Learn About Installing Solar Panels On A Roof
There has been much focus by many world governments on alternative and renewable energy over the last several decades. One of the most utilized and studied is solar power, and the use of this endless supply of energy has even extended well into the private sector. For a good amount of time, lots of homeowners have installed solar panels onto their houses in order to generate power free of charge. The roof is the ideal location to place these panels. Following is a tutorial on how to install solar panels on a roof. Before any cutting or measuring of any kind takes place, it is important to survey the surroundings of the roof for any possible obstructions of the sun. Trees with large, overhanging branches can choke off the sun’s rays, and you will also need to locate the portion of the roof that receives the greatest amount of sunlight during the day. It is on this part of the roof, free from light-blocking branches and limbs, that you will want to place the solar panels. The best time to install solar panels is while the roof is being redone. Because the rafters are exposed during this process, it is obviously much easier to locate them. This is important because the solar panels must be lag bolted to the rafters. The mounts that hold the panels in place can also be flashed-in to the roof, so to speak. This seal will eliminate water leaks and eliminate the necessity for replacing the mounts for many years. Once you have found the rafters, the mounts may be aligned along them and pilot holes may be drilled. This prevents the wood from splitting. Use a laser guide or chalk line to keep the mounts aligned. The mounts are then fastened to the rafters using stainless steel lag bolts, and the rails are then attached to the mounts with 3/8” stainless steel bolts. The solar panels themselves are then placed along the rails and a conduit is run that connects the solar panels to the inverter. By utilizing this style of solar panel installation, the cells will maintain a low profile while gathering the sun’s rays and generating power for the home. Some homeowner’s would like the panels to rest flush in the roof, but this is time consuming and a bit costlier. The more conventional method of installation covered here is simpler and keeps water from leaking through the roof and the panels close to the roof. It is not nearly as expensive either. Further reading – Kent Roofers Or Roofing Contractors London
