How To Install Small Solar Power System

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a cost-effective and rewarding experience; you can save a pregnant amount of coin past cutting contractors out of the equation and take pride in your ain handiwork.

However, for the aspiring solar DIY-er, knowing how to install solar panels can seem daunting. Fear not! Whether you're considering a grid-tie system or an off-filigree solution, we've created a comprehensive, stride-past-pace solar panel installation guide to aid you through each stage of the solar installation process.

Tabular array of Contents

• Role 1: Solar Installation Planning & Safety
  • Materials to Purchase
  • Unboxing
  • Safety Considerations
• Part two: Wiring & Electrical
  • Wiring Direction
  • Electric Connexion
  • Planning Your Electric Route
  • Mounting Your Inverter
  • Grounding Your System
• Part 3: Mounting Your Panels
  • Roof Mounting
  • Footing Mounting
• Function 4: Solar Battery Installation
  • Safety Tips
  • Battery Room Designs
  • Battery Banking concern Installation
  • Bombardment Wiring

Solar Installation Planning & Prophylactic

The cardinal to any successful solar panel installation projection is having a clearly constructed programme with measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

In fact, there are a few things you can practice before you fifty-fifty unpack your arrangement to make sure the solar installation process goes smoothly from start to terminate. These include:

• Purchasing materials that are not included in your shipment (wiring, tools, etc.)
• Staying organized while unboxing your organization
• Inspecting your shipment to ensure nothing is missing or damaged
• Reviewing safety guidelines for installing your organization

Materials to Purchase

Our packages include equipment and materials to help you with a successful installation. In addition to what'south included in our packages, get together boosted equipment and materials needed for installing solar panels, including:

Wiring

Your electric wiring diagram volition outline the size and length of wire needed for your project. Ask for a copy of your wiring diagram to source materials from your local hardware shop.

Junction Boxes & Splices

• Use insulated lugs or other approved splicing devices (no wire basics for DC splices).
• All junction and splice boxes must see the voltage and amperage requirements for the circuit they are part of.
• Outdoor boxes must exist rated for outdoor use.
• Ground splices typically crave an irreversible splice.

Case: An irreversible splice.

Air conditioning Breakers & Sub-Panels

• AC breakers are required to import/export AC ability from your equipment.
• Circuit breakers have several different mounting options. Bank check your AC breaker panel for a list of compatible options.
• Dedicated sub-panels are often used to combine AC solar circuits. Sub-panels do not permit for load breakers to be placed inside of them.
• Air-conditioning sub-panels must be sized with enough headroom to encompass the output coming in from the solar circuits.

AC Disconnects & Fuses

• Most systems require a lockable safety disconnect.
• A conventional connexion that backfeeds the grid will require a non-fused transmission AC Disconnect. This may be included with your system—bank check the parts listing on your quote/order course.
• A line-side tap connection will crave a fused manual AC disconnect. The fusing provides the necessary overcurrent protection for the circuit.
• Air-conditioning disconnects must be mounted outside, generally within 10 anxiety or in direct line of sight of your main billing meter. Cheque with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for specific details on placement requirements.

PV Meters

• If you lot're installing a grid-tied system, your utility may require a dedicated PV meter to measure production coming from the solar assortment.
• In many cases, you but need to install the meter socket or base. The utility company will install the meter confront once you are approved to actuate the organisation.
• Contact your utility company for a listing of approved meter sockets.

Case: An Itron PV Meter.

Conduits & Meters

• The NEC (National Electric Lawmaking) requires solar wiring to be transitioned to conduit before leaving the array. EMT (electrical metal tubing) is required unless otherwise specified.
• You tin can use larger conduit than specified if necessary, to ease the conductors in. Never use smaller conduit than what is spec'd in your plans.

EMT vs. ENT Conduit

EMT is a sparse-walled, rigid raceway that must exist grounded. It is virtually ever made out of steel. EMT must exist used unless your local authority approves ENT conduit for your project.

ENT is a non-metallic, pliable raceway that does not need to be grounded and tin can be bent by mitt. ENT is more than cost-effective and easier to work with, but is not allowed under most building codes.

Example: Electric Metallic Tubing (EMT).

Mounting Materials

Ground Mounting — Footing mounts crave physical, form bracing and 2- or three-inch mechanical tubing. Since these materials are costly to send, information technology's cheaper to source them locally. Your racking report volition specify the total linear feet of pipage and cubic yards of concrete required for the projection.

Yous will also demand lumber to build a frame to hold the pipes in place while the concrete cures. This helpful guide from IronRidge explains how it works. The ground mount section of this solar console installation guide besides contains more than data on edifice a substructure.

Roof Mounting — Buy several tubes of roof sealant to forestall leaks and air current harm. Brand sure you get a sealant that is appropriate for use with your roof material.

As well, consider ownership a good drill if you don't own 1. You will be using a long i/8 inch drill bit and a seven/16 inch deep socket for lag bolts.

Instance: Henry roof sealant. Cull a sealant that is designed to piece of work with your roof material.

Unboxing

After your system arrives, there is a 24-60 minutes window from commitment to submit shipping claims to Unbound Solar. Unpack your organisation immediately when information technology arrives to cheque for impairment or missing parts.

