Have you ever thought about installing solar panels somewhere? Although it seems like an idea that may be difficult initially, this task is simpler than you think. So, if you are building or renovating and are thinking about including a photovoltaic solar energy structure in your project, know 10 essential steps related to the solar panel installation process.
Analyze your electricity bill
The very first step is to analyze your electricity bill before starting the solar panel installation process. By looking at your electricity bill, you will get an idea about your monthly consumption in kWh. Based on this number, you will calculate the “size” of your solar energy system as you will require a solar panel according to your demand for energy consumption. To accurately calculate this value, it is advisable to check the average monthly energy consumption, the average of the last 12 months.
Choice of panel model and installation company
Choosing the company that will supply and install solar energy equipment makes all the difference in the final result. There are several options for models and values of solar panels, which vary according to the consumer’s objective, the planned investment, and the manufacturer. Start by simulating the cost required and the savings that can be generated. Choose a brand that exists in the market and offers the best solution for your project, allowing you to customize the structure for different environments.
Technical and feasibility study
Before installing the photovoltaic system, a study must be carried out to assess the structure of the building and the ideal type of equipment, according to the consumption profile. The electrical appliances in use and the number of people who will use the generated energy are considered. Another point evaluated is the characteristic of the solar radiation received at the installation site, which varies according to geographic region. From the study results, technical experts can define the ideal equipment for the owner’s objective and budget for the acquisition.
Calculate your budget
Based on your monthly energy consumption shown on your electricity bill, you will be able to simulate the cost of installing solar energy in your home or business. According to your energy consumption, calculating the average cost needed for the solar panel installation process is possible. You need to consider the warranty, maintenance cost, and the number of panels required for the installation process.
Access to the electricity grid
Once the quantity and weight of the necessary panels and the installation area have been defined, it is essential to evaluate the conditions of integrating the photovoltaic solar system with the electrical network available in the property. For the energy generated by the capture of sunlight to reach the electrical equipment, the current generated must be conducted to the photovoltaic inverter and converted to the consumption pattern, following the system known as on-grid or off-grid.
Facility Design, Permits, and Grant
Once the previous step has been carried out, the installer will make an installation proposal with its respective production objectives and install solar panels on your roof. If you accept the proposal, it would be time to request the permits to legalize the self-consumption installation before mounting the solar panels and find out if there is any subsidy for installing solar panels in your community.
Authorization of the energy concessionaire
For the system to be finally implemented, the energy concessionaire operating in the region must authorize the installation in the property and its connection to the electricity grid. The professionals appointed for this task are specialized engineers and technicians, who use the technical study and the characteristics of the building to request approval from the electrical distribution company.
Site inspection
It is a very important step in the installation of solar panels. First, we need to inspect or search a site that can be used for installing solar panels. It should be in proper orientation with the sun. Also, the site should be at a good height or must have plain terrain.
Installation of panels and converter
Once authorized by the concessionaire, the installation of solar panels can be carried out by the selected company, based on the indicated project and the evaluation of the solar incidence on the property. The brackets for fixing the panels are attached to the location chosen, and the cables connecting the converter and the distribution board are connected. It is essential that all the material used is modern and of quality, with proper approval and certification.
Dealership inspection
The last step before starting to use photovoltaic solar energy is the inspection of the concessionaire. Technicians from the electric company go to the installation site and make sure that the entire implementation was carried out correctly, authorizing the start of use of the system. During the process, the meter is exchanged or installed for a bidirectional model, which measures how much energy will be injected into the network and consumed per day in the property, allowing energy credits to be made available with the utility.