Before you read this guide I suggest you read this info on the benefits of solar power. If you already know all the pros and cons of using solar energy then read the guide below.

Step 1°: Calculate the Potential Solar Radiation Power

If you are planning to install a Photovoltaic Solar Energy System, the first thing you need to do is figure out how much solar energy you can expect your panels to absorb, based on the average daily solar radiation for your area.

For most parts of the United States, an average of 4-5 kWh/m²/day can be achieved, though in some regions it is possible to achieve up to 8.

To find the output for your area, please refer to this map put out by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Resource Assessment Program. In the delineation kWh/m²/day, the kWh stands for kilowatt hour, with “m” being the area of the absorber, or in this case, the photovoltaic cell, put into square meters. Solar panels, on average, work at about 7 to 17% efficiency.

Therefore, if you live in an area with an average solar radiation of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, and you have a total surface area of 1 m² (corresponding to 1.55 squared inches) of photovoltaic cells, you can expect to generate 0.315 kWh/day (315 Watt/day) estimating an average solar panel efficiency of 7%.

Step 2°: Determine Your Average Energy Usage

Once you know how much energy you can expect to get from the sun, you can determine about how much energy you will need based on your current monthly energy consumption.

If you don’t have copies of your last 12 bills, you can view the state by state averages, as published by the Energy Information Administration here. According to the chart, a consumer who lives in New Jersey, for instance, will use an average of about 730 kWh/month in electricity, while one in Alabama may use as much as 1300 kWh of energy per month.

Step 3°: Calculate the Number of Panels Needed

Now that you know how much solar radiation is available and how much of it can actually be utilized by a solar panel, you can calculate how many photovoltaic solar panels you will need in order to replace your current source of electricity.

You will need to find out the exact size of each cell in square meters, as well, which can probably be found on the website of, or in literature from, your manufacturer of choice.

If we assume an average energy usage of 1000 kWh per month, we will calculate:  “Solar radiation” x “Surface area of the panels in m² “  x  “0.07″ (7% Estimated solar panel efficiency)  x “Average days per month” (365/12). We will then divide that number into 1000 (The average energy usage of 1000 kWh per month).

For example, in an area with solar radiation of 5 kWh/m²/day, with a solar panel of 2 m², the equation would be:

5  (Solar Radiation) x 2 (Surface Area of standard solar panels) x 0.07 (Solar Panel Efficiency) x 30.42 (Average n° of days per month) = 21.294 kWh produced per panel each month.

To cover at 100% the month Kw usage of 1000Kw divide 1,000/21.294 = 47, so you would need 47 m² of panels to completely eliminate your electricity bill.

Read more on:

• Solar Air Heating
• Solar Power for Your Appliances
• Solar Lighting
• Solar Water Heating

Step 4°: Calculate Upfront Cost vs. Long-term Savings

For nearly everyone, the upfront cost of a photovoltaic solar system will be a major factor. However, with the yearly utility savings and the government incentives, it can be well worth the initial investment. A lot will depend on the size of the system you install.

Considering a single 2 m² of solar panel can generate 21.294 kWh/month and your electricity company charges an average of 20 cents per kWh, you would save about $51.2/year. 10 x 2 m² Solar panels could let you save 512 $ /year.

If that system costs $20,000 and Governmental rebates/Tax Credits may let you cover/cut the cost by 50%, you’ll have to payback 10,000 $.

It would take you about 19.5 years for 10 x 2 m² solar panels to pay off the system and begin truly saving (if you consume 1,000 Kw /Month it will cover at 50% your energy bill).

In areas where the kWh cost is higher, the savings and pay-off period could be significantly reduced, allowing you to pay off the system in less years.

Read more on the cost of solar energy and find all solar energy incentives here

How do I sell Solar Energy to a Utility Company?

If you’ve taken or are thinking of taking the energy-efficient step of installing solar power at your home or business, know that this move can be cost-effective, too. The initial investment for a solar panel system can be quickly paid for by selling your surplus energy to a utility company.