• Find a clean, open space where you can unbox and audit your equipment.
• Place loose parts into resealable plastic bags and label them and so they don't become lost.
• Check the contents of the shipment against the packing list to verify everything is there.
• If there are whatsoever missing or damaged items, take photos for reference and contact Unbound Solar immediately to fix the issue.
• If you don't plan to install right away, identify batteries on a charger ASAP. Batteries can fail if they sit down for an extended period of time without charging.
• If you bought micro-inverters or ability optimizers, keep any documentation with stickers or QR codes. These will be used to create an array map later on so y'all know which unit controls which console.

Staying organized while unboxing can make installation easier.

Safe Considerations

Since solar installation involves heavy lifting, electrical work, and potentially climbing on your roof, safety should be prioritized at all times. After all, what good is a shiny new solar system if y'all're not around to enjoy its benefits?

Use our solar panel installation guide for ensuring the safety of yourself and others throughout the installation process.

Protective Equipment

Solar equipment tin cause cuts, scrapes, lacerations, gouges, and puncture wounds. Utilise the proper equipment and remember to have breaks to avert getting fatigued.

• Wear eye protection, gloves, and closed-toe boots at all times.
• Remove all metallic jewelry, including watches.
• Wear long sleeves when mixing physical to avoid called-for your skin. Use a roof ballast and safety harness for roof piece of work.

Autumn Protection (Roof Mounts)

If you lot are installing a roof-mountain arrangement, fall protection is required any time you or your helpers are on the roof.

• Install roof anchors.
• Apply a safety harness attached to the anchor any fourth dimension you are on the roof.
• Roof-set up boots with flat soles can help get a grip on roof shingles, tiles, or metal.
• Consider renting scaffolding and/or a boom-elevator to arrive easier for people and equipment to become to high places.
• Be enlightened of atmospheric condition conditions which may make rooftop work temporarily unsafe.

A safe harness, like this 1 from Super Anchor, provides an extra layer of protection while you lot work on your roof.

Dig Safe (Ground Mounts)

Even if your feet are firmly planted on the ground, at that place can even so exist danger afoot. If you're ground mounting your panels, be sure to ever discover the following safety precautions.

• Call the local authority before starting whatsoever earthworks projects to avoid hitting cached gas or electrical lines.
• If you employ a concrete truck, don't drive over septic or drainage lines, and avoid
  low-hanging ability or telephone lines.
• Avoid contact with wet concrete, which can cause caustic burns on bare pare. Wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves.
• Utilise an N-95 respirator mask if you are mixing your own concrete to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals.
• If you use heavy equipment, become preparation on how to operate the equipment, or have an experienced operator on site.

If you mix your own concrete, wear an North-95 respirator mask to avoid breathing unsafe chemicals.

Electrical Safety

• Remove all metallic jewelry, including watches.
• Keep a multimeter on hand. Cheque conductors and terminators to confirm in that location are zero volts present before proceeding.
• Ensure that all wires are stripped and/or terminated properly using a torque wrench/commuter when necessary.
• Road wires away from sharp edges and pinch points that could damage the wire.

Keep a multimeter handy to ensure no voltage is present before you lot work on your system.

Heavy Lift Rubber

• Plan your lift; know what you are moving and where before lifting.
• Have two or more people carry panels in heavy winds to avoid accidents.
• Be sure your basis is stable.
• Lift with your legs by squatting and so you don't put added stress on your dorsum.
• Avoid twisting while lifting and keep the weight close to your body.
• Inquire for help when you need it and wait for help when you take to. If you lot aren't sure whether you tin lift something alone, err on the side of caution.
• Use a hoist or crane to lift heavy equipment if necessary.

Wiring & Electric

Wiring your electrical run is a critical part of any solar installation, and the specifics differ based on the kind of system you're installing. This department of the solar panel installation guide will outline how to plan your wiring run, ground your system, and install a backfeed billow to connect to the utility grid if needed.

Wiring Management

Wiring management is an important (though often overlooked) consideration that will brand your solar console installation easier in the long run. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Plan the wiring run in advance so the wires don't interfere with access to the array.
• Utilize wire clips to secure the mill wire leads in identify so they don't move in the current of air or touch the roof (required under the National Electric Code). Wire clips permit you to run the wires along the rails or the frame of the solar console.
• Many solar components use spring clamps, which require you to push down on a metal bar (or some other mechanism) to open the final so you can seat the wire. Once the wire is firmly seated, release the spring, which clamps the wire in place.

Electric Connection

The actual path of your wiring system will differ based on the blazon of system y'all're installing. Below are some summaries showing how wiring is connected for each system type:

Grid-Necktie Wiring Path (Centralized SolarEdge / SMA Inverter)

• PV strings to junction box
• Junction box to inverter(s)
• Ac Out to principal/sub-panel

You tin check out SolarEdge'due south Hard disk drive-Moving ridge solar console installation video or SMA's Sunny Male child installation video for in-depth demonstrations of the wiring process.

Grid-Tie Wiring Path (Enphase Micro-Inverters)

• PV panel to micro-inverter
• Micro-inverter to torso cablevision
• Torso cables to junction box
• Junction box to principal panel

Enphase has a detailed solar panel installation video y'all tin watch for a easily-on demonstration of the wiring procedure.

Off-Grid Wiring Path

• PV strings to combiner box
• Combiner box to accuse controller(s)
• Accuse controller(s) to battery bank
• Battery banking concern to inverter(s)
• Inverter(s) to load panel
• The generator likewise wires into the inverter (split up from the solar circuit

Array Maps for Micro-Inverters/Optimizers

If your system uses micro-inverters or power optimizers, it'south a good idea to make an array map that identifies where each device is located in the array.

