10 Things to Consider Before Installing a Rooftop Solar System

Installing a rooftop solar system is an easy deal. Find a solar provider corporation, contact them, tell them your demand and let them do their job. Still, as you are investing some amount of money, however penurious, you should think carefully before taking each and every decision of the solar system installation. This blog will guide you through it-

• How Much do I expect?

The first questing to ask before installing a solar system is that- how much should I expect from the solar system. That means, deciding how much power am I expecting, how will I use that power and whether the solar system is my primary source or secondary source of power. If you decide to be completely reliant on solar energy, you need to invest more and go through the installation process consciously, taking each and every decision with caution. However, you may want to establish a solar system just as a support system or to meet the partial needs. In these cases, as you expect less, you are free to invest less money on the solar project. However, still, you should be careful lest you should lose your investment, however small, in an ineffective solar system.

• Which Solar to Buy?

This question is a proper follow-up question to the last one as it depends on your answer to the last question. There are three common types of solar cells. They are- Monocrystalline Solar, Polycrystalline Solar and Thin-Film solar. Monocrystalline solar cells are most effective solar cells. However, they are the most expensive onces. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar cells are cheaper alternatives. However, they are less effective than monocrystalline solar cells. Thin film solar cells are portable and flexible. They are often used in isolated pieces of technology. If you are installing the solar system as your primary source of power, you should go for monocrystalline solar panels, however expensive. Although, if the solar system is your secondary source of power, that is you are using it as a supporing source, you may go for the cheaper choice. Nevertheless, if budget is not a problem for you, we recommend to go for the most effective one.

• Why Use the Roof?

Do you really need to use the roof? Why not using the ground? If you have a unused space on the ground which is exposed to plenty sunlight- you may use the ground instread. You can expect more power, if you have more solar arrays spread on a big space. Therefore, if you have a small roof and a ground level space advantage, install the panels on the ground. However, if you do have a spacious roof, and a roof suitable for rooftop solar panel installation- roof is the better choice.

• Where on the roof?

Obviously, where the sunlight is plenty. As solar panels depends on direct sunlight you should place the solar panels in such a way where it can get sufficient sunlight throughout the day. In the northern hemisphere the solar panels should be facing in the true north. In southern hemisphere, however, the solar panels should be facing the true south. Also, the solar panels should be placed in such places where the space is free and secured from unwanted intruder.

• Should I repair my Roof?

If your roof is too old, worn out, vulnerable to bad weather and natural calamities- you should repair the roof. However, its not always necessary to change the roof. Often, just a small repair works just fine.

• Should I fence my Roof?

If you have a sloped roof, you might not need any fencing. In case of flat roof, where there is access to people, especially children, a little fencing may secure your solar panels. However, fencing is not very urgent if your roof isn't a public one.

• Should I clear the surroundings of my roof?

If and only if something create an obstruction for the sunlight to reach the solar panels. It may be a unwanted body, a big tree or something else that blocks the sunlight. These things, if possible, should be cleared out. However, instead of clearing things and cutting trees, look for alternatives first.

• How various natural phenomena will affect the panels?

There are different natural phenomena that can affect the panels negatively. There are less hazardous natural phenomena like light rain, light snowing or mist. These phenomena are caused by bad weather. Simple layers of protection and regular maintainance is sufficient in these cases. Making sure that there is no waterlogging when it rains of snows. In case of heavy natural disasters, like storms or heavy rainfall, a strong roof is necessary.

• Will I connect it to the grid?

Connecting the solar power production to the national grid is always a good idea. It can provide necessary electricity if your solar panels are not producing sufficient electricity. If possible, you should connect the solar system with the national grid. In addition to that, you may use a additional power system, for example an additional battery or a generator which may be used as a support system for your solar plant.

• What can I do about maintenance?

If you have sufficient budget, hire a man who can look after your solar panels. If not, you can learn to do it yourself. Ask your solar provider for instructions. Remember, regular monitoring and maintainance will increase the sustainability of your solar panels.

These are the things you must ask yourself when you are installing a solar system for your households. Solar energy is renewable and perfectly good for the environment. It will also save your cost. Therefore, if your deciding to switch to solar power- salute to you. Go Solar!