I’ve wanted to learn more about solar power systems ever since I’ve become obsessed with minimalism and tiny house living. I know I know my house says I’m lying about ever going tiny but really it’s in my heart!

Check out this article to learn the basics of how to install a solar power electric system and as always be sure to consult with a professional before starting any project like this!

How to install a solar power electric system

It might be surprising for most people, but do you know that the energy produced by the sun to the earth for one hour is enough to meet the global energy demand for one year?

There is no second opinion about how the Sun is a powerful source of energy. 

However, we human beings are not able but to collect a fraction of this powerful source of energy, and utilizing this energy through solar panels can make a significant difference to the earth.

So, what is a solar panel, its components, benefits, and how to install it? Check out all this information below.     

What is a solar panel system and what are its components?

A solar panel system is one of the top renewable energy sources which has grown rapidly across the world as one of the top alternate options to fossil fuels, it’s a great source of reliable clean, and evergreen electricity.

A solar panel system fetches photon from Sunlight and then to store or convert those light particles into electric energy it uses arrays of photovoltaic cells as they store the collected energy from the sun and further convert it into usable electricity.

The components of a solar system include are:

• Photovoltaic panels – PV panels
• Metal frame to hold the panels at an upfront position where sunlight falls onto it
• DC to AC power converter 
• Battery to store energy
• Busing wires

How does solar power system work?

When sunlight falls onto a photovoltaic panel, there are three conditions either it can reflect away, get absorbed, or pass through the cell.

A Photovoltaic cell is also known as a Solar cell it consists of several semi-conductor materials in it, so when light falls onto these semi-conductors it absorbs the light energy and transforms it into negatively charged particles in the material called electrons.

Now, this extra energy permits the electrons to move freely through the material as electric current, further these electric currents are driven by grid-like lines on a PV cell.

This is how sunlight is first converted into electrons, these electrons are moved in material as electric current and then it runs a house on solar power electric system.

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Benefits of using solar panel systems

• As compared to traditional electricity it is environmentally friendly
• It increases a home value or if it’s a commercial shop still increases the overall value
• Less electricity consumption
• Low Maintenance Costs
• It’s a renewable energy source, so a home no more requires electricity from grid stations
• It creates job opportunities because its installation requires an electrician
• It’s cost-saving especially on monthly bills
• It’s cheaper and has a long-life span 
• It can be installed anywhere whether a person like to set it up in a jungle or a city 
• A solar system adds unused electricity to the main grid station which benefits the whole country.

How to install a solar power electric system

Ideally, the best location for installing a solar power electric system is on top of the roof.

The reason behind it’s because a solar system requires Sunlight and the best possible exposure of sunlight can be on the top roof.

Besides, if a person is not comfortable installing a solar system on the roof, he/she can mount it on the ground, but just ensure there is no obstacle for solar panels to absorb the Sunlight.

Below are the steps to easily install a solar power system.

• Step 1- First of all use hand gloves and necessary tools like a screwdriver, insulation tape, etc. which will be necessary while setting up solar systems.

• Step 2- Fit the Mounts or the metal frames in a position where Solar panels get maximum exposure to sunlight, it’s recommended to tilt the mount at an angle of 18 to 36 degrees. Make sure to research whether or not your roof is right for solar panels and also the placement on the roof for your panels with this article from SouthernCurrentLLC. 

• Step 3- Keep the Solar panels on top of the metal frames fitted while doing so, ensure to tighten all the bolts and nuts so even if wind passes through it doesn’t vibrate or shakes from its original position.

• Step 4- Setup Wiring, usually MC4 connectors are widely used as bussing wires during the installation of solar panels.

Before installing wires just ensure that your house’s main supply is switched off or else there is a high risk of getting an electric shock while installing it.

• Step 5- Setup Solar Inverter with the system, usually it’s installed near the main panel and this could be either indoor or outdoor.

Ideally, the best place is to keep it in a garage or utility room where the wind passes by, so that the air ventilation keeps crossing the system, or else it might get overheated. 

• Step 6- Now the solar inverter needs to be connected with a solar battery.

During cloudy days or rainy days soar battery can be very useful as it stores the electricity in it and when necessary it restores electric current without any distraction.

Before setting up a solar battery, first, check the battery usage and it’s charging time from the purchaser or use an online tool like battery charge calculator which will efficiently tell you the approximate time a battery will take to get fully charged. 

It’s very necessary to know how much a battery takes time to get fully charged because on cloudy days battery is the one who will back up the solar system, so overcharging as well as low battery both should be avoided for regular running of the system. 

• Step 7- Connect the inverter with the consumer unit to produce electricity. 

Usually, a generation meter is also connected to a small monitor which briefly tells how much electricity is being produced, how much is being used and it tells the overall health of the solar system’s performance.

• Step 8- Start it up and enjoy using it.

Switch the system on, examine to make sure everything alright, and enjoy using it.

That’s it!  The installation procedure is now complete. If you are not a licensed electrician, you will definitely want help! Be sure to seek help from an informed electrician, follow all laws where you live, and safety first!

Keep in mind, one of the best ways to properly install a solar system is to have the professionals do it! Make sure they offer a warranty and a solid contract. This will certainly cost you some money, but it might save you time, effort, and sanity!