Step-By-Step Guide to Going Solar
12. Install your PV system.
Once the construction permit is approved, you or your solar installation company will have a few preliminary tasks to undertake before the big job begins. While the installation is a straightforward process, a lot of building and electric codes come into play, so the margin for error is small. For example, if you run out of the proprietary fasteners used on the array racks or rails, or find out that you've rented the wrong diameter of conduit bender, the job will grind to a screeching halt. So get organized, do your homework, ask a lot of questions, devise a game plan, create a To-Do list, and (at the very least) have an experienced installer oversee your work. (You can search for professionals in your area using the free NABCEP
Task #1 - Pre-Installation - Inspect, then store purchased solar components in marked boxes in a secure, dry place.
Most solar suppliers have restrictions and deadlines when it comes to returns and exchanges, so as soon as the merchandise arrives:
Inspect the material for shipping damage.
Check for UL (Underwriters Laboratory) and other required certifications on the product labels.
Make sure all wire and conduit is stamped on the outer covering with exactly the type you ordered (e.g. THHN is not equal to THWN-2).
Inspect all components for signs of wear, warpage, poor seals or other defects. (Take photos, if necessary.)
Measure the voltage on each of the modules in sunlight to make sure it delivers the rated open-circuit voltage.
Find the product literature and make sure all the hardware and accessories are accounted for.
Confirm that the warranty periods are the length you expect.
Make sure there's an installation guide and engineering specs included with the modules, racks, mounts, inverter and electrical devices.
After measuring voltage on the modules, be sure to re-cover the module glass with its packaging, then leave that in place until the installation.
Task #2 - Pre-Installation - Read the installation guides
The NEC and most AHJ's require that solar components be installed according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. That's because the product engineering specs are based in part on the method of installation used. A building inspector on site may ask to see one or more of these guides, or other product literature, so be sure you insert all the documenation in your construction binder. The binder should contain:
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