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Solar Panels Mounting. Important Points to Consider

Where are they installed?
Solar panels are typically installed on the roof, so it is important for homeowners to do a thorough roof inspection before installing those panels.  It is always a good idea to hire an experienced contractor to examine the roof and make sure it can withstand the weight of the solar panels.  Solar panels can be quite heavy, and it is essential that the roof where they will be installed is inspected and its structural integrity verified.

How are they installed?
The most common method of installing solar panels is to mount them to the roof using a mounting system that screws into the roof itself.  This system provides support for those heavy solar panels from the bottom up, and it is the most commonly used type of mounting.  Another advantage of this mounting system is that it allows the solar panels to be adjusted for maximum power generation.

How are they connected to the home in order to receive and use the power generated?

Does one have to consult the city/municipality before installation?

The short answer to that question is an unqualified yes.  Even homeowners who are sure that no special permits or permissions are needed would do well to contact their township, city or borough before going forward with the purchase of solar panels.  In addition some homeowner associations place restrictions on this type of upgrade, and some may even ban the installation of solar panels altogether.

How many panels are needed?
The number of solar panels needed to power the home will vary according to a number of factors.  Among those important factors are the amount of energy used by the family, the size of the home, the local climate, the amount of daily sunlight, the angle of the roof and more.  Even with so many variances, however, it is possible to estimate the number of solar panels with a simple formula.  Homeowners should determine their average daily demand for electricity in kilowatt hours, and then multiply that figure by 0.25.  This calculation will help the homeowner determine the proper size of the solar array.

Will one be truly 'off the grid' after installing them?
While installing solar panels is a great way to save money and lessen the impact on the environment, few who install solar panels will truly be able to live "off the grid".  A well designed and well executed solar panel installation can greatly lessen the amount of electricity the homeowner must buy, however, and this can have a significant impact on heating and cooling costs.  Some lucky homeowners may even be able to generate so much electricity that they can sell it back to the power company, but the amount of power generation will depend on a number of factors.  Among those factors is the amount of sunlight reaching the home, the weather conditions and the quality of the installation.

Will harsh weather conditions affect their efficiency - will a winter climate or other harsh weather conditions require that they be replaced after time?
As with any home improvement project, it is important for homeowners to do the necessary maintenance and upkeep on their solar panels.  Since they are roof mounted, those solar panels may be subject to the same type of damage as traditional roofs.  It is always a good idea to examine the state of the solar array following severe storms, high winds or other challenging weather conditions.

About the Author

Michael Richardson is interested in Green Energy/Alternative Energy so that we may all benefit by lowering our carbon footprint.

We only have so much fossil fuels left, the usage of which is high. If we find ways to heat and power our homes then everyone is onto a winner. We lower our impact on the plant and it helps us reduce our utility bills. Which is good news for everyone.

http://greensolarpanels4energy.net

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