How to get started with photovoltaics. After obtaining a license to install photovoltaic panels in your region, finding photovoltaic suppliers, applying for permits and preparing a project (or several), the next step is to put boots on the roof to install solar panels.
Preparing the site for the photovoltaic installation.
Safety is always the number one priority. Solar panel installers work with two of the biggest hazards in the construction industry: electricity and heights. Before heading to the solar project site, set up a meeting to discuss safety protocols. The goal is always to ensure that the solar panel installation team returns home safely – this requires planning, intention and awareness. Check your solar installation checklist to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Forgetting necessary materials can waste a lot of time.
Arriving at the construction site.
When you arrive at the construction site:
- Hang your building and/or electrical permits in a visible, secure location.
- Set up an organized work zone. Keep it away from the owner’s valuables, if possible. This includes folding work tables, saws, shelves, etc. Being organized saves time, and saving time saves money.
- Open your Photovoltaic Permit Plans. This sheet shows the attachment plan for the project.
- Plan the most efficient way to install and work on the plan from there. For example, when it’s time to place the photovoltaic panels on the racking, don’t start at the edge of the roof you’re coming from. This will only slow you down and create a potential tripping hazard.
Step 1: Photovoltaic panel mounting system.
About 70% of the time on the job site comes from measuring, marking and drilling the mount. This is the most important part of the job for the following reasons:
- It is the foundation of the finished product. An unmatched mount leads to unmatched panels. This step cannot be rushed.
- Roof leaks. Another reason why this step cannot be rushed. Doing the job always the right way saves the company and the homeowner from the problem of a leaking roof in the future.
Steps for step 1 (photovoltaic installation).
- Gently place the ladder. You can use an old towel or blanket to place between the ladder and the facade/gutter to avoid scratches.
- Secure the safety anchor. This requires a brave and confident person to walk freely on the roof to its highest/safest point and place the safety anchor in the girder. They then connect the remaining safety harnesses.
- The remaining crew joins on the roof with the required tools.
*Pro tip: There is a saying that “too many cooks spoil the broth.” Depending on the size and pitch of the roof, most PV installation crews work best with 3 workers on the roof and one on the ground providing guidance.
- With the remaining PV installation crew on the roof, the leader on the roof will refer to the sheet. At this point, it’s time to measure the corners of the solar array.
- Once the outline of the photovoltaic system on the roof is complete, identify where the arrays will be placed. The solar panels you order will specify this location in the specifications. This is usually 1 foot from the top and bottom of the PV module. These markings will be used to draw the chalk line.
- The location and marking of the stirrups is crucial to the installation. This is what PV inspectors will be looking at, making the system structurally stable. Place a tape measure from one end of the rail to the other. Refer to your plans and mark the appropriate stirrup attachment point at the appropriate distance.
- Pull the chalk line along the location of the rail. This line should be perfectly straight if done correctly. Ideally, both people should be at both ends, with one person pulling it from the center.
- Drill pilot holes according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Then take a lever and DELICIOUSLY lift the shingles around each hole to make room for the sheet metal.
* IMPORTANT: When drilling the pilot holes, there should be some force to reach the stirrup. Wood dust should come out of the hole as you pull the drill bit out. Keep the drill bit spinning as it exits the hole. As for skipping the stirrup, don’t make a big deal about it and don’t get the attention of the resident. Just grab the hammer and try to feel where it is. Once the stirrup is located, use roof sealant to repair the hole you missed. We don’t want leaks.
- Review the photovoltaic plan set up for the required rail lengths. Add 5-15 cm to be safe, then cut and connect the rails. The rails are aluminum and lightweight, but make sure you walk them slowly up the ladder. When you reach the roof, attach the rails to the flanges.
- Ground the system. Photovoltaic rails ground themselves, but they must be properly grounded to be safe. Each row of panels requires a ground to be placed on the rail. You can decide which rail to place the grounding on so that it makes the most sense on the job site.
Step 2: Photovoltaic microinverters.
The installed mounting of the photovoltaic panels means it’s time to move on to the microinverters or power optimizers.
From the end of the array, measure half the distance of the solar panel width. Example: If the panel is 100 cm wide, measure 50 cm and make a line at the top of the array. This should be the center of the photovoltaic panel and will indicate where to place the microinverter. Then, mark every 100 cm, which will be the center of the other panels. Screw each microinverter to the rail at the specified location with a microinverter screw.
Step 3: Mounting the photovoltaic panels.
After attaching the microinverters to the rails, it’s time to attach the photovoltaic modules.
Place the first photovoltaic modules in line with the outline of the board. One person holds the photovoltaic module in place.
Step 4: Clean up the site and handover.
It’s time for site cleanup and handover. Connect the remaining wires to the connection box. The system is now ready to let a licensed electrician run the wires to the main service panel of the house. If it is possible to shorten the rails, you can do this with an electric saw. Make sure there is nothing left on the roof that could fall later and damage the property or cause injury. Double check that no wires have come loose and touched the roof. After installing the PV system and cleaning the work area thoroughly, turn off the PV system. Now is the time to call for a PV inspection. You have completed your first photovoltaic installation! Continue with your projects and soon you will be installing like a pro.