Basic Guidelines of Solar Installation
 The basic guidelines of solar installation are broken up into small groups. These points are easily followed and can help any individual, beginner or professional, install a solar system.
• Collect your specified equipment instructions. This should come with the collector panel. It will help you determine whether or not the collector is in good condition and is ready to be installed. Following this you should work on the shading of your collector.
• Collectors should be installed in an unobstructed location with minimal shading between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Things such as the changing of tree shade throughout the day as well as the shading from things like chimneys must be taken into consideration. The sun can be lower on the horizon in the summer than in the winter which must also be taken into account. Questionable locations can be worked with, with the help of a solar pathfinder.
• Structural supports are very important. The criteria for structural supports are that neither wind loading (including uplift) nor additional weight on the collectors shall exceed live or dead load ratings on the building. Most solar panels come with instructions concerning the specific kit. This way it will be possible to safely execute structural supports that are strong enough for the particular solar panels. Looking into the stability of the house and roof that it is being installed on is also a good rule of thumb.
• It is easiest if the solar panel is attached directly to the roof. However, in some circumstances the location of the solar panel may be affected by the direction the house is facing. It is best if the house is facing the south in the northern hemisphere and facing north in the southern hemisphere. However, if this is not possible, alterations can be made. First, the path of the sun during the course of the year should be found. Then, once maximum sunlight is found, the tilt of the solar panel should be made at 28 degrees.
• For the longtime usage of solar panels and the safety of those around them, it is necessary to adequately secure the solar panels to the roof. This is done with mounting penetration methods. Installers need to be familiar with local code requirements and the type of mounting methods allowed. The first suggested method is a lag bolt penetration with subsequent sealing method. Other popular methods are J-mounting and banner mounting methods. All three of these are code approved.
• The pitch and angle of drainage is very important to the longevity of solar panels. Solar panels should be sloped toward drain ports. The drainage slope should be no less that 2 cm of vertical drop for each meter of horizontal length. Every system should have a means for service, freeze prevention, and maintenance. Make certain to loop the drainage pipes properly. Provide ¼ inch per foot slope for the collector and piping.
|