The government requires 42 states and the District of Columbia to purchase surplus power from consumers. The way to take advantage of this process, and the subsequent rate you will receive for your surplus energy, varies by state. Here is a quick guide to getting the most out of your extra solar generated energy.

Continue reading more on how to sell your solar energy to a utility company

Step 5°: Plan the Photovoltaic System Placement

Above a nice table on solar panels orientation for winter months. A good rule of thumb to use when determining the correct tilt of solar panels is to find out the approximate latitude of your area and set the panels at an angle equal to that latitude. This should maximize the amount of solar radiation absorbed all year.

If the southward facing roof on which the panels will be installed is slanted beyond the angle of your area’s latitude, then the panels should be lifted at the bottom edges, in order to achieve the best radiation angle, whenever possible. For flat roofs, any of the four sides can be elevated to match the latitude angle.

Read more on how to install your solar panels

Grid-tie solar panel systems produce energy, transmitting this power to your utility company’s electrical power grid. Essentially, this implies the utility company will be paying out you to generate electricity for them, because the power you have produced counts against the energy your property or company utilizes.

Your own solar power panels may generate DC (Direct Current) electrical energy. This kind of electrical energy will be run through an inverter to generate Alternating current (Alternating Current) energy. This electricity is then run into your Alternating current electrical power panel, which feeds energy to your utility companies power grid. In case your solar energy array generated sufficient electrical power, your utility meter would certainly begin to run backward!

The primary components of an Grid-Tie system are:

Residential solar panels You will need solar panels to get the solar energy and transform this to DC power. The quantity and type of solar panels will probably determine the amount of power you’ll be able to generate, as will your current geographic position.

Combiner Box This box collects each of the Solar Panel connections.

DC Breaker Box Your array’s breaker safely shuts your solar power system on the moment’s notice, permitting risk-free maintenance, repair, and inspection.

Inverter Inverters get Direct Current power and transform it to household (Alternating current) power.

Grid Disconnect A grid disconnect allows you to stop the flow of electricity between your solar power system and your electrical system. This provides for the safe maintenance of electrical and utility systems.

What’s the cost?

The price varies, however, you could estimate it with relative simplicity; all you want to know is exactly what equipment you’ll need and also the labour price.

We have reviewed the essential components you will need for your solar array: the solar panels, a GFCI, a solar array breaker, an inverter, a grid disconnect, and an recommended rail system. If you won’t want to fuss with buying all these elements separately, you may be considering purchasing a Solar Grid-Tie System.

Grid-Tie Kits:

Affordable Solar offers pre-assembled Grid-Tie systems. Our popular system’s were mounted by many of our readers with a lot of good results. This system includes the entire equipment you’d probably need, such as product/installation instructions, mounting rails, and clamps for your solar panels.

Work:

Most solar energy systems are put together by the those who purchase them. In case you are uncomfortable setting up a system, Affordable Solar can suggest a Photovoltaic installation technician who can help with building a solar pv system.

An additional thought regarding labor costs: even when you’re comfortable putting together your solar energy kit, we extremely suggest contacting or selecting an electrician to connect your system to your Alternating current system.

What is the conclusion?

The GTS 3600 W system above will cost you something like $26,thousand.

Delivery is around $600 to any area within the continental US.

Without having a pitched roof (or want to mount panels on the ground), UniRac titlt legs cost an extra $1,100.

For the 3,600 watt system, you can count on an installation cost of $5,700 – $6,500.

(Installation, when you decide to go that route, may usually be estimated at about $1.75/watt.)

Consequently for this system you could potentially estimate kit as well as installation at about $32,500.

What exactly is my incentive in order to choose a solar panel system?

Many people connect solar technology with remote installations and off-grid implementations. In those situations the choice may be a fairly easy one, in towns and cities you may still find good reasons to consider solar panel technology as a supplement and substitute for electric utility power grids.