These products come with stickers, QR codes or other unique identifying markers. Attach these stickers to a slice of paper to make a map of the array.

During commissioning, plug this array map into your monitoring software to tell information technology the location of each panel in the assortment. This allows the software to properly monitor production and report defective equipment.

Off-Grid DC Wiring

• Off-grid systems tend to have more than wire terminations and work with college amperages. Bank check all Air conditioning, DC, and communication connections to be sure everything is properly connected and torqued.
• Mark connections with a paint pen after yous tighten them so you know which connections have been torqued.
• If you lot bring combined DC power from a solar panel array to a ability centre, take care to finish your solar positive wire at the SOLAR INPUT (+) busbar, not the DC BATT (+) busbar.

Exist careful not to confuse the solar input with the DC battery input.

• After wiring, check terminals or busbars with a meter and determine they are operating at a safe voltage earlier proceeding with the balance of your build.

Planning Your Electric Route

You'll want to plan your electrical run beforehand, taking into consideration which type of organisation you're installing.

Again, safety is of the utmost importance: brand certain you lot wearable the recommended protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, and closed-toe boots) and install the wiring according to your wiring diagram.

PV Sub-Panels

• Systems with multiple inverters can utilise an AC sub-panel to combine the AC circuits into a single set of conductors.
• Dedicated solar sub-panels must not contain whatever load breakers.

Roof Mount Electrical Route

• You can run your wiring through your attic to hide it from view, only make sure it is accessible to connect to the array, billow box, panel, meter, and other parts of the system.
• Employ cable clips to secure wiring from solar panels and micro-inverters/power optimizers. The clips should hold the wires in place during stiff winds.
• Practise not allow exposed wiring to make contact with the roof surface.
• Run the wiring from the solar source to a junction box, then transition to your conduit run. The wiring must remain in the conduit run until it reaches the inverter (for grid-tie systems) or charge controller (for battery-based systems).
• Utilise conduit mount flashings to secure rooftop conduit runs in place.
• If possible, employ conduit penetration flashings to transition conduit into your attic to hide it from view.

A conduit run held in place past a Quick Mount conduit penetration flashing.

Ground Mount Electrical Route

• Employ cable clips to organize exposed wiring under the array. They should be secured against strong winds and kept out of the way so they don't interfere with maintenance.
• Call the local authorization before starting any earthworks projects to avoid hitting cached gas or electrical lines.
• If you lot use a concrete truck or other heavy machinery, don't drive over whatsoever buried gas lines, plumbing, or septic systems that could be damaged.
• Your wiring diagram volition tell you how deep to dig your trench, the size/type of wiring and conduit required, and the total distance of the run. It volition also accept voltage drop/voltage ascent into business relationship. Refer to information technology frequently as you plan your run.

Mounting Your Inverter

Inverter installation tin look different depending on the solar system type. Inverters for filigree-necktie systems can be wall-mounted indoors, outdoors, or rigged on the back of a ground mountain substructure. Off-grid inverters must be wall-mounted indoors.

Wall-Mounted Inverters (Grid-Tie & Off-Grid)

• Follow manufacturer guidelines for installation clearances to ensure that the equipment can cool effectively.
• Inverters with integrated disconnect switches must be mounted less than 2 meters (6.5 feet) off the footing. The exception to this is if the organisation design contains another switch that meets the AC disconnect requirements of the NEC (National Electric Code).
• If installed in a garage, any ignition source (inverters and disconnects) must be at least 18 inches off the ground.
• If installed outside, continue the inverter out of direct sunlight and clear of any sprinkler systems.

Inverters Mounted on Ground Mount Substructure (Filigree-Tie Only)

• Mount the inverter higher than 36 inches off the footing to avoid mud splatter during heavy rains.
• Continue the inverter out of direct sunlight.
• Use threadlocker on the hardware that secures the inverter bracket to the support construction.

If you lot want to learn more, cheque out our article on solar inverters.

Grounding Your Organization

Properly grounding the electrical components of your solar system is an essential footstep. For one, grounded electric connections reduce the risk of shock, power surges, and build-up of static electricity. Moreover, if the circuit fails, grounding allows a safe pathway for fault current.

Metal parts of an electrical organization must be connected (bonded) to the footing, and conductive materials (EMT, metal boxes, etc.) must be grounded together. The latter ensures that each piece of equipment in the system shares the same resistance to the ground, or "ground reference."

The following sections of our solar panel installation guide outline grounding methods and some actress tips to help yous ground your organisation properly.

EGC and GEC Grounding

• EGC (Equipment Grounding Conductor) is the green or bare copper wire that connects the racking hardware, metal enclosures, and EMT conduit together.

EGC (Equipment Grounding Usher) grounding the system components.

• GEC (Grounding Electrode Conductor) is the wire connecting the footing rod to the electrical distribution service. In nearly Ac ability systems, the neutral usher has a single bonding point where information technology is connected to the basis.

CEG wire bonded to a ground rod.

• Neutral to footing bonds can be institute in generators, billow distribution panels, power centers, and other equipment. Your system should but have a single neutral-to-ground bail.

Neutral busbar (greenish arrow) connected to ground busbar (yellow arrow).

