How to install an I'M Solar panel ?

1. Ensure the solidity of your roof: an essential prerequisite before installing a solar panel

First and foremost, you need to ensure that your roof or the location where you will install your solar panel is sturdy enough to support its weight. There's no point in installing a solar panel on a roof that will collapse and end up costing you more money in repairs.

2. Roof dimensions and solar panel adaptation: how to measure and choose the right space

Unless you're using solar roof tiles, you should then measure the dimensions of your roof and make sure that your solar panels (the entire solar generator) can fit in the available space. During the solar panel installation, you can also consider using an area where there is ample space for future panel additions.

3. Solar orientation and exposure: placing your solar panels for maximum efficiency

The solar panel should be placed on a roof facing the direction indicated by the sun. So, if the sun rises in the east in your region, your panels should face east for maximum exposure. Just make sure that the roof doesn't have any shade from other buildings or structures.

4. Shade, a solar panel's enemy: precautions to avoid efficiency losses

One important thing to know about solar panel installation is that shade can prevent your solar panel from functioning properly. Also, when installing solar panels, make sure that shade won't be an issue with seasonal changes or future development in your neighborhood. Install solar panels at least 12 inches from the roof edge and 16 inches from the eaves.

5. Mounting supports and rails: preparing the installation on sloped or flat roofs

Before installing solar panels, you need to install supports on sloped roofs or mounting rails on flat roofs. Solar panel supports can be purchased at home improvement or solar stores. The supports for the supports or rails should be secured to the house's rafters or trusses, not just the roof covering. Solar installation supports are used on sloped roofs, but the slope must be positioned to give the panel good direct sunlight exposure. A rail mounting system is used in solar installation to allow you to position the panel at the desired angle. It's important to keep all solar panels exactly at the same angle and height (even when the roof slope changes) for consistent voltage production. When securing the supports or mounting rails, be sure to use roof sealant where you drill the screws into the roof to prevent any rainwater leakage through the roof holes. Follow the instructions provided with the supports or rail system you are using to ensure that your solar panel installation complies with the manufacturer's recommendations.

6. Securely fastening the solar panels: crucial steps to avoid accidents

Next, secure your solar panels by lifting them onto your roof, placing them on the supports or rail mounting system, and fastening them to the support or rail system. When installing solar panels, make sure they don't accidentally slide off steep roofs before you can secure them properly.

7. Connecting the solar panels: a guide to ensure optimal energy production

Once the solar panel installation is complete and your panels are secured, you need to connect them together based on how you want them to generate energy. Make sure all your wires are properly insulated and weatherproof (wrapped in black electrical tape). To prevent electric shocks, always connect a grounding wire from the mounting hardware to the ground during solar installation.

8. Wiring and protection: essential elements for the safety and longevity of your solar system

Once the solar panel is connected and aligned, conduit should be run underneath the panels, into a junction box, along the side of the house, and to the first photovoltaic component of your system—typically the DC disconnect (refer to Solar system types for the correct order of PV components). For a solar installation, you need to use "wiring" consisting of three wires: a negative, a positive, and a grounding wire. None of the cables should touch the roof. Installing conduit on all wires coming out of your solar panel is crucial to protect them from exposure to rain, sunlight, and other elements.

9. Installing photovoltaic components: practical tips and precautions to take

Now set up all your photovoltaic components according to the manufacturer's instructions (but don't connect them yet). Install your inverter and other photovoltaic components in a garage or shed. Make sure the area is dry, well-ventilated, and not subject to extremely cold or hot temperatures. This is particularly important regarding your battery bank. In fact, whether it's cold or not, you must enclose your entire battery bank in a battery enclosure to protect it from changing environments. A battery enclosure is also necessary to protect children and pets from accidental electric shocks.

10. Powering the inverter: a key step in the solar installation connected to your home

The next step in a typical photovoltaic installation is powering your inverter with current through your home's AC breaker panel and other system components. To do this, start by turning off the main breaker and turning off all AC and DC power sources. Then, connect your inverter to your AC breaker panel. Connect the PV wires to the DC disconnect and other photovoltaic system components up to the main DC disconnect. Finally, connect the main DC Disconnect to the inverter.

Solar panel installation requires careful planning and attention to detail. Make sure your roof is strong enough to support the weight of the solar panels and choose a location with maximum sun exposure. Avoid shade and plan for possible future expansions. By following our instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you will be able to safely install your I'M SOLAR solar system and enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Contribute to environmental protection while saving on your energy bills. Don't hesitate to seek professional installers if you have any doubts or need additional assistance. Happy solar installation!