Solar Panel Installation Washington State – Materials Needed and Its Procedure
Due to the mass consumption of energy in the world today, our non-renewable energy resources are depleting faster than they replenish themselves. We, therefore, run the risk of an exhausted energy resource. This has caused humans to seek out other ways of obtaining energy that doesn’t diminish. So far, solar energy is the most reliable form of renewable energy available. This energy is gotten by converting sun rays into electricity via PV (photovoltaic) cells on well-positioned solar electric panels. Since they come in different size, solar panel installation Washington State can be done in several ways either by homeowners or by professional installers. The size of the solar panel you would need depends on how much energy you require. And installation is based on your roof type as the solar panels are usually situated in places where they can get exposure to sunlight.
Solar panels are usually designed such that it would be easy to install on rooftops. Most times, the PV cells are secured in metal frames that are often made from aluminum. This allows the panel to be easily screwed to the roofs.
In performing a solar panel installation Washington State, there are some required materials you need including roof anchors, mounting frames and clamps.
The roof anchors should be made of metal, preferably steel or aluminum. They are there to hold the mounting frame for the solar panels. The mounting frames are either arranged vertically or horizontally depending on your roof structure. Doing this requires the use of a bolting system that ensures that the anchors and frames are securely fastened together. At this point, the solar panels, i.e. the photovoltaic panels are attached onto the frame using clamps which holds them tightly in place.
Assuming you have already determined where the solar panels will be installed and the materials needed for the installation have been procured, you can then begin the installation.
- Scaffolding: this is a temporary structure erected by the installation team before the installation begins. It is designed to allow safe and easy access to the building’s roof. If you, however, decide to carry out the installation yourself, you could opt for ladders that are well suited for working on such projects.
- Installing the Roof Anchors: roof anchors vary and the ones used are determined by the type of roof that your building has. Proper care also has to be taken to ensure that the correct positioning of the panels and frames have been ascertained before the roof anchors are situated.
- The Frame: the aluminum frames can now be attached to the anchors securely using bolts. You should ensure that they are properly arranged.
- Installing the Solar Panels: finally, the panels are attached onto the already mounted frame. These are held tightly in place by clamps that keep them positioned in their optimal angle.
- Wiring: to complete your solar panel installation Washington state, the prewired panels will have to be connected to an inverter that has been set up inside the house. It is the inverter that converts generated electricity – direct current (DC) – into usable alternating current (AC). This completes the installation and gets the solar energy ready for use by your household appliances.