• A DC negative to ground bond is necessary for any system. It is included with any system that features "ground error protection."

DC negative to ground bond.

Integrated Grounding

• IronRidge's UFO (Universal Fastening Object) and bonded fasteners make it so that an entire solar array can exist grounded with a single grounding lug.
• Other mounts, like pole mounts, volition not take integrated grounding solutions. Each panel and racking component needs to be grounded using UL listed grounding clips or lugs.

Backfeed Breaker Installation (Grid-Tie Only)

Filigree-tie solar systems require a backfeed breaker, which is a device added to your main breaker panel. This enables your system to feed the ability it generates into the utility filigree.

A solar backfeed breaker is installed at the opposite end of the breaker panel from the grid input billow. You may demand to re-conform circuits in the breaker panel to put the solar breaker in the last position.

If yous need to make room for an actress breaker, Tandem Breakers make a single slot on the breaker panel that serves two circuits on the aforementioned phase (these are different from 120/240-volt multi-stage breakers).

Example: A Foursquare D backfeed breaker.

How to Install a Backfeed Breaker

If you're not comfortable working on your breaker panel, don't exist afraid to telephone call a professional electrician. Many of our customers DIY their solar array and bring in a professional for the electric piece of work.

That said, if you're comfortable (and safe!) with this kind of piece of work, here's a stride-past-step outline of how to get a backfeed breaker hooked up:

1. Decide the proper billow size and source a breaker that will work with your existing panel. Information technology's platonic to employ the same make and model every bit other breakers in the panel.
2. Equally you work, stand on plywood or a rubber mat to insulate yourself from the ground. You will desire to gather insulated tools and a voltmeter with fresh batteries before yous begin.
3. Shut off the co-operative excursion breakers ane at a time.
4. Close off the master circuit breaker.
5. Remove the panel cover.
6. Examination all the wires with a multimeter to make sure there's no electric current earlier proceeding.
7. Disconnect the wire of the billow you're removing from the load concluding.
8. Carefully pull out the old breaker, paying shut attention to how it'due south positioned.
9. Insert the new breaker and button it into position.
10. Attach the properly stripped solar circuit wires to the breaker terminals and torque into place.
11. Inspect the panel for any other problems. Tighten any loose terminals.
12. Replace the console embrace.
13. Turn on the principal billow.
14. Turn on the branch breakers one by one, leaving solar for terminal. Do not turn on the solar backfeed breaker until after inspection and interconnection understanding are completed.
15. Test the breakers with a multimeter to brand sure everything works.

Mounting Your Solar Panels

With a solid wiring & electrical plan in place, the next step is mounting your solar panels. Whether you lot decide to roof mountain or ground mount your array, the following sections will outline everything yous need to build a solid mounting foundation.

Roof Mounting

If you make up one's mind to roof mount your solar panels, at that place are 5 primary steps to accept:

1. Locate and mark roof rafters
2. Install roof attachments to secure your rails in place
3. Install racking rails
4. Elevator panels on to your roof
5. Mountain panels on your rails

Example: IronRidge XR100 rails mounted on roof attachments.

Stride 1: Mark Roof Rafters

For a sturdy foundation, roof-mountain flashings should be bolted to your roof rafters. There are a couple of methods for locating where exactly your rafters are:

Visual Location

Look for rafters nether the eaves of your roof. If you can't spot them, look for the nails that hold the fascia board and/or gutter to the ends of the rafters.

Echo Location

If information technology's safe, you can go a feel for where your rafters are by walking effectually on your roof. The rafters will feel firm, while the space between them will feel a fiddling spongy. You lot can also use a safe mallet to tap effectually on the roof and listen/feel for the rafters.

This method is less effective on roofs with skip capsule (a layer of boards that sit perpendicular to the rafters). The boards cover the rafters, which makes information technology difficult to know whether you've establish a rafter or a skip sheathing lath.

Exploratory Drilling

If none of the previous methods work, y'all can drill exploratory holes in your roof to search for rafters.

• Start where you programme to identify your first flashing and drill a small-scale hole in your roof.
• If the drill does non hitting a rafter, bend a metal wire into an L shape and insert it into the hole.
• Rotate the wire to see if it hits a rafter.
• In one case a rafter is found, measure 0.75 inches from the edge to the center of the rafter. Marker this location so you can drill the lag commodities directly through the eye of the rafter.
• If you have attic access, y'all tin follow this process from the inside of the attic. Drill a hole on one side of the rafter, leaving the drill bit sticking through the roof then you can locate it from the outside. Once you climb on the roof, measure out 0.75 inches from the drill bit to the center of the rafter to mark the location of the lag bolt.

Mark Rafters with Chalk Lines

In one case you mark both endpoints of each rafter, you lot can connect them with a chalk line on top of the roof. This will give you a visual indication of where to line upward your flashings. The chalk will launder abroad the next fourth dimension information technology rains, so don't worry about the lines being permanent.

• Attach the chalk line at the starting point of the line.
• Pull the string loaded with chalk out of the chalk reel.
• Secure the chalk line at the endpoint of the line.
• Use your finger to printing the middle of the chalk line against the roof.
• Pull up on the line, then let go then it "snaps" against the roof. The affect will leave a temporary line of chalk for you to piece of work from. Practise this on both sides of the indicate where you are holding the line in place.
• Repeat until you have marked the location of each rafter in chalk.

