Page 166 - CITS - Electronic Mechanic - TT - 2024

ELECTRONICS MECHANIC - CITS

Step Solar Panel Installation Process:
Solar panel installation requires proper training and equipment to perform in order to prevent accidents. While it
may seem complicated, the process can actually be divided into seven steps.

These are the seven steps for a successful solar panel installation.
1 Set Up the Scaffolding
Scaffolding needs to be set up before installing the solar system. This step takes up the most time to build, usually
about an entire day. These are required for the safety of the ones installing the panels. If you’re not installing your
solar panel system onto the roof, setting up any safety measures may take less time.
2 Install the Solar Panel Mounts
Once all safety measures are in place, it’s time to install the solar panel mounting system. This will hold your
panels in place and provide a stable foundation for your solar system.
You’ll have to lift your roof tiles to install your mounting system onto the rafters of your loft. It must be tilted
between 18 and 36 degrees so the solar PV panels can collect direct sunlight.
3 Mount the Solar Panels
Next, install the solar panels onto the mounting structure. Before securing them, position or tilt them properly to
maximise the sun’s energy they can receive and absorb. Ensure that you tighten all the bolts to keep the panels
in place.
4 Secure the Electrical Wiring
The next step is setting up the electrical wiring, which can vary depending on the model. The most common are
the MC4 connectors, which are compatible with most panels. Most panels come pre-wired from the manufacturer
for easier installation. However, it’s still best to have this step performed by a professional electrician.
Safety tip
Ensure your household’s electricity is switched off before working on this step.
5 Connect the Solar Inverter
The solar inverter is installed near the main panel. It’s best not to mount this on the roof since it’s supposed to be
located in a cool place without sunlight. This part of the installation process can take about 4-6 hours, depending
on the complexity of your solar panels.

It’s important to set this up properly because the direct current (DC) electricity will be converted to alternating
current (AC) electricity. Any system failures can cause fires and easily invalidate your home insurance. You can
connect a generator meter to track how much electricity you generate daily with your solar panels.

6 Bond the Inverter to the Solar Battery
Then, you have to connect your solar inverter to the consumer unit to generate electricity. Solar batteries can be
considered as an extra cost by some people. It helps store excess energy and keep your home powered even
when your whole system is affected by cloudy days.
Once everything is connected to the consumer unit and grid input, you can check the connected generation meter
for its performance. You can also use a computer to verify that your panels collect enough energy to power your
home.
7 Test the Newly Installed Solar Panels

The installation process isn’t complete until you’ve tested the panels. Switch the power back on and monitor
each part. Ensure everything works and is properly producing energy. Series wiring can be useful if you need
to increase the voltage to reach a certain level, while parallel wiring can help if you need to increase the current
to power a larger load. Ultimately, the decision between series and parallel wiring comes down to your specific
needs and preferences.
Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
There are many factors to consider when installing solar panels on your roof. Besides checking if you have a home
suitable for solar/thermal energy, you’ll also have to check on the other factors involved in the installation process.

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CITS : E & H - Electronics Mechanic - Lesson 90 - 93