Installing Your Very Own Solar Energy System - Steps to Take all Through the Process

Anyone who has been interested in solar power and how it works has at one time or another thought of installing a system on their own home. One goes through the motion of studying as many articles and posts on forums as feasible, as to get you up to speed on the topic. I, for one have been fascinated with solar power since I was a young (like 50 years ago!) and I am still learning.Once you have figured out what type and size of system you need, it's time to commence selecting the specific brand and model of all the equipment and materials you'll need to complete this project. Make sure you are aware of who you are working with. In other terms, don't just go with one particular brand because it has a well known name. Bigger won't always signify better.    Now that you've made your selections and have all the equipment, it's time to pull out the multi-meter and test each and every solar module; don't just check a few, and think the balance are the same. I've heard of terrible stories where this simple test was not done, and resulted in having to disconnect all of the modules, and do the testing while they're reattaching them back onto the module racking. Trust me; they did not enjoy doing it!All solar module racking systems require their footings to be bolted to the roof, piercing through to the roof joist. You need to make sure to seal generously around all of the bolts. It doesn't take much of a leak to cause a lot of damage. Also, make certain you have completed your homework in regard to setting the correct angle at which you need to align your mounting racks to achieve the best light reception.Next is to attach your solar modules to the racking system. This is another part you really must be careful with; depending on how your wiring needs to be set up, (whether all in series, parallel or a combination of both) check your voltage after every 3 or 4 panels to make sure all is well. As you are making all these hook ups, make certain you are threading through each module, the bare copper wire you are using to ground the entire array. You would be shocked how many people overlook this very critical step!Once you've made all of the proper connections, it's now time to take the last readings of your total array before the entire system connections are made. Only if you are very well educated in the field of electronics, any type of critical wiring and hook up must be done by a either a qualified electrician (Journeyman) or as mentioned earlier, someone who is very familiar with and experienced in the field of electronics.What you certainly can do is physically mount the power inverter and disconnects where they will be easily to get to, and make a space available where the back-up battery bank can be located, if you are installing an stand alone solar power system. And finally, be sure to remember to do all of your homework well before you get started, and take your sweet time with the whole process as it will pay off with huge rewards both emotionally and financially!