Installing Solar Panels : A Short Guide
The installation of solar panels is not as difficult as it you might think it to be. You can even do it yourself if you have a technical / electrical background, though, for the most part, it is easier and safer to call in a professional. The planning process, and finding the right solar panels to use, will take a couple of weeks, and the actual installation just a few days. Therefore, if you are really serious about powering your house with solar energy, then you can be doing just that within a month. The most important decision you will need to make is what solar panels to use and how many of them to install. There are lots of brands and variations available, so this is not a decision to be rushed. The cheaper solar panels tend to be less capable of harnessing energy, and so you will need to buy lots of them to achieve the same amount of power as a few high range solar panels. You will be able to find precise details of all models of solar panels online, so you will have all the data you need to make relevant calculations. In a typical roof installation of solar panels, holes are drilled into the roof and mounts are bolted in. To keep the bolts properly aligned, you need to draw a carefully measured chalk line across the top of the rafters. The mounts should be secured with stainless steel lag bolts, and then have metal flashing placed over them. Metal rails must then be mounted using stainless steel bolts. Having done so, you can then install the solar panels on the metal rails. Some people are put off installing solar panels because of the initial costs involved, however, they are a good long term investment. Within 5 years, you can expect them to have paid for themselves as a result of the savings you have made on your electricity bills. As well as saving money, you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing your bit to help the environment.