The top reason could be the reduction in utility expenses. As soon as your system is functioning, it takes no monthly costs and no maintenance (and most components are usually guaranteed). While it runs, it also lowers your power charges. Eventually it will probably pay for itself and keep costing you less. Big systems may even make you cash by giving you never ending credit with your power company .

Not only is your investment gonna help you save money as well as pay for itself, but photo voltaic installations regularly boost home price in both industrial and non commercial settings. Adding a solar energy system to your residence or small business will also supplement the investment you have made in your property.

An excellent incentive–many states (and today the government) provide refunds and also bonuses for implementing solar pv systems. !

Ultimately, solar power is really a clean way to obtain alternative energy. It lowers dependence on non-renewable fuels in a useful and efficient approach, helping keep the environment clean.

But where do I start?

Starting out may appear just like a challenging activity, but it isn’t as difficult as it first appears. Using just an electric bill, you are able to determine the minimum system size you will need. As soon as you have established that, you are able to find out how many solar panels you will need, and find compatible components from there.

To start, you will need the average month-to-month electric use–which you should be able to get in your energy bill. This number will probably be in kwh (kilowatt-hours).

Follow these actions to find out your minimum system size:

Record average kWH electrical use: __________kWH

Multiply line 1 by the percentage you want the solar system to produce: __________kWH ie: 1000kWH X 50% = 500kWH

Divide by 30 for the daily output from your solar power system: __________kW

Divide by the daily average sun hours for your location: __________kW 6 in Sun Belt, 4in NE / NW

Divide by 70% to compensate for system efficiency: __________kW

How much to install solar water heater? Want to solar heat your water but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars to do it? Want to use solar energy for electricity but not sure how to do it? Well hopefully this can offer you some help on installation of a solar hot water heating system  if your a do it yourself type.

Having thermal panels added in to the system of your solar water heating can greatly increase it’s production.

Your consumption of fossil fuel will be greatly diminished by using solar energy for electricity as well, and may even disappear altogether. Keep in mind that many energy providers and government agencies have rebate plans for people who install solar power as well. Photovoltaic panels have the potential to decrease your electric bill.

Here’s how you can install your own solar hot water system with thermal panels. After that we will look at installing photovoltaic panels for electricity.

Part 1

Part 2

Figure that you will need approximately a 30 pound capacity of water per person in the household.

1. Figure out how much thermal panel you will need for the roof or where you are putting the system. On the average, figure you will need approximately 20 square feet for two residents. For more people add around 8 square feet each, although you may want to make it up to 14 feet if you live in a particularly cold region.

2. Find out where you want to put the panel. On your roof is usually the best place as you can secure mountings to the rafters and may be convenient to run pipe to your hot water heater.

3. Measure out where the mountings will be. Make sure you line them up with the thermal panel to be sure they match.

4. Using a power drill, install the mounting with screws and brackets.

5. Use sealant, such as caulk, to seal up any holes.

6. Install rails onto mounts. Be sure they are fixed in place.

7. Install thermal panel on rails insuring they are secure enough to withstand rain or poor weather.

8. For the panel connection to the water pipe, you will have to install a roof boot. Do not place the boot over any rafters. The boot should be about 2 inches from the feed connection on your solar panel.

9. Use flashing, and caulk if needed, to make the boot’s connection to the hole surrounding it watertight.

10. Install roof boot number two about 2 inches from the absorber outlet of solar power.

11. Attach compression unions to roof boot and use copper tubing to connect compression unions to feeds on the solar panel. Be sure to check that all connections will not leak.

12. Run copper tubing from both feeds to the water heater.

13. Turn off gas and drain all water from the water heater, then install coaxial fitting onto water heater.

14. Making sure the connections are correct, which should be the feed line taking cool water out to the water panel and the return line being hot water in, connect the copper tubes to the fitting.

