Installing rooftop solar panels can be more complicated than you think. There are many factors to consider that go beyond mere functionality. Some of the vital things include the solar power system’s looks, durability, maintenance, external environment, and compliance concerns.
We will now discuss essential solar panel installation considerations for solar system installation teams in detail:
Install For Enhanced Looks
An attractive solar installation will always take looks into account. An unsightly solar installation can lower the overall home value. A sound solar system should ensure the following things:
- Keeping each solar panel of the same color
- Maintaining the edges of arrays parallel to the roof edges
- Aligning each solar panel to the same height (usually 4 to 7 inches off the rooftop)
- Hiding or minimizing exterior conduits and cables when possible
Install For Increased Durability
When selecting components, it’s essential to make sure that they are appropriate for the installation, and that they complement each other. If a critical solar system part has half the expected life as the other parts, the system might fail to operate in the long run.
A solar expert must take the following things into account during the solar energy system installation process for increased durability:
- Ensuring appropriate component warranties for solar installation
- Understanding potential points of malfunction and eliminating them as much as possible
- Following local safety codes to assure that the system gets built suitably in the eyes of the “authority having jurisdiction” for each geographic location
Install For Trouble-Free Maintenance
The solar system must be designed to ensure enough room for performing the installation work safely. There might be a need to remove a panel, access conduits, or work with other parts from time to time. Maintaining smart designs will ensure the solar installation team can perform their work securely.
A professional solar panel installer must always refer to the solar installation standards that provide practical guidelines for installing solar systems safely and efficiently, including designing for maintenance.
Install For Greater Environmental Friendliness
An efficient solar installer tries to address different environmental factors when installing solar panels. These environmental factors may include wind, roof elements, seismic action, and more.
Wind
All solar installations must stand up to environmental elements, including wind. Understanding seasonal wind peaks are vital to ensure robust solar installations. The roof’s shape and other architectural features, like parapets, can also influence the wind’s force.
Therefore, it’s essential to know how the wind will behave and how to mount the panels best to decrease the chance of wind damage.
Roof Elements
Most building structures such as chimneys, parapets, air conditioning units, and others can block sunlight. Before finalizing the solar system configuration, it’s best to map out the roof and ensure panels will receive maximum sunlight.
Another factor you must consider is the roof’s structural integrity. Installing an array adds further weight to the rooftop, so it’s crucial to ensure that it can support the array. It would help if you considered additional factors, including snow, water, and debris, for the final design.
Seismic Action
Depending on the solar panels installation location, building requirements and seismic zones can differ significantly. When it comes to high seismic zones, solar installations must have enough guarding around the array to stop it from falling during an earthquake.
Dandelion Renewables provides high-quality, comprehensive, and environment-friendly solar power solutions to its residential and commercial customers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC. Check out our solar power services in detail or contact us for personalized service.