A clear understanding of the steps for installing a solar power system is important for the successful completion of a solar installation, which can avoid malfunctions and safety incidents. The following content will tell you in detail if the standardized installation system.
Solar Power System installation Steps
1. Preparation
Before we start installing a solar system, we need to check that we have all the materials we need to ensure that the installation process goes smoothly. The materials to be checked are solar panels, mounting brackets, inverters, batteries, cables, protective switches, meters, etc. At the same time, we also need to prepare the installation tools such as: drill, helmet, marker, screwdriver, tape measure, wrench, multimeter, solar installation toolkit and so on. Finally, you need to work with an electrician to carefully study and fully grasp the solar mounting design and solar system circuit diagram.
2. Installation and Construction Steps
2.1 Installation of Solar Mount Racking
Measure the distance with a tape measure and mark the location where the solar panel needs to be installed as shown on the design drawing of the solar mount. If the system requires a concrete block as a foundation, it needs to be prepared in advance. In the case of tiled or metal roofs, the installation can be carried out after marking the mounting position.
2.2 Installation of Solar Panels
Install the solar panels on the brackets that have been fixed to the roof in sequence according to the bracket design drawing. The clips for fixing the solar panels need to be tightened with screws to ensure that there is no loosening of the solar panels.
2.3 Cable Connection
The solar panels are connected in series or in parallel according to the design via MC4 PV connectors and 4mm²/6mm² cables. The cables should be of a suitable length and not be too short or too long. In addition, we need solar conduit to protect the cable, extend its life and protect it from being damaged.
2.4 Installation of Solar Combiner boxes
The solar combiner box or protection switch is a very important part of the system to prevent the spread of fire and lightning protection in the event of a fire in the photovoltaic panels. It needs to be installed in a fixed position between the solar panels and the inverter.
2.5 Installation of Solar Inverter
Holes need to be punched in the wall, screws installed, and then the solar inverter fixed to a stable wall. Some space needs to be left at the top and bottom to dissipate heat and make cable connections.
2.6 Installation of Solar Battery
The batteries need to be placed as close to the solar inverter as possible. In the case of multiple batteries, the batteries need to be connected in parallel or in series depending on the battery voltage input from the inverter, and the gauge of cable needed should be chosen according to the current. Each battery needs to have a separate protection switch.
2.7 Installation of AC Distribution Boxes
Fix the AC distribution box in a suitable position for connection to the mains, the solar inverter and the load.
2.8 Installation of Meter
The meter needs to be installed between the utility and the distribution box or inverter to record the monthly load consumption and the PV feedback to the utility.
2.9 Earth Connection
Solar panels, inverters need to be connected to the ground, to avoid the occurrence of leakage when the current on the human body, as well as to play a role in lightning protection!
2.9 Lightning Protection
If it is not a lightning-prone area, it is sufficient to make the grounding connection of the solar panels and solar inverter. However, if it is a lightning-prone area, it is necessary to add lightning rods on the top of the building.
Plug the WiFi or GPRS transmitter into the solar inverter, download the App on your cell phone, and input the inverter information into the App according to the prompts. Check the status of the system in real time.
3. Solar System Debugging
After the installation of solar equipment is completed, according to the circuit drawings and inverter, battery instructions to connect the entire system circuit is completed, you need to set the parameters of the inverter according to the actual demand for electricity, such as charging and discharging priority order, battery charging and discharging time, the battery’s maximum depth of discharge and so on. In addition, the inverter needs to be connected to the battery via RS485/CAN protocol, so that the inverter can communicate with the battery in real time to ensure the safety of the battery and the reasonable distribution of power.
4. Solar System Testing and Inspection
Turn on the battery, inverter, solar panel, and load switches in that order. Test whether the system can run stably for 20 minutes, check whether there is a fault alert on the solar inverter display. As well as observe and calculate the PV system power generation and other information is normal. Then record and archive
Precautions when Installing Solar System
Be Safe
When installing solar panels on a pitched roof you need to use a safety harness to ensure the safety of the workers. When connecting electrical circuits it is important to comply with basic circuit safety common sense, disconnect all switches and never work with.
No Stepping on Solar Panels
When installing solar panels, you should not walk on them and step on them to avoid hidden cracks inside the PV panels, which may cause irreparable damage to the PV panels.
Waterproofing
Do not damage the waterproof structure of the roof when installing PV mounts. Avoid direct exposure of PV cable connections to rainwater as much as possible.
Solar Panel Mounting Position and Angle
Photovoltaic panels must be installed to avoid being obscured by shadows, which will affect the overall power generation efficiency because of the barrel effect. In addition, the installation angle also needs to be strictly installed design drawings of the standard installation.
MC4 Terminal Connections Need to be Secure
The internal metal part of the terminal needs to be pressed firmly with wiring pliers, and the terminal also needs to be tightened with a tool and not loosened.
Solar Inverter with Protective Cover
Adding a protective cover can reduce the damage of rain and sunshine to the inverter, prolong the service life of the inverter and reduce the aging speed.