15. Even if sealant or Teflon tape is needed, you need to make sure that there are no leaky connections.

16. Refill heater with water and flip the gas back on.

There you go. That’s how you can install thermal panels and your solar water heater. Hope this can help with some of your questions about how to install panels for your solar water heating. Photovoltaic panels are important if you want to save on electricity . This should not be forgotten if you want to build your own solar energy system. To install photovoltaic panels follow these steps.

1. Pick out your photovoltaic panels and appropriate panel mounts and tools for installation.
2. Use a stud finder to find the rafters and align mounts. Pre-drill with pilot bit to avoid splitting and make sure to keep mounts in a straight line using laser sight or chalk line.
3. Use stainless steel lag bolts to attach mounts to the roof.
4. Place metal flashings over the mounts and use 3/8′ stainless steel bolts to secure metal rails to the posts.
5. Install solar panels and connect them into an array.
6. Run the conduit to connect the panels to the inverter.

Now your photovoltaic panels are installed and your solar electric system is ready to go. Keep in mind that if you are interested in using this type of energy and are considering getting your roof redone, that would be the best time to have the system installed.

Having them “flashed-in” during the roofing process is a good way to assure there are no leaks. Also, having structural attachment points “flashed-in” is a good idea for installing solar panels as re-installation or future cost of removal will not be a worry for many years to come.

Solar energy is a natural source of energy that comes directly from the sun. When solar energy hits the earth it spreads over the earth’s surface and provides warmth evenly.

If you could capture the sun’s rays into a particular area for a long period of time it would provide enough warmth for nighttime or on cloudy days. Learning where to find solar energy can help you to get started today.

Solar energy does not cost anything because it comes from the sun. The source that you choose may cost some but in the long run it should be your only expense, unlike gas or oil heaters that you continue to pay for monthly in order to have power or gas heat in your home. Solar power can provide heating, cooling and ventilation.

If you want to make your own solar power to capture the energy for heating its easy to do if you can find a solar collector, which is anything that attracts the heat from the sun in a concentrated amount, such as glass or clear plastic. Getting into your car that has sat out in the hot sun all day long can be extremely hot and you have to roll down your windows to cool it off inside.

That is because the glass has attracted the sun and the objects in your car, including your seats, have trapped the heat not allowing it to escape. When you roll your windows down you are allowing the heat to escape causing your car to cool down. The same thing is true about greenhouses. The glass or clear plastic can attract the sun and not allow it to escape causing the greenhouse to maintain the heat for the plants to grow effectively.

In order to heat your home using solar energy, you need to know the information on a passive and an active home. These two types of solar homes offer the homeowner options to choose from and your cost of heating may be down. Solar energy does not only heat your home but it also heats your water and if you use solar energy lights it can light your home at night.

Passive homes do not use any equipment to heat the home. Passive homes use windows that are made to allow the maximum amount of sunlight into your home. The sunlight is controlled by keeping the doors closed in the hottest part of the day not allowing any heat to escape. At night thick curtains may be used on these windows so that the warmth stays inside during the night. This allows the sun to naturally heat your home without any help.

Active homes do use equipment to help circulate the heat in the home. Some of the equipment that may be used includes pumps, blowers and an alternative heating source in case the sunlight was not enough during the daytime. In order to heat the home with sunlight these homes use special boxes on the outside that attract the sunrays to it.

They are made from a dark colored metal to help attract the sun more. The water or air that is carried in the pipes and ductwork is heated by this glass box that has captured the sunlight. Then the heated water or air is then carried to the rest of the home.

In the long run, solar energy helps to heat the home naturally and without depending on a company to supply it for you. Solar energy can be found anywhere the sun is.

The use of solar power is no longer just a fad. During the past decade, it has become a viable, cost-saving means of generating energy.

One major advantage of solar energy is that once the initial investment is recovered, the energy is mostly free. There is no charge for the sun. If a solar system generates more energy than is needed, the electric company can buy the surplus and credit your account. Solar energy is not dependent on fluctuating fuel supply.

