So you have decided to convert to solar energy, good for you! Now, you’re probably wondering, how are solar panels even installed? Will solar panels work on my property? Never fear. We here at Aurora Energy are happy to walk you through the process of switching to solar energy.
Location, Location, Location
Solar panels need the sun to work. While this may seem obvious, access to direct sunlight is the main factor when deciding how and where to implement solar energy in your home or business. Solar panels can be installed on your roof or mounted in your yard. Deciding which is best for you depends entirely on your location.
Is your home covered by trees that provide wonderful shade in the summer? These beautiful trees could hamper the amount of solar energy you can obtain throughout the day. In addition to minimizing the sunshine, overhanging trees may drop limbs that can be a risk to your solar panels.
If you choose a roof-mounted system, it’s important that your roof is in good shape. If your roof needs replacing in the near future, you’ll have the added expense of removing and reinstalling your solar panels.
Ground-mounted solar panels require a large open space. Your solar consultant will help you choose a location that isn’t at risk from trees as mentioned before, and one that is not heavily trafficked by pets, children, and other outside sources that may increase the likelihood of damage being done.
Installing Solar Panels
For rooftop installations, installers will place mounts along your roof and then install the solar panels within those mounts. They’ll place the panels on a south-facing slope to receive the most sunlight. They will need to work on your roof and in the attic to affix the mounts in a stable way.
If you go with a ground-mounted solar system, there are two installation options: standard ground mounts or pole-mounted systems. There are perks to both types. Your solar consultant will go into more detail with you, but in general, keep this in mind:
- Standard ground mounts – Installers dig holes in the ground to hold poles and a racking system, which holds the solar panels. Since they are fixed just like a roof-mounted system, there are no moving parts. In other words, they’ll require almost no maintenance
- Pole-mounted systems – A single pole holds the solar panels. These systems are usually designed with a moving swivel and tilt feature so you can reposition the panels to capture more sunlight. Pole-mounts are a great solution for those wishing to extend the peak sun hours so your solar panels can generate more energy. You can even choose to install a tracker that will automatically adjust the angle of the panels.
When you’re thinking of converting to solar energy, you probably have a host of questions you need to find the answers for. The good news is that you don’t have to come up with the answers alone! At Aurora Energy, we have years of experience creating custom systems designed to fit our customers’ specific needs. We’ll walk you through the process and help you choose the best system for your home. Make an appointment with one of our solar consultants to get started.