Step 2: Install Roof Attachments

With the location of your roof rafters marked, it's time to start installing the attachments that volition secure your mounting rails in identify.

Depending on the type of roof you have, the procedure will differ, but we've included steps for the near mutual types beneath, along with some tips on spacing and layout for flashings.

Spacing and Layout Tips

Your flashings should exist spaced to align with the mounting holes on your solar console. The altitude between mounting holes will be listed on the panel spec sheet.

Stagger the flashing layout and then that they alternate betwixt the top and lesser rail. Distribute the flashings evenly across all your roof rafters to spread the weight of the array beyond the entire mounting surface.

The layout on the left is more visually highly-seasoned, but all of the wind/snow load is concentrated on a few rafters. The staggered layout on the right makes for a more structurally sound array.

Composite / Asphalt Shingle Roof

Our systems commonly use the Ironridge Flashfoot 2 flashing system for blended/asphalt shingle roofs, so nosotros've included installation instructions for that product hither. If your arrangement uses unlike flashings, consult the manufacturer's manuals for installation instructions.

1. Gently intermission the seal between the shingles with a flat bar.
2. Remove whatever nails that would prevent you from sliding the flashing nether the shingle.
3. Slide the flashing under the shingle, lining up the pigsty with the marked rafter.
4. Tuck the flashing into place. The bottom edge of the flashing should sit above the drip line (the lesser edge of the shingle). The summit border of the flashing should attain into the third form of shingles (see reference image).
5. Mark the drilling location through the hole in the flashing.
6. Remove the flashing and drill a airplane pilot hole using a 7/32 inch drill chip. Double-check to brand sure the hole is in a rafter.
7. Make full the hole with roof sealant and place the flashing.
8. Use an affect drill with a ane/2 inch deep socket to tighten to the flashing manufacturer'southward specifications.

Case: A comp/cobblestone shingle roof.

Metallic Roof

Metallic rooftops use roof clamps that either attach onto a seam or bolt into the construction. In that location are dozens of clamp configurations and each ane is a lilliputian bit different, depending on the rooftop. Cheque with the clamp manufacturer for specific installation instructions.

Example: Metallic roofs require clamps that attach to a seam or bolt into the structure.

Tile Hooks

Tile hooks slide under the shingles and fasten to the rafters. A vertical hook provides clearance from the roof tiles. Your racking rails bolt into slots in the tile hooks. Tile hook installation may require some cutting or grinding of tiles, but they are mostly universal and work on most tile rooftops.

Example: Tile hooks slide underneath to provide clearance over the tiles.

Tile Replacements

If y'all bought a tile replacement system, you will remove tiles on your roof and swap them out for the tile replacement flashing. A lag bolt is bolted to the rafter through the tile replacement, which serves as a foundation to attach the rails.

Example: This Quick Mount attachment replaces roof tiles to create a base for the racking system.

Ballasted Mounts for Depression-Slope/Apartment Roofs

Ballasted mounts practise not require you to make penetrations in your roof—the weight of the racking base and the array itself holds the system in place.

Ballasted mounts only work on flat or low-slope roofs. Higher tilt angles hateful less downward forcefulness holding the array in identify, which makes them ineffective on steeper rooftops.

Example: Ballasted mounts do not crave you to make penetrations in your roof.

Step 3: Install Racking Rails

With the flashings in place, you lot're set up to adhere the racking rails. Exist sure to keep your Racking Report handy during this step–it specifies rails size and spacing for your organisation.

• Measure and cut your runway on the footing so you don't get metallic shavings on your roof.
• Rails should be spaced to match the distance between the mounting holes on the dorsum of the solar panel frame. The flashings demand to match this spacing as well.
• Utilize the supplied hardware to attach the rail to the flashing. (Pro tip: install the lower rail flashings on the upslope side of the rails then that the array hides the flashings from view.)
• Use a level to ensure the rails are even. The slots in the L-anxiety allow for vertical adjustment if needed.
• Tighten rail with a quality torque wrench co-ordinate to the manufacturer's torque specs.
• Attach plastic end caps to keep spiders, bees, and other critters out of the rails.
• Attach wire management clips and any hardware for micro-inverters/optimizers to the rails.
• Install grounding equipment as you install your rails. IronRidge systems comprise one grounding lug per array.
• When starting a new row, leave space to account for the panel overhang on both sides, likewise as a ½- to 1-inch clearance gap betwixt the panels.

Step 4: Getting Panels On Your Roof

Recollect: safe start! Every bit you prepare to move your panels onto the roof, proceed in mind the rubber procedures outlined in the Planning & Safety department of this guide. Exist certain to wear protective equipment, use fall protection, and never stand on panels or elevator them by the electrical wires.

If you lot want, you tin can wrap your panels in a blanket to protect them from difficult surfaces as you move them.

Lifting Methods

Chances are, you'll desire to hire some equipment to aid lift the panels on your roof. There are a few options to choose from:

Ladder Lift. A ladder with a conveyor chugalug mechanism on it to assistance move heavy objects upwardly and down the ladder.

Ladder lifts make it easier to move objects up and down the ladder.

Scissor Lift. A lift which extends up and down, besides as side-to-side. The horizontal movement means you lot tin can accept fewer trips from the ground to the roof and then back once again.

Scissor lifts move up and down, also as side to side.

