1. Energy Audit and Site Assessment:
Start by conducting an energy audit and site assessment. This helps figure out how much energy your place needs and the best spot for your equipment. The audit helps in understanding your energy usage and potential savings with solar power. Meanwhile, the site assessment helps decide where to place your solar panels and how big they should be.
2. System Sizing:
Based on the audit and assessment, determine the size of your system. Consider your energy needs and available space. Don’t forget to account for protective equipment like surge breakers to keep your system safe from power surges.
3. Choosing the Right Equipment:
Picking the right equipment is crucial. Look for reliable brands for inverters, batteries, panels, and other accessories. Brands like LG, SunPower, and Canadian Solar are worth considering for panels, while SMA, Fronius, and Enphase are good options for inverters.
4. Procurement:
Once you’ve decided on the equipment, it’s time to buy. Make sure to get high-quality gear with a warranty to cover any defects.
5. Solar Panels:
Choose effective, high-quality panels. Look for mono-crystalline or half-cell panels for maximum efficiency. Install them on rooftops or areas without shade, facing north or south for optimal sunlight exposure. The angle should be 11-15° for ground-mounted structures.
6. Inverter:
Select a properly sized, good-quality inverter. Consider the equipment you’ll power and whether you need a bidirectional inverter for grid-tie systems. Pay attention to inverter switching time for sensitive equipment and availability of 3-phase options.