Solar Panel Installation: How to Execute It for Your Home

Homeowners are often faced with a reality check in the form of monthly bills. Perhaps what’s challenging is the fact that some of these utilities, like electricity, don’t have a fixed rate, making each month’s bill both a guessing game and an uphill climb, especially when rates rise. Because every centavo counts, many Filipino homeowners really want to ensure that they are getting their money’s worth.

Aside from practicing various tipid tips that’ll help reduce electricity costs, some Filipino homeowners are installing rooftop solar panels for their houses and relishing the benefits that come with it. 

Now may be the perfect time to install solar panels in your home. Learn the reasons why, how to prepare your roof for installation, and the key qualities to look for when choosing solar panels.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panel Installation?

For the unfamiliar, solar panels mainly convert energy from the sun into either electricity or heat, making them a renewable energy source. Also called photovoltaic panels or PV panels, solar panels typically come in a metal frame encased in glass. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the panels are made of silicon or other semiconductor materials. These panels typically measure 1 meter wide by 1.7 meters long, although panels of varying sizes are available too.

Solar panels come highly recommended as an energy source for homeowners and even business owners because: 

• They don’t generate harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Their carbon footprint is relatively small. 
• Materials often used to make solar panels can be recycled.
• The panels can still collect and convert energy even on cloudy days when the sun doesn’t shine.  
• The energy that powers these panels is infinite.

For these solar panels to work, they’re typically installed on rooftops, which are obviously always exposed to sunlight. Once the sun’s rays hit the panels, they trigger the release of electrons and the production of an electric charge or direct current (DC) that’s stored by wires within the panels. Afterwards, the DC is then converted into an alternating current (AC) using an inverter that ultimately powers the home.   

How Much Will It Cost to Install Solar Panels on a Roof?

This may be perhaps the most pressing question in everyone’s mind. However, remember that the exact amount one homeowner can spend on solar panel installation will ultimately depend on many factors, such as:

• Type and shape of the roof on which the panels will be placed 
• Size and wattage of the solar panel system 
• Brand and quality of the solar panels to be used
• Labor and manpower services
• Permit fees and clearances

Take note that there may be additional charges not included in this list, which could affect the total cost of your solar panel installation. For further questions, it’s best to consult an industry expert for guidance.

How to Install Solar Panels on Roof: Here’s What You’ll Need

Solar panel installation should always be done under the watchful eye of an expert. For starters, these panels are to be installed on the roofs of houses situated way above ground and require additional safety equipment. Second, since these panels will conduct electricity, they need to be carefully and properly installed to prevent fires and similar incidents from destroying the home or affecting residents.

Since solar panel installation requires various materials, steps, and additional expertise, it’s safe to say it’s not for beginners. In case you and other people are up to the task, here are some of the essentials you may need:

• For solar panel installation
  • Solar panels of choice
  • Solar panel mounts
  • Hand tools and supplies
  • Power drills and drivers
  • Power saw
  • Fully charged battery or extension cord
  • Flat pry bar
  • Caulk gun
  • Measuring tools
• Safety equipment
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • Hard hats
  • Work gloves
  • Harness and lanyard
  • Fire extinguisher

Solar panel installation typically involves the following steps:

1. Set up the mounting system for the solar panels on the roof. These mounts should ideally be attached to the rafters or trusses to ensure maximum durability and waterproofing.
2. Install the solar panels by lifting and securing them onto the mounts that were set up. Exercise caution, given that some panels can be heavy.
3. Connect the parallels to match the system’s voltage, following the manufacturer’s instructions or advice from electricians. Once the panels are correctly connected, make sure they are secure.   
4. Install charge controllers, solar battery, and inverters following the manufacturer’s instructions or advice from the installation team.
5. Integrate the solar panels into the home’s electrical wiring. 
6. Once all connections are in place, test all the components and the entire system to see if they’re functioning properly. 
7. Use and monitor the solar panel system from time to time.

Although installing solar panels for your home may cost some money, investing in them does offer a lot of long-term benefits for your wallet and the environment. You’re not just securing a lower electricity bill; you’re investing in a more sustainable and stable future for your family.

With Island Premium Paints, you can take additional steps to make your home more livable and sustainable! Check out these home decorating tips and other ways you can level up your home while making minimal impact on the environment.

References:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-does-solar-power-work

https://www.energy.gov.au/solar/get-know-solar-technology/solar-panels 

https://www.ecoflow.com/ph/blog/solar-panel-price-in-philippines

https://www.ecoflow.com/us/blog/how-to-install-solar-panels-step-by-step

https://www.gogreensolar.com/pages/diy-solar-installation-guide