Besides being cost-efficient, solar energy is clean and sustainable. It helps protect our environment by not releasing pollutants into the air, and it does not damage the o-zone. Solar energy systems will last a long time with minimum maintenance. Solar panels can be added to any system as needed.

There are drawbacks to solar energy which have prevented some people from utilizing solar as an energy source. While these disadvantages should be considered, it is important to think of solar energy as a long-term solution. In the long run, the drawbacks diminish and eventually will disappear altogether.

The initial start-up cost for installing a solar system can be high, between $15,000 and $20,000. Solar panels can add up to $75,000. Incentives and tax rebates will lower these expenses. Also, solar panels require a large surface to achieve efficient output of energy. Energy production is not consistent and is dependent on the weather and the time of day.

The initial purchase of solar panels is a substantial expense. They do, however, generate energy immediately, resulting in immediate savings on electrical costs. More importantly, after a few years, the initial investment will be paid off, leaving nothing but the pure profit of continued solar power. For the average house, it will take between ten to fifteen years to reach this break-even point.

In the long run, this translates into considerable savings. Also, there are a number of tax incentives to offset the initial expense of purchasing solar equipment. The Federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit on solar panels. Some states offer a 25 percent rebate and a property tax exemption. Those are savings that can add up

To see the immediate savings, consider the following: The average home uses 866 kilowatt hours every month. A 1 kilowatt solar panel generates approximately 5 kilowatt of energy a day. On a monthly basis, this adds up to 150 kilowatt hours, or one-sixth of the home’s energy needs. Much, of course, depends of the amount of sunlight and where the solar panels are facing.

One of the newest developments in solar power are grid-connected power systems. Having a grid can be like having your own power station. They work on a simple principle. The solar panel generates direct current electricity. The direct current goes through a grid-connect converter which converts the current into voltage.

Excess electricity converts back to the grid. This leaves surplus energy for cloudy days or nights. A battery backup will even allow the system to generate electricity during a blackout. At this time, the cost of a grid-connect system is high, somewhere between 35,000 to $56.000. Available rebates could bring that price down considerably.

Solar energy is generated by using sunlight to convert photovoltaic cells into energy. Photovoltaic cells come in different sizes. Smaller ones are used to power homes and appliances. Larger ones can power an entire town. Baramati, India and Mullumbimby, Australia are two towns powered by solar energy. For photovoltaic technology to work optimally, sunlight is needed to allow the cells to absorb sun rays and convert them into power.

The use of solar power extends beyond the home. Jacob’s Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, will go “green” by adding solar panels to generate a portion of the ballpark’s electrical needs. These panels will generate 8,400 watts at 600 volts of direct current. This will provide enough power to run the 400 television sets inside the park during a single game. This project will not noticeably lower the Park’s energy bill at this time, but as a long-term project, it can advance other creative concepts.

Solar power will become a mainstream energy source within a few years. Investors have embraced solar energy amidst worries about the cost and availability of oil and natural gas. Emerging technology will dramatically reduce set-up costs in the near future. In places with abundant sunshine, electricity generated from solar panels is already on par with electricity from the main power grid. As the price of solar panels drop, places with average sunshine will turn to solar power as a mainstream energy source.

The use of solar power is expanding. It may turn out to be the planet’s most reliable source of energy, since the sun will always be there.

With the increase in the interest of having a “green” society, the topic of solar power as a source of heat is a hot one. There are different methods of achieving this, as well as different things to use the solar power on as a heat conductor.

What follows is a synopsis of some of these methods and some insight as to what one might need when interested in using this kind of natural power for heating purposes.

Home Solar Water Heater System – How To?

Depending on the method of solar heating used, here is a list of some things you may need to have when using solar energy to heat water.

