The sooner your solar power system is up and running, the more you can save on electricity costs. While installing solar panels is not the most complicated home improvement project, there are several things to keep in mind before starting.
Ensure your home is compatible with solar by looking at your energy needs, roof size/condition, potential tree removal or electrical upgrades, and local incentives (New York has many). Then, order your equipment.
Installation
After permits are secured, the solar systems Melbourne installation team will prepare the roof (if required) and install the mounting system. They will also install the panels, inverters and metering systems to capture the sun’s energy and connect it to the grid.
Once your local utility company approves the interconnection, a representative will send someone to inspect your solar power system and confirm it meets their requirements. This step can take anywhere from a week to two months depending on the utility’s process and workload.
Your installer will help you understand available incentives and rebates, including NYSERDA loans, that can lower the cost of your solar system. They will also provide a quote that includes product and installation costs along with financing options to fit your budget. Make sure to read reviews, check out company websites and ask for multiple quotes before selecting a solar company. This is arguably the most important step to make an informed decision.
Permits
The permits needed for a solar power installation are a critical step in guaranteeing the safety of your solar energy system. They ensure that the installation complies with zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations. Without them, the installation could be deemed illegal and subject to fines or even system failure.
The requirements for these permits vary from town to town, and sometimes from one neighborhood to another within a town. For instance, if you live in a historic district, you may need to obtain approval from the local historical commission before you can install solar panels. Other areas might have restrictions from homeowner associations or other groups.
Many regulatory obstacles result from inspectors and permitting authorities not knowing enough about solar technology. Education and training can help to improve these processes. Online application systems can also help to streamline the process by reducing paperwork and enabling applicants to monitor their progress and receive alerts or answers to inquiries.
Solar Panels
Once all the paperwork is complete and permits secured, the solar equipment is delivered. Depending on the specifics of the system and the installation location, it may take a few days to a week to set up the panels on the roof or ground. It is important that the installer communicates openly with the homeowner and tries to clear any obstructions, like overhanging trees or buildings, to maximize sunlight exposure and ensure optimal performance of the system.
After the panels are positioned, they are connected to the inverter using a series and parallel connection. Clicking one panel’s positive terminal with another device’s negative terminal creates a series connection and clicking the inverter terminal with the battery terminal makes a parallel connection. The system is then wired to your home’s electrical panel and connected to the grid. Once connected, your solar energy system will produce clean, renewable electricity for decades to come! *Note: It is important to work with a licensed and experienced installer to avoid the hassle and expense of having to remove and replace the system due to improper construction.
Monitoring
Solar energy monitoring is a vital tool that allows homeowners and renters to track the performance of their solar power Melbourne systems. It provides important information about the health of a solar system, including its peak performance potential and identifies issues before they become major problems.
Traditional monitoring systems use hardware installed on or alongside a solar string inverter or microinverters to record and transfer data. The information is then displayed on a screen in your home or via an online portal accessible from any computer, mobile device, or tablet.
Alternatively, some nationwide solar installers offer branded monitoring software that is simply a re-skinned version of equipment manufacturer apps. Many of these offer a web or mobile interface to view daily energy production data, but not the granular panel-level data of other monitoring options.
For example, SolarEdge offers a monitoring platform that provides module-level performance data as well as an overall system overview. The system can also measure how much energy a homeowner is using, allowing them to better manage their electricity consumption and avoid high electricity bills.