What to Expect with a Solar PV Installation
Installing a solar PV system is much easier now than it was in the past; for one, it is a lot less expensive, and a typical installation, while still in the thousands, costs significantly lower than it did a decade ago. But while a solar panel system can bring a lot of benefits to your property – including savings on utility bills as well as tax incentives (especially if you are a business owner) and a better impact on the environment — there are some things you should be aware of as well. Not many people are aware, for instance, that you can choose to have your solar PV system installed on the ground (what is termed as ground-mounted) if you don’t have enough roof space or if your roof space doesn’t get enough exposure to the sun. But what else can you expect with your UK solar PV installation? Here is your full guide.
The scaffolding and fitting
First off, your installer will have to assemble scaffolding so they can carry out the work on your roof. Sometimes, however, this isn’t necessary, especially if you reside or do business in a bungalow or have a single-story building. The installer will then fit hooks to the rafters or roof of your property, which will hold a set of rails. These rails will essentially make up the frame on which the solar panels will sit. The framework is often made from metal, typically aluminium.
The wiring and attaching of the panels
With the use of clips, the installer will mount the solar panels on the actual frame. Afterwards, they can connect the inverter of the solar panel system to the electrical wiring.
The connection of the grid and inverter
All solar PV installations are outfitted with an inverter, which is responsible for converting the energy from the sun into power for your building. This inverter should be able to convert the solar panels’ input from DC to AC so you can use it properly. The output is linked with the electrical supply of your property as well as the power grid. The installer you choose should also be able to make sure that the process is done as clearly and cleanly as possible so that little or no wiring will show.
This is why it is essential that you get a good and experienced installer, such as those who are well-versed in both residential as well as commercial solar panels like Atlantic Renewables, so you can ensure that they do an efficient job. During this process, the installer may have to turn off the electricity to the property for a short time – typically half an hour. Afterwards, the installer will add a generation meter (make sure that this generation meter is approved by Ofgem as well).
The system check and sharing of documents
Once everything is done with the installation and the installer has performed safety tests, they will turn on the inverter which powers up the system. They can then check it thoroughly to see if it is working, and once they have seen that everything is working to standard, they should give you the required documentation, which includes warranties and manuals.
Article written by Mildred Austria
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.