Solar Panel Installation Methods and Tips

Installing solar panels on your house can be a great way to reduce your energy costs and help your pocket book. With so many installation methods and types of solar panels available, it’s difficult to know which one is best suited for your home. 

Below we will explore the four main types of solar panel installations: roof-mounted, pole-mounted, ground-mounted, and tracker-mounted. We will also discuss the different roofs that are compatible with each one. Additionally, we will examine how location and weather impact the efficacy of each installation method. We will also provide tips on selecting the best solar panels for your budget.

Different Kind of Solar Panel Installations

Roof-Mounted Solar Panels

Roof-mounted solar panels are the most common type of installation due to their convenience and cost efficiency. They are typically installed on flat or gabled roofs but can also be used on hipped or shed roofs if necessary. When installing roof-mounted solar panels, it’s important to consider factors such as extreme weather conditions, shading from nearby trees or buildings, and the angle of the sun in relation to your home. These factors will determine how much power you can generate from your system.

Pole-Mounted Solar Panels

Pole-mounted solar panels are a good option for homes with limited space on their roof or those located in areas with heavy snowfall or high winds. The panels are mounted onto poles that are placed in an open area near the house where they have access to direct sunlight throughout the day. They may require additional wiring compared to roof-mounted systems since they must be connected directly to your home’s electrical system instead of through an existing roof mount.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Ground-mounted solar panels are similar to pole-mounted systems but require more space since they must be installed directly into the ground rather than onto a pole or rooftop. This type of installation is ideal for homes located in areas with plenty of open land where there is no obstruction from nearby trees or buildings that could block out sunlight during certain times of day. It is also a good choice for homes with large roofs that cannot support multiple rows of solar panels due to weight restrictions.

Tracker-Mounted Solar Panels

Tracker-mounted solar panels are designed to move along two axes throughout the day in order to follow the movement of the sun across the sky and maximize energy production from each panel. This type of installation requires more maintenance than other methods since it must be adjusted regularly depending on seasonal changes in sunlight intensity and direction throughout the year. It is best suited for homes located in sunny climates where there is little shade from nearby trees or buildings throughout most days of year.

Off Grid or On Grid?

Off Grid or on Grid or Somewhere in Between

Being connected to “the grid” simply means that you have decided that you connect your solar panel electrical system to whichever utility provider you are using. This means that you will need to be compliant not only with your regional requirements, but also with your utility provider. Such as code-compliant meters and inverters. 

If you are on the grid with a battery, it is just like being on the grid without a battery, except you will need a charge controller that detects if your battery is fully charged. If you see the term high-voltage disconnector, they are referring to the same thing- a charge controller. 

An off-grid system, also known as a stand-alone system, simply means that you do not connect your energy system to a utility provider. Most individuals that decide to go this route will also have a backup generator and/or a secondary energy generator such as a windmill or a geothermal energy system. 

Inverter

Whether you are considering being connected to the grid or not, one thing does not change…you will need an inverter, especially if you want most of your household appliances to work. 

So quickly, what is an inverter? Without getting into the weeds, an inverter is a device that switches the variable direct current (“DC”) that your solar panels produce into alternating current (“AC”). Typical appliances such as your refrigerator run on AC. And to prevent your house from electrical damage, an inverter can stabilize the frequency of the voltage if there are any fluctuations. 

Inverters do much more, but by far the most important aspect of having an inverter is that you can use the electricity/ energy your solar panels produce. Also, AC electricity is what you “sell” your utility company if you are part of some type of buyback program.

Are Plug-in Solar Panels Worth It?

The answer is no. Unless you plan on only using solar panel energy for your camping trips you will lose most of the extra benefits. Those benefits are regional solar incentives such as rebates or SRECs. The easy do-it-yourself might sound intriguing, but generally, it is not the best route to take especially when considering the expense. 

Can You Put Solar Panels on a Slate Roof?

Yes, it is possible to have solar panels on slate roof tops. Most solar panel installation companies offer solar slate plates that can be put on your roof and can now be installed quickly with a reputable company. 

Wood roofs can also be complicated due to fire risks. Usually, if that is your situation then you can install ground-mounted solar panels that won’t have fire risks.

Selecting The Right Solar Panel For Your Home

When selecting a solar panel system for your home, it’s important to consider both cost and efficiency when deciding which type is right for you. Many homeowners opt for monocrystalline silicon cells because they offer higher efficiency rates than polycrystalline cells but come at a higher price point due to their increased complexity during manufacturing.

Additionally, some brands offer warranties up to 25 years which can help protect against any potential defects down the line while providing peace of mind that you’re investing in a quality product that will last over time.