Modern Valley Solar, Inc.

For Enquiry : (661)977-9796
Facebook-f Twitter Youtube
Phone-alt Envelope Facebook-f Twitter Youtube
eMAIL :

services@modernvalleysolar.com

HOURS:

Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sat - Sun: Closed

Month: January 2023

Categories
Blog

Installing Your Own Solar Panels

Installing your own solar panels can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to generate clean, renewable energy for your home or business. While it’s not a project for the faint of heart, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible for a DIY enthusiast to install solar panels on their own. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to installing your own solar panels, as well as some important considerations to keep in mind before you get started.

What You’ll Need

Before we get into the details of the installation process, let’s first talk about what you’ll need to get started. Here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need:

  • Solar panels: You’ll need to purchase the solar panels themselves, which come in different sizes and wattages. You’ll also need to consider the type of panel you want (monocrystalline or polycrystalline), as well as the size of the panel in relation to your energy needs.

  • Mounting system: You’ll need a mounting system to hold the solar panels in place. There are different options available, including ground mounts, roof mounts, and pole mounts. You’ll need to choose the mounting system that is best suited to your location and needs.

  • Inverter: The inverter is what converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used in your home or business. You’ll need to choose an inverter that is compatible with your solar panels and your energy needs.

  • Wiring and electrical components: You’ll need a variety of wiring and electrical components to connect the solar panels to the inverter and your home’s electrical system. This includes things like wire connectors, junction boxes, and circuit breakers.

  • Tools: You’ll need a variety of tools to complete the installation, including a drill, screwdriver, wire stripper, and voltage tester.

Now that you have all of the necessary materials and tools, let’s get started on the installation process.

Step 1: Choose The Panel Location

The first step in installing your own solar panels is to choose a location for them. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. You’ll also need to consider factors like the slope of the roof (if you’re installing on a roof), the load-bearing capacity of the roof, and the availability of an electrical panel.

Step 2: Install the mounting system

The next step is to install the mounting system for the solar panels. This will depend on the type of mounting system you’ve chosen. If you’re using a roof mount, you’ll need to attach the mounting brackets to the roof using bolts. If you’re using a ground mount, you’ll need to dig holes and install the mounting poles.

Step 3: Install the solar panels

Once the mounting system is in place, you can begin installing the solar panels. You’ll need to attach the panels to the mounting system using bolts or screws, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to leave enough space between the panels to allow for proper airflow and cooling.

Step 4: Connect the solar panels to the inverter

Next, you’ll need to connect the solar panels to the inverter using wire connectors and junction boxes. You’ll also need to install a circuit breaker to protect your home’s electrical system.

Step 5: Connect the inverter to your home’s electrical panel

Finally, you’ll need to connect the inverter to your home’s electrical panel. This will allow the electricity generated by the solar panels to be distributed throughout your home or business. You’ll need to turn off the main power supply to your home before making this connection to ensure your safety. Then, you can connect the inverter to the electrical panel using wire connectors and a circuit breaker.

Step 6: Test the system

Once everything is connected and installed, it’s important to test the system to make sure it’s working properly. You can do this by turning on the main power supply and checking the inverter to see if it’s producing electricity. If everything is working correctly, you should see a reading on the inverter and your home’s electrical panel should show that it is receiving power from the solar panels.

Step 7: Monitor and maintain the system

Once your solar panel system is up and running, it’s important to monitor it regularly to ensure it’s working efficiently. You can do this by checking the inverter and keeping an eye on your energy usage. It’s also a good idea to have the system inspected by a professional every year to ensure everything is in good working order.

Conclusion

That’s it! Those are the basic steps for installing your own solar panels. While it’s not a small project, with the right tools, knowledge, and care, it is possible for a DIY enthusiast to install their own solar panels and start generating clean, renewable energy for their home or business.

Before you get started, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Safety is crucial. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines and precautions when working with electricity and installing the solar panels.

  • Check your local codes and regulations. Different locations have different rules and regulations regarding solar panel installation. Be sure to check with your local authorities to ensure you are following all necessary guidelines.

  • Consider hiring a professional. While it is possible to install your own solar panels, it is a complex project that requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise. If you are not comfortable with the installation process, it may be worth hiring a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of how to install your own solar panels. By taking the time to understand the process and following these steps, you can take an active role in reducing your carbon footprint and generating clean, renewable energy for your home or business.

Tired of trying to navigate the complex world of solar panel installation on your own? Let the experts at Modern Valley Solar handle it for you! With our top-notch installation services, you can sit back and let us do the hard work. Save yourself the headache and contact Modern Valley Solar today to get started on your journey to renewable energy!

Get Started
Categories
Blog

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels are a popular and efficient way to harness the power of the sun and convert it into electricity for our homes and businesses. But have you ever stopped to wonder exactly how they work? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the science behind solar panels and explain the process of converting sunlight into electricity in detail.

First, let’s start with a little bit of background information. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are made from layers of silicon, phosphorus, and boron. When sunlight hits the solar panel, it is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells and the energy from the sunlight is transferred to the silicon atoms in the cells.

Conversion

Now, let’s talk about how this energy is converted into electricity. When the sunlight hits the solar panel, it excites the electrons in the silicon atoms and causes them to become loose and move around. This movement of electrons creates an electric current, which can be captured and used to power our homes and businesses.

So how do we capture this electricity and use it? The photovoltaic cells in a solar panel are arranged in a grid pattern, with positive and negative layers. The loose electrons that are excited by the sunlight are attracted to the positive layer, while the positively charged holes left behind are attracted to the negative layer. This creates an electric current as the electrons flow from the negative layer to the positive layer.

This electric current is then sent to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panel into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity that is used in our homes and businesses. From there, the AC electricity is sent to a breaker box and distributed to the various outlets and appliances in our home or business.

So that’s the basic process of how solar panels convert sun energy into electricity. But there’s a lot more to it than that.

Effeciency

 There are many different factors that can affect the efficiency of a solar panel, such as the angle of the panel relative to the sun, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the temperature of the panel.

One of the main factors that affects the efficiency of a solar panel is the angle at which it is installed. The optimal angle for a solar panel will depend on its location and the time of year. For example, if a solar panel is installed in the northern hemisphere, it should be angled towards the south to maximize the amount of sunlight it receives.

Another factor that can affect the efficiency of a solar panel is the amount of sunlight it receives. Solar panels are most efficient when they receive direct sunlight, so it’s important to install them in a location where they will receive as much direct sunlight as possible.

Finally, the temperature of the solar panel can also affect its efficiency. As the temperature of the panel increases, the efficiency of the panel decreases. This is because the heat causes the electrons in the photovoltaic cells to become less mobile, making it more difficult for them to flow and create an electric current.

So there you have it! That’s a basic overview of how solar panels convert sun energy into electricity. Solar panels are a clean, renewable energy source that can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. By understanding the science behind solar panels, we can make informed decisions about how to best utilize this technology and make the most of the sun’s energy.

 

If you’re interested in switching to solar energy in Tehachapi, Bakersfield, or Shafter California, we encourage you to contact Modern Valley Solar for a free consultation. Our team will work with you to assess your energy needs and design a customized solar energy solution to meet your goals. Contact us today to learn more and start saving with solar!

Get Started