Solar installation guide

Going solar always starts with an idea or a need for you to have an alternative energy source for your house. It could be the grid
power bills are hiking daily or the grid is totally unreliable. In this case, the next step is to look for an alternative energy source.
The alternative energy source is none other than solar energy. This is done by having solar panels on your rooftop and some
complement components to help power your house with solar panels. From the day you sign your contract, it will take a while
until you get the solar panels on your rooftop and producing energy.

Below I have outlined the five-step solar panel installation.

1. Engineering visit is the first step in having solar energy system installation

After all the contract signing processes, an engineer has to visit your property to determine the status of your home and assure
the installers that they property is in good condition to hold the solar energy systems. The engineer typically works with the
solar energy installers or can be directly an employer from the company. The engineer visit is meant to determine the condition
of your roof and the electrical wiring. Simply he or she determines the quality of the property and gives a go-ahead for the
installation process to commence.

2. Permits and documents (paperwork required)

Just like any other big financial decision that you make. Installing solar panels involve a bit of financing and paperwork.
Normally this paperwork is handled by the installer company. But it is always good to know what is going on. Mostly the main
things that would be applying for is the federal solar incentives such as the local solar programs and also the government
rebates and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs).

3. Making equipment orders.

After all the paperwork is ready, the installer will go ahead on making the order on the equipment need for the solar
installation. If you are well familiar with the solar products and where to get them, you can go ahead and collaborate with the
installer or let the installer advice you. The two primary components you’ll need to evaluate for your system are solar panels
and inverters.

4. Solar panel installation: the big day

Solar energy installation is usually the big day. It is so exciting to watch them do their work knowing that you will now be fully
powered by solar energy. The installer technicians start by prepping the roof and making the tiles are well attached to hold the
solar panels. Thereafter they lay down the panels and connect the electrical panel to the general power system.

5. Approval and interconnection

The final step is to flip on the switch. But before that, a representative from the town government has to come and cross-check
that the work has been done professionally. The government representative will verify that the wiring was done correctly and
that the mounting was safely and firmly fixed. He or she also confirms that the overall installation meet the set electrical codes.
After confirming he gives a go ahead and the system now can be switched on and start generating power.