1. One or more 100 feet long black garden hoses
2. One or more 50 feet long black garden hoses
3. Southern exposure. The roof is the preferred place of southern exposure if feasible
4. 30 gallon clean black plastic barrel with spigot
5. Four 4×6 treated posts, eight feet long in length
6. Concrete Mix
7. 3X3 sheet of one inch thick plywood
8. Four 2 by 4’s, 3 feet in length
9. Sixteen carriage bolts with lock washer,washer, and acorn nut
10. A post hole digger
11. Four 4×6’s, three feet in length

Both methods don’t require all of these things, but we will put this together with the following methods so you can see what material you will need for each.

1° DIY Method

The first method of using solar power to heat water is as follows:

• Step one: Using large loops, stretch a 100 foot long black garden hose out over the southern side of the roof.
• Step two: Attach on end of the hose to your homes incoming cold water line.
• Step three: Take the other end of the hose and attach it to the cold water intake of your water heater.

Your water will now be warm before it enters your water heater as the heat from the sun will be absorbed by the hose, thus warming the water.

2° DIY Method

• Step one: On the side of the house where you can have the effects of the full sun, build a 3×3 by 6 foot tall platform.

To build the platform:

1. Dig four two feet deep holes, three feet apart from each other in a square.
2. Center a post in each and then fill with concrete. Make sure posts are square and level. Let concrete set for 24 for 48 hours.
3. Attach the 2×4’s flush at the top of the posts. Use two carriage bolts at each end of the 2×4’s.
4. Use 1 1/2 inch wood screws to affix the 3×3 plywood sheet. Space screws about an inch from the edge and use one every six inches.To supply enough support for a full barrel, be sure your plywood is at least one inch in thickness.

• Step two: Screw three foot long pieces of 4×6 posts along the top of the platform using 6 inch screws to ensure they go through the posts, plywood, and 2×4’s. This will create a ledge to prevent the barrel from falling from the platform.
• Step three: Place the empty barrel on the platform with the hose attached to the spigot.
• Step four: Attach the hose to the cold water intake of your water heater and fill the barrel with water.

Keep in mind that the water will take several hours to heat, so using these methods will likely give you enough water for one or two showers per day.

Solar Water Heating for Swimming Pools

A long loop of 2-inch black PVC tubing that is a bypass into your pool’s water pump hose are the basics of a solar heating system for your pool. Many people spend over a thousand dollars to get a heater for their pool, but by putting in a solar system it’s possible you can spend about one fifth of that.

First you need to be sure to get black PVC piping. White reflects sun and black has the opposite effect. Get yourself at least 200 feet of 2 inch black PVC pipe along with the following.

1. a proportionate amount of 2-inch, black PVC elbow fittings
2. some hose clamps
3. PVC glue
4. Primer

Now your ready to know how to use solar power to heat your pool.

1. Find area of the pool that receives the most light.
2. Determine loop and grid. Figure out where to lay the pipe. Keep in mind that the roof of a blacktop garage will run lots of heat.
3. Run a continuous loop of the tubing from the pool to a series of parallel lines, interconnecting PVC tubing throughout the grid loop. Now you have a single loop grid collecting energy from the sun and using it’s energy to heat your pool.

If you’ve taken or are thinking of taking the energy-efficient step of installing solar power at your home or business, know that this move can be cost-effective, too. The initial investment for a solar panel system can be quickly paid for by selling your surplus energy to a utility company.

The government requires 42 states and the District of Columbia to purchase surplus power from consumers. The way to take advantage of this process, and the subsequent rate you will receive for your surplus energy, varies by state. Here is a quick guide to getting the most out of your extra solar generated energy.

Technical Requirements

The first thing you’ll need when attempting to determine how much energy you’re generating and how much of that energy you can sell is to check your energy measuring equipment. Most existing homes and businesses will have a power meter attached to them with gauges that run forward and backward, tracking energy use. Inside the meter should be what is known as an ‘inverter.’ The inverter allows the company to measure how much power you are generating.