Boom Elevator. A lift with a total range of movement, giving you access to tight spaces. Useful to become over and around obstacles that prevent you lot from parking a elevator directly nether the spot where y'all programme to install your panels.

Blast lifts have total range of motion to aid navigate tight spaces.

Scaffolding. Scaffolding works great if there are no obstacles and you lot don't need lift assistance. There's no machinery to make lifting easier, only it does offer a sturdy platform to work on and some actress fall protection.

Scaffolding provides a platform to phase materials and walk freely around your roof.

Pace 5: Mounting Panels

At present that yous've got your installed racking and panels in the aforementioned identify, you can finally put the two together and mount your panels!

The instructions outlined below use the IronRidge racking organization (XR10, XR100, and XR1000), which comes standard with all of our packages, as an example. If yous purchased a specialty mountain (like a pole mount), consult the product transmission for instructions on how to mount your panels.

1. Place the panel and so the mounting holes line up with the rails.
2. Employ the IronRidge UFO (Universal Fastening Object) clamps to secure the panel in identify. Showtime with the finish on the exterior edge of the array and drop the T-bolt in the slot in the rail.
3. Torque the UFO clamps with stopper sleeves (one in each track) so they are snug confronting the outside of the first panel, locking it into place.
4. Slot the next pair of UFO clamps on the inside border of the outset panel.
5. Place the side by side console on the runway, then that the clamps are wedged snugly between both panels.
6. Tighten the clamps betwixt the panels.
7. Repeat this process for each panel in your assortment. Use the UFO with stopper sleeves attachment to secure the last panel in the row.

Ground Mounting

If you decide instead to ground mount your solar panels, there are 3 cardinal steps:

1. Build a foundation
2. Install racking railing
3. Mount panels on your rails

Footstep 1: Edifice a Foundation

Though ground mounting is quite a scrap different from roof mounting, some of the same principles employ. Offset, you'll want to construct a solid foundation upon which you'll mountain your racking rails.

Our basis mount racks use the IronRidge Basis Mountain system. We provide an engineering science report that specifies how deep and wide to dig ballast holes, pier spacing, and placement, as well as how much physical and pipe to buy.

Follow the specs outlined in your Engineering Written report (provided by Unbound Solar^®) to ensure the structural integrity of your footing mountain.

Pouring Concrete & Setting Piers

Ever use proper protective gear (outlined previously in Planning & Safety) when working with physical. Wet concrete volition crusade serious burns if exposed to the skin for prolonged periods. In addition, a respirator with a minimum rating of N95 is required when working most concrete dust.

Bearing safety precautions in mind, here are some guidelines for pouring concrete & setting upward piers.

• Check if your site is level. Considering leveling the grade if necessary.
• Utilize chalk or a string line to mark the outer dimensions of the array and the locations of your piers on the basis.
• Telephone call the local authority to locate cached power lines and septic systems earlier you dig. Do not drive heavy mechanism (like a cement mixer) over the buried lines.
• Carefully follow the pier placement and hole depth/width outlined in the engineering report.
• Create a temporary lumber substructure to proceed piping in identify while the concrete hardens. If pipes motion before the concrete is fully cured, that can compromise the structural integrity of the mount.
• Underground pipage should be fully suspended in concrete. If the pipe touches the dirt, it can cause galvanic corrosion that will backbite from the force of the structure.
• Become everything else in place before you mix your concrete. Once the physical is wet, yous won't accept time to suit forms and make changes.
• Wait at least a calendar week between setting piers and edifice the rest of the array. Concrete will take up to 21 days to fully cure. Leave the wooden brace in place until the concrete is fully cured.

A temporary lumber sub-structure supports the weight of the pipes so they don't shift position while the concrete cures.

Step 2: Installing Racking Rails

Your Racking Report will specify track size and spacing for your system. Keep it handy during this step.

• Space the rails to lucifer the distance between the mounting holes on the dorsum of the solar panel. Your racking report has the exact measurements.
• The Ironridge Ground Mount arrangement uses a rail connector bracket which attaches the rails to the horizontal support pipes using U-bolts.
• When starting a new row, leave space to account for the panel overhang on both sides, likewise equally a ½- to 1-inch clearance gap betwixt the panels.

IronRidge track connectors secure the runway to the support axle anchored in the footing.

Pace iii: Mounting Panels

With your racking rails installed and housed in a solid concrete foundation, your panels are ready to exist mounted.

The instructions provided below utilize the IronRidge ground mount racking system as an example. If you purchased a different racking solution (such equally a ground mountain system from Unirac), consult the production manual for instructions on how to mountain your panels.

1. Place the panel so the mounting holes line up with the runway.
2. Apply the IronRidge UFO (Universal Fastening Object) clamps to secure the console in place. Start with the end on the outside edge of the array and drop the T-commodities in the slot in the track.
3. Torque the UFO clamps with stopper sleeves (ane in each rail) so they are snug confronting the exterior of the first console, locking it into place.
4. Slot the next pair of clamps on the inside border of the first console.
5. Place the next panel on the track, so that the clamps are wedged snugly between both panels.
6. Tighten the clamps between the panels.
7. Echo this procedure for each panel in your array. Utilize the UFO clamps with stopper sleeves to secure the terminal panel in the row.

Solar Battery Installation

If you're installing an off-filigree arrangement (or a filigree-tie organisation with a battery backup) the terminal footstep of installation for your system will be to install a battery bank.

