Tips for installing residential solar panels on walls

Preliminary planning for installing residential solar panels on walls

Evaluate the wall conditions

Orientation: Solar panels need to receive as much direct sunlight as possible. In the Northern Hemisphere, walls facing south receive sunlight for the longest time and achieve the best effect. If a south-facing orientation cannot be achieved, a southeast or southwest orientation is also acceptable, but the power generation efficiency will be somewhat reduced. For instance, the wall facing south can receive abundant sunlight for most of the day, while the wall facing east gets plenty of sunlight in the morning and less in the afternoon.

The inclination Angle: The inclination Angle of the wall will affect the efficiency of the solar panel in receiving sunlight. Generally speaking, the inclination Angle of the wall should be similar to the local latitude, so that the solar panels can receive good sunlight for most of the year. For instance, if the local latitude is 30 degrees, then when the inclination Angle of the wall is close to 30 degrees, the power generation effect of the solar panels is relatively better. However, if the inclination Angle of the wall cannot be adjusted, the inclination Angle of the solar panels can also be changed by installing brackets.

Obstruction situation: Carefully check whether there are any trees, buildings or other obstructions around the wall. Even partial shading can significantly reduce the power generation efficiency of solar panels. For instance, the branches and leaves of a large tree might block the solar panels during a specific period of time, resulting in a significant drop in power generation during that period. Before installation, obstructions should be removed as much as possible or an unobstructed wall position should be selected.

Determine the installation location and quantity

Consider the electricity demand: Based on the household's electricity load and usage habits, estimate the number of solar panels needed. If a household consumes a large amount of electricity, more solar panels need to be installed to meet the demand. For instance, if a family consumes a large amount of electricity during the day and hopes that solar power can cover most of its consumption, then the required quantity needs to be calculated based on the power and power generation efficiency of the solar panels.

Wall space: Measure the available space on the wall to ensure there is sufficient area for installing solar panels. At the same time, the spacing between solar panels should be taken into account to facilitate ventilation and heat dissipation and avoid affecting the power generation efficiency due to overheating. Generally speaking, a certain distance should be maintained between solar panels. The specific distance can be determined according to the size of the solar panels and the installation environment.

Installation steps for installing residential solar panels on walls

Prepare the installation tools and materials

Tools: Common installation tools include electric drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, levels, etc. Electric drills are used to drill holes in the wall, screwdrivers and wrenches are used to fix the brackets and solar panels, and levels are used to ensure the levelness and verticality of the installation.

Materials: Mainly include solar panels, brackets, bolts, nuts, wires, etc. The bracket should be made of reliable and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure the stable installation of the solar panel. The specifications of the wires should be selected based on the power and current of the solar panels to ensure the safe transmission of electricity.

Installation bracket

Positioning: Use a level and a tape measure to determine the installation position of the bracket on the wall, and mark it with a pencil. Ensure the levelness and verticality of the support to guarantee the installation quality of the solar panels.

Drilling: Drill holes on the wall according to the position of the installation holes of the bracket. The depth and diameter of the borehole should be determined according to the specification of the bolt to ensure that the bolt can be firmly fixed to the wall.

Fixed bracket: Insert the bolt into the drilled hole, then install the bracket and tighten it with a nut. When fixing the bracket, it is necessary to pay attention to checking the stability of the bracket to ensure that it can withstand the weight of the solar panel and external forces such as wind force.

Install solar panels

Place the solar panels: Carefully place the solar panels on the support, ensuring they are aligned with the connection points of the support.

Connection and fixation: Use dedicated fixtures or bolts to fix the solar panels to the brackets. During the fixation process, be careful not to damage the surface and connection parts of the solar panels.

Inspection and installation: After installation is completed, carefully inspect the installation condition of the solar panels to ensure they are firm and reliable, without any loosening or tilting.

Electrical connection

Connect the wires: According to the wiring requirements of the solar panel, connect the wires to the positive and negative poles of the solar panel. When connecting wires, pay attention to their color and polarity to avoid reversing them.

Connect the inverter: Introduce the wires that have been connected to the solar panels into the room and connect them to the inverter. The function of an inverter is to convert the direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current for household use. When connecting the inverter, operate in accordance with the requirements of the manual to ensure correct connection.

Grounding treatment: To ensure safety, the solar energy system needs to be grounded. Connect the grounding wire to the grounding terminals of the solar panel and inverter, and link it to the grounding system of the building.

Later maintenance of wall-mounted residential solar panels

Regular cleaning

Cleaning frequency: Regularly clean the surface of the solar panels based on local air quality and environmental conditions. Generally speaking, cleaning once every quarter or half a year is sufficient. If the local air pollution is severe or there are often dust, leaves and other debris falling on the solar panels, the cleaning frequency needs to be increased.

Cleaning method: Use a soft damp cloth or sponge dipped in clean water to wipe the surface of the solar panel. Do not use hard objects or corrosive cleaning agents to avoid scratching or damaging the solar panel. When cleaning, pay attention to safety and avoid electric shock or falling from a height.

Check the connection parts

Regular inspection: Regularly check the tightness of the connection points between the solar panels and the brackets, the wires and the solar panels, the wires and the inverter, etc., to ensure that the connections are firm and there is no loosening or corrosion. If problems are found at the connection points, they should be dealt with promptly to avoid affecting the power generation efficiency and safety.

Check the wires: Inspect whether the insulation layer of the wires is damaged or aged. If any are found, replace the wires in time to prevent leakage accidents.

Monitor the power generation situation

Install monitoring equipment: Solar power generation monitoring equipment can be installed to monitor the power generation of solar panels in real time, including parameters such as power generation, voltage, and current. By monitoring the data, it is possible to promptly detect whether there are any faults or abnormal conditions in the solar energy system.

Analyze data: Regularly analyze and monitor data to understand the power generation efficiency and performance changes of the solar energy system. If a significant decrease in power generation is detected, it might be due to reasons such as obstructions on the surface of the solar panels, loose connection points, or aging of the solar panels. Timely investigation and handling are necessary.