Interconnection Specifics

Each utility will have different interconnection standards to allow you to sell power back and forth. The best thing to do is to contact the utility directly and find out what type of interconnection terms and policies they offer. As part of the interconnection agreement, some states require you to purchase home owner’s insurance, for example, or obtain certain permits.

Net-Metering Rates

Although some utility companies may have their own specific policies, in general there are a few standard methods of reimbursement for surplus power, known as net-metering. If you generate more power than you use from the electric company in a given month, you will see a credit applied to your bill. At the end of a year, if you have a surplus of energy, you may be paid in cash, at a wholesale rate, per kilowatt hour. What this means is that the utility will pay you what it costs to generate the power, and not the end-user mark-up.

For example: if a kilowatt hour costs 2 cents an hour wholesale, but is sold for 9 cents an hour, you would be paid 2 cents per hour, not 9.

Becoming an Independent Power Broker

Most home installations of solar panels will generate a modest surplus. However, if you have invested heavily in solar technology, in New Jersey you can become an independent power broker and sell groups of 1,000 kilowatt hours to utilities. The price of the hours is not fixed, but can range up to $265 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. Some individuals, like Carl Baldino of New Jersey, clear $3,000 annually in profit from the generation of these extra kilowatt hours.

Specifics in Your State

An excellent way to keep up to date on developments in energy regulation is to visit www.dsireusa.org, which is the website for the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. This website tracks the passing of laws and how those laws affect the buying and selling of energy for all 50 states in the union.
A variety of states, including Arizona and Indiana, offer either tax incentives or rebates to customers who are energy efficient.

How to Install Solar Panels Yourself

With the rising cost of energy and the movement to utilize renewable energy sources, many homeowners are interested in using solar photovoltaic panels. These panels are comprised of solar cells that do the actual work of converting the sun’s rays to power that can be harnessed and used. The cells are mounted in a frame, or panel, that is typically placed on the roof. You can install solar panels yourself, even if you have only basic home improvement skills.

The first step is to select a location for your home solar panel installation. You want to select the area of your roof that receives the most sun each day. The south side is optimal for residential solar panel installation, but the west side is the second best orientation to use, followed by the east.

Solar panels installed on the east or west will not produce as much energy as those on the south, which means that you will need more panels to provide the same amount of energy. Solar panels should never be mounted on the north side of the residence.

Check with your city to see what building permits you may need before you begin your do it yourself solar project. There may also be specific instructions or inspections required. Failure to comply with permitting codes can result in having to tear everything out and redo it.

Use a stud finder to locate your roof rafters. Write down the spacing between them. Measure your solar panels and prepare a written sketch of how to install them so that all mounts will be placed in a rafter. If the rafters do not line up properly, you can install a wooden block on the underneath side of the roof for placing the mount. Never drill the mount into the plywood that lies beneath your shingles.

Mounts should be placed so that the installed solar panels will have at least three inches of air flow beneath them. They should also be tilted for maximum production. The tilt is dependent upon your latitude.

If you are installing solar panels at latitudes between 15 and 20 degrees latitude, make the angle of tilt equal to the latitude. Increase the tilt by 5 degrees for every 5 degrees of latitude until latitude reaches 40 degrees. If your latitude is in excess of 40 degrees, add 20 degrees of tilt to the latitude.

Measure carefully and use a pilot bit to drill the holes for the mounts. Install them with the lag bolts. To help guard against roof leaks, install flashing over the mounts. Attach the rails by bolting them onto the mounts and then install the solar panel onto the rails.

Open the junction box on the solar panels and interconnect them. Each box will have negative and positive terminal screws. Attach the each wire to the appropriate screw, creating a daisy chain of solar panels until you come to the last one. This wire should be run through a conduit to the next component, such as the controller.

Perhaps you are a homeowner who has assembled your own solar panels but do not relish the task of installing them on your roof. Maybe you are a contractor who needs to install solar energy panels for a building you are constructing.