There are three types of batteries used in solar storage systems:

• Flooded Lead-Acid Bombardment
• Sealed Pb-Acid Bombardment
• Lithium-Ion Battery

Each of them has unique requirements in terms of installation and battery room design, detailed in the sections below.

Lastly, exist certain to consult the manufacturer's installation instructions and datasheets (such as this manufacturer'south guide for Crown batteries) for of import installation instructions. We have provided some full general guidelines in this solar panel installation guide, but each manufacturer does things a bit differently, so it'southward best to refer to their specific guides when in doubtfulness.

Condom Tips

As with every step of the solar console installation process, proper safety precautions should always be taken. Earlier working with batteries, review the following safety guidelines:

Safety Guidelines For All Batteries

• Be careful to never curt-circuit a battery! A short circuit occurs when the positive and negative terminals of a battery are connected together, either from improper wiring or when a metal object falls onto the bombardment terminals. Use insulated tools and be cautious to avoid brusque circuits.
• Remove all metallic jewelry, including watches and rings. Secure any long pilus and avoid loose-fitting clothing that could become defenseless on wires or terminals.
• Always clothing protective gloves and safety goggles when working with your batteries.
• Keep a multimeter with fresh batteries on hand. Use it to check conductors to verify voltage and polarity.
• Ensure that all wires are stripped and/or terminated properly using a torque wrench/driver when necessary.
• Route all wires away from sharp edges and pinch points that could penetrate and damage the wire.

Additional Rubber For Flooded Pb-Acid Batteries

• Keep baking soda and an centre-wash kit on-hand. Baking soda is used to neutralize acid spills.
• E'er article of clothing nitrile gloves and rubber goggles when working with flooded atomic number 82-acid batteries.

Battery Room Designs

Your battery bank should be installed in an enclosure to limit accidental contact with the batteries. The enclosure should allow for ventilation and leave enough infinite for batteries to cool effectively.

While yous will need to consult your wiring diagram and manufacturer'south manuals for specific installation instructions, this department contains broad advice about designing and installing a safe enclosure for each kind of battery bank.

Sealed Atomic number 82-Acid & Flooded Lead-Acid Battery Room Design

Heat has a major impact on bombardment lifespan. While batteries can safely operate in a broad temperature range, the ideal ambient temperature for your battery bank is 77°F.

Prolonged exposure to higher temperatures will shorten bombardment lifespan, while lower temperatures reduce bombardment chapters. Install your battery bank in a temperature-controlled environment to proceed them as close to the target temperature equally possible.

That said, natural fluctuations in room temperature based on time of day and seasonal factors are perfectly acceptable. The chief concern is prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. According to Bombardment University, batteries lose one-half their lifespan for every 15°F of continuous exposure over the platonic temp of 77°F.

Build your battery bank in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled environment. Leave at least 1″ of clearance betwixt each bombardment.

Considerations for Sealed Atomic number 82-Acid Battery Rooms:

• Keep a whiteboard or notepad in the room to record bombardment data during maintenance checks. You lot tin can also use the Battery Maintenance Log provided at the end of this solar panel installation guide.
• Sealed pb-acid batteries do not off-gas every bit a normal part of operation, simply they even so have valves that will open if they are overcharged or overheated.
• Brand sure the floor is structurally audio and can concord the weight of the batteries.

Considerations for Flooded Pb-Acid Battery Rooms:

• Flooded lead-acrid batteries should be installed over a spill containment tray.
• Continue a whiteboard or notepad in the room to record battery data during maintenance checks.
• Flooded batteries off-gas hydrogen when they are charging and must exist installed in a properly vented battery enclosure that is built according to fire and electrical codes. Consider buying a hydrogen gas monitor and don't keep anything in the room that could ignite the gas.
• Make sure the floor is structurally sound and tin agree the weight of the batteries.

Lithium-Ion Battery Room Design

Temperature tin can have a major impact on battery performance. Li-ion batteries tin be sensitive to extremely cold temperatures and typically cannot handle being charged below freezing (32°F/0°C).

Check your bombardment manufacturer'south guidelines on the adequate temperature range for charging and discharging the batteries. Install batteries in a temperature-controlled environment to keep them within the recommended operating range.

Considerations for Lithium-Ion Battery Rooms:

• Keep a whiteboard or notepad in the room to tape bombardment data during maintenance checks.
• Make certain the floor is structurally sound and can hold the weight of the batteries. If mounting on the wall, make certain the wall is structurally sound to support the load.

Battery Banking company Installation

Unsurprisingly, battery bank installation methods will exist unlike depending on type and manufacturer. Included beneath are some general guidelines to follow while installing your batteries, arranged by bombardment chemistry.

Sealed Pb-Acid Battery Installation

• Though your batteries are sealed, they may release a minor amount of flammable gas if overcharged/overheated. Do not install it shut to electrical equipment or appliances that could discharge sparks.
• Batteries should be well-ventilated to go along them in a safe temperature range. Ventilation and other installation requirements for battery systems are covered under NEC article 480.10.
• The battery example should not come up in contact with organic solvents or adhesive materials.
• Use UL-listed terminal lugs on battery interconnects, crimped according to the manufacturer'southward guidelines.
• Leave at least ane inch of space between each battery to provide acceptable ventilation and cooling.
• If the batteries volition be subject to vibration (for case, in an RV organisation), fasten the bombardment bank securely and consider using shock-absorptive material inside the enclosure.
• Do not attempt to dismantle or touch the inside of the battery! Sealed lead-acrid batteries will non leak under normal conditions, but they could spill if they are damaged. If accidental contact is made with the electrolyte, wash the afflicted area with liberal amounts of water, and seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
• Blistering soda can be used to neutralize minor acid spills.

