal place for solar panel installation is the rooftop. Why? Because being at the top of the building or house, PV panels can get maximum sunlight, which will help them perform best. Ground spaces also work well for solar panel installation if no obstacle, shade, or anything can block or hinder sunlight. As long as continuous and direct sunlight is available, PV panels are suitable to function.

Solar panel placement technique or how the panels are placed matters!

Because if the panels are loosely fit or receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, the whole system will work better.

Here is a step-by-step solar panel installation guide that will cover the complete process from mounting to maintenance. 

Let’s get started.

How to Install Solar Panels? Step-by-Step Procedure

Installing solar panels in a residential or commercial area is not a one-day task. Also, it needs proper training and equipment to install a solar panel project. It’s always better to ask for professional help.

Before the installation process, there are some points to take account of. It would be best to have the answers to the following questions to make an informed decision.

Energy Audit: How much energy is required for the targeted property? 

Solar Panel Type: Which solar panel would best cover the energy load? How much capacity is needed?

Space Evaluation: Where to install solar panels? How much space is available?

Sunlight: Does this area receive a sufficient amount of sunlight? Does shade obstruct the sunlight?

Rooftop Strength: Is the rooftop strong enough to bear the weight of a solar panel system?

Once you evaluate the options, it’s time for some action. Follow the steps mentioned below and install solar panels at home or any other site.

Step 1: Mount Fixing

Solar panels need sturdy support to stay in the proper position. Three types of mounts work best for solar installation; pole mounts, roof-ground mounts, and flush mounts. You can pick any mount that is suitable for the project; it all depends on the requirements. 

Here is how you can fix the mount.

Fix the stanchions, flashings, and rails. Set the mount on rails.

Keep the mounting structure tilted (18-36 degrees). It is ideal for tilting the mount at least an 18-degree angle in the sun's direction.

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, the preferred direction to face solar panels is south. And if you are in the south, place the solar panels facing north.

Also Read: The Solar Panel Paradigm - Residential VS Commercial PV Systems

Step 2: Solar Panel Installation

Once the structure is created, the next step is simple. You need nuts and bolts to install the solar panels into the mounting structure. Tight the nuts carefully so the panels stay in their position.

Step 3: Electrical Wiring

Now that the panels are in place, you can do the electrical wiring. MC4 connectors are ideally used in solar panel wiring because they can be connected with all solar panel types. 

You can do solar panel wiring using the following connections;

Series PV Connection: Connect the positive wire of one PV module to the negative wire of another PV module and create a series. 

Parallel PV Connection: You can also connect positive to positive connections between PV modules. The positive wire of one panel is attached to the positive wire of the other panel in the parallel connection.

Both connections work fine. In a series connection, the battery receives cumulative (increased) voltage. However, in a parallel connection, the voltage of each panel remains the same.

Step 4: Networking

This step involves connecting the parts of the solar system. First, connect the solar panels' array to the inverter. After that, you need to connect the inverter to the battery (off-grid and hybrid systems) and the grid (on-grid and hybrid systems).

Here is the process.

Connect Solar System to Inverter

Take the positive wire of the solar panel and connect it to the positive terminal of the inverter. Now, connect the solar panel's negative wire to the inverter's negative terminal. Once done, you can connect the solar inverter to the battery.

Connect Inverter to The Battery

If you have off-grid or hybrid solar systems, then batteries are there. Connect the solar inverter's positive terminal to the battery's positive terminal. Just like that, connect the solar inverter's negative terminal to the battery's negative terminal.

Connect Inverter to The Grid

A grid connection is necessary in the case of on-grid and hybrid solar systems. A plug is mainly used to connect the inverter to the main power switchboard for this connection. Then, the output wire is connected to the electric board to supply electricity.

Also Read: What is Net Metering? A Detailed Overview

Step 5: Test The Solar System

When all the solar system components are connected, you can turn on or activate the inverter (the main switch). If your solar system has a digital display, you can evaluate its performance.

Summary

If you are a handy technician and want to install solar panels, just be careful with each step. 

Each step is technical, and you must pay full attention. And if you think you can’t install solar panels yourself, you must hire a contractor.

There are multiple solar integration companies in Pakistan on which you can rely on. Once you give your project to the contractor, their experts will do an energy audit and site survey and send their team to install solar panels on your home or office building.