Either way, you would like to find a good solar installer to handle the chore for you. You can rest easy, for there are many ways to locate a qualified solar panel installer for your job.

One online site that may be beneficial to you is the one operated by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP. This board offers voluntary solar installer accreditation and maintains an online directory of qualified individuals and companies.

Simply go to www.nabcep.org and click the “Installer Locator” link on their home page. You will then be able to search by state or zip code to find a solar panel installation company in your area.

The Department of Energy’s “Homebuilders Guide to Going Solar” recommends the website for Solar Estimate. This organization claims to have the largest online database of certified and pre-screened renewable energy contractors and professionals.

Their “Find a Pro” option allows users to select the categories of interest, enter a zip code, and receive a list of nearby certified solar installers. There are also tools for estimating the practicality of renewable energy for your situation. Their website address is www.solar-estimate.org.

You can also find installers at www.solarhome.org. This company is a major retailer of solar panels and other forms of renewable energy equipment, but they also have a database of solar panel installation companies that you can search by state.

Find Solar is a website operated in partnership with Cooler Planet and the American Solar Energy Society. Visitors simply enter the zip code for the project on the home page and can then browse a list of pre-screened solar installers in that area.

Their website is www.findsolar.com. Information can also be found at Cooler Planet’s website, which includes a calculator to estimate your costs and benefits. That URL is www.solar.coolerplanet.com.

With each evolution in building technology, existing companies have found the need to acquire new skills. In days gone by, electricians had to learn how to install wiring for ranges, HVAC professionals were required to deal with central air systems, and both professions have expanded their bases significantly.

Because solar panel installation can overlap into their areas, many of these companies have added it to their existing skills. While some have learned as they went, others have taken steps to become fully accredited solar panel installation companies. Therefore, you may be able to locate an installer in your area simply by perusing the ads in the phone book and then calling the Better Business Bureau for information on the company.

Tips on Becoming a Solar Installer

Solar energy has become a quickly growing field in both residential and commercial construction. As more buildings seek to achieve LEED certification and more homeowners seek ways to cut their energy bills, the number of solar installer jobs will continue to increase.

The limited number of certified installers coupled with the rising demand makes starting a solar installation business an excellent choice for those who are seeking a career path that is likely to see widespread expansion.

Solar installer certification can be achieved in many ways. For example, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a board of volunteers from fields such as education, solar energy, trades, and legislators to develop a nationwide certification program.

After completing the coursework, which is offered by various suppliers rather than NABCEP, novices take the PV Entry Level Exam. This is the first step to becoming a NABCEP Certified PV Installer, which brings listing in their solar installer directory.

Sources for solar installation training programs can be found at the website for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The IREC is the licensee in North America for the ISPQ, or Institute for Sustainable Power Quality. This organization develops standards and guidelines for evaluating training programs and certifications.

Solar installer training can be achieved in a number of ways. There are online courses, but these normally do not offer any type of hands-on experience. Technical or trade schools are typically more involved in actual installation.

Community colleges usually have a more balanced approach. While having a college degree never hurts, the important thing in achieving solar installation certification is to know the methods and principles involved.

Home Power Magazine produced an article for their April/May 2010 issue called “Charting your Solar Course” that is an excellent resource for those seeking to enter the solar PV market. It is available online at
http://www.nabcep.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/HP136_pg36_DelVecchio.pdf.

Along with information on choosing a career in solar energy, it contains a list by state of community colleges, trade schools, and universities offering courses in solar panel installation.

Searching online for entry level solar installer jobs can also give you a great deal of information on the requirements and experience that companies in your area are seeking. Each state or local board will have varying qualifications regarding licensing, training, and permits.

In some areas, you may be able to simple receive on the job training from a licensed solar panel installer until you have gain enough proficiency to test for your own license. By researching what you will need to be hired as an apprentice or trainee, you will be better able to plan your course of study.