Going Solar: How to start

The installation phase of a typical residential grid-tied system takes pros about two to five days to install. The less they have to install, the complexity of the solar system, and the less work they have to do on your roof are the major factors in how long the installation phase will take.

If you do it yourself, it might take you and your helpers a day or two more to install the materials on the roof. That's the good news. the bad news is that the entire process can easily take a few weeks and often stretches out to a few months. Why? The red tape of course. They don't just want anybody installing anything and hooking it up to the grid.

While some communities have solar-friendly policies and procedures, many remain resistant to streamlining the approval process. Take heart, and rest assured that they, like Copernicus's detractors, must someday accept the importance of the sun.
 

Solar goals

Go ahead and look at your electrical power usage and consider your power production goals, budget, and likely location for the PV array. Assess the site and determine your needs and system size. Make sure it matches your solar production goal. Measure and map the installation array area.
 

Design the solar array

Now it is time to design the entire PV system according to your production goal. Choose modules and other main components. Complete a system plan for yourself and require documents for permitting. One you obtain permits from the building and zoning departments, and approval from your homeowner's association and other authorities as needed. Some utilities require an interconnection agreement as part of the approval process.
 

Shop for the best solar panel deal

Buy your PV system hardware online or through your local solar panel retailer. If you buy it online, you can have it shipped directly to your home and you don't have to pick it up. Now it is time to get started wiring and adding fasteners, and other basic supplies that you need for the project.
 

Installation of solar panels

Now it is time to install your module. Connect everything together and make sure you don't do it wrong. Rough inspection by the city happens here. Now after you put everything together it is time for your electrician will pull wires, install the string inverter, and then connect everything back together. get your final inspection, and then turn everything on. Now you are living the solar lifestyle. It's ok to run the air conditioning. 

To find out what panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.