Instance: The Crown 6CRV220 is one of the most pop sealed atomic number 82-acrid batteries that we sell.

Ventilating Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries do non off-gas every bit a normal part of functioning. However, they all the same have vents to salvage internal pressure in instance of overcharging. If the bombardment is exposed to overheating, excessive voltage or current, it will release gas.

Though off-gassing is rare for sealed batteries, it could all the same happen in a worst-case scenario. Because off-gassing is possible, the battery enclosure needs to be ventilated properly. In many cases, building codes will apply the same requirements every bit they do for flooded lead-acrid batteries.

Your vent should be at the top of the battery enclosure at the highest point so the hydrogen can escape. Seal whatsoever conduit to forestall hydrogen gas from going through your conduit and into your inverter and other equipment. Also, exist sure there is nothing blocking the vents so that air can circulate freely.

Flooded Lead-Acid Battery Installation

• Wear nitrile gloves while installing or maintaining your batteries to prevent exposure to the battery electrolyte.
• Batteries should exist well-ventilated to go on them in a rubber temperature range and preclude the buildup of hydrogen gas. Ventilation and other installation requirements for battery systems are covered under NEC commodity 480.10.
• The battery instance should non come up in contact with organic solvents or adhesive materials.
• Use UL-listed terminal lugs on battery interconnects, crimped co-ordinate to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Go out at least one inch of space between each battery to provide adequate ventilation and cooling.
• If the batteries volition be bailiwick to vibration (for example, in an RV arrangement), fasten the battery banking company securely and consider using shock-absorbent material inside the enclosure.
• Practise not attempt to dismantle or touch the inside of the bombardment! Bombardment acid will burn your skin. If accidental contact is made with the electrolyte, wash the affected expanse with liberal amounts of h2o, and seek Immediate medical attending.
• Baking soda can be used to neutralize small acid spills.

The Crown CR430 is 1 of the nigh popular flooded lead-acrid batteries that we sell.

Ventilating Flooded Lead-Acrid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries off-gas a modest corporeality of hydrogen gas equally a normal role of their functioning. The battery room must be well-ventilated to go along the Hydrogen gas levels below a safety threshold (less than 1% concentration by book).

Battery rooms should be ventilated at a minimum rate of 1.5 cubic feet per minute. Make sure at that place is nil blocking the vents then that air can circulate freely. Larger systems will typically use a battery vent fan to actively expel gases.

Since hydrogen gas is lighter than air, it will rising up in the enclosure. Your vent should be at the top of the bombardment enclosure at the highest indicate so the hydrogen can escape. Be sure to seal any conduit to foreclose hydrogen gas from going through your conduit and into your inverter and other equipment.

Hydrogen gas is very corrosive and flammable in high concentrations, which makes proper ventilation extremely of import.

Lithium-Ion Battery Installation

• The battery case should not come in contact with organic solvents or agglutinative materials.
• Employ UL-listed last lugs on battery interconnects, crimped according to the manufacturer'southward guidelines.
• Leave at least i inch of space betwixt each battery to provide adequate ventilation and cooling.
• If the batteries will be subject field to vibration (for example, in an RV organisation), fasten the battery bank deeply and consider using daze-absorptive material inside the enclosure.
• Do not endeavor to dismantle or affect the inside of the battery! Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for whatever troubleshooting procedures.

The Discover AES 48VDC Xanbus Lithium (LFP) battery is 1 of the well-nigh popular lithium-ion batteries we sell.

Battery Wiring

With your batteries safely installed in a suitable room, all that's left to do is wire them together. As with installation, be sure to follow the wiring instructions provided by the manufacturer of your batteries.

However, there are some general rule-of-thumb guidelines that we recommend:

Bombardment Wiring Guidelines

For wires connecting the battery depository financial institution:

• All interconnection cables should be the same wire size and length.
• Do not place annihilation betwixt the bombardment terminal and the band terminal of the interconnect cable.
• Make sure all connections are torqued properly. Re-check them when you perform bombardment maintenance to make certain they are secure. Connections that are loose or excessively tight can cause melted battery terminals and other failures.

For wires running from the battery bank to the inverter(s):

• Keep the battery depository financial institution and inverter as close together as possible.
• Positive and negative cables must be of the aforementioned length.
• Positive and negative cables should exist zip tied together every 18 inches and installed in the aforementioned conduit to maintain maximum surge capability and reduce electromagnetic interference.
• Route your cables and then that they do non interfere with the ventilation of the battery enclosure.

Get Started On Your Solar Panel Installation

Nosotros hope this solar panel installation guide has helped familiarize you with every stage of the solar system installation process. While nosotros accept gone over general steps and guidelines, every unmarried solar installation project is different and comes with its ain unique challenges.

If you lot have whatsoever specific questions related to your solar arrangement installation, please experience costless to contact u.s.a.. We're defended to helping you get the right system for your needs, and providing support throughout the entirety of your installation process!

Source: https://unboundsolar.com/blog/step-by-step-diy-solar-installation

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