Today there are millions of homes which have already gone solar, and many more homeowners are considering the option of installing solar panels. They are the most reliable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient source for generating electricity. A solar panel absorbs the sun’s rays and converts them into electricity. A 100-watt solar panel is becoming popular these days because of its low installation cost and other cost-saving benefits. To use Parking Lot Lighting and provide safer environment for those who might be working late or leaving their vehicle.
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How to Install a Solar Panel?
If you are planning to install a 100-watt solar panel, the following steps will ease out the installation process:
1. Determine the Direction
As per experts at austra solar, the mounting structure is responsible for providing a base for the entire solar system; make sure that the base is sturdy and properly fastened. The performance and the efficiency of the solar panels depend upon the direction in which these panels are installed. Install the solar panels in the south direction, as here they receive the maximum sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels in the north direction. Geographically India lies in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, the south direction works best here.
2. Assemble Solar Panels
Once you have accurately fixed the solar structure, you need to connect it with solar modules. Carefully check and ensure that all the nuts and bolts of solar modules are properly fixed with the solar structure to last long.
3. Electrical Wiring
MC4 connectors are the universal connectors which are used to connect the solar panels. MC4 connectors make solar array wiring simpler and faster.
4. Connect Solar Panel with the Solar Inverter
Connect the positive wire from 100 watt solar panel to the positive inverter terminal and the negative wire with the negative terminal of the inverter. Overall, the solar panel, the solar battery, and the grid output are connected with the solar inverter to produce electricity. Do not forget to turn off the inverter while the connections are being set.
5. Connect Solar Inverter and the Solar Battery
In an off-grid solar system, a battery is important because it helps in storing the power backup. The battery is connected with a solar inverter.
6. Connect Solar Inverter and the Grid
Connect the inverter to the grid and plug it in the main power switchboard. This will ensure that the inverter gets power from the grid.
Once all the connections are made, you need to switch on the mains.
Owning solar panels is a big investment, and the maintenance of solar panels is important to ensure their longevity and performance. Following are some maintenance tips that will be helpful:
• Solar Panel Cleaning
Cleaning all the solar panels is easy and important to maximize the panel’s efficiency. To clean the solar panels, you can use a soft cloth or washrag and biodegradable soap. In case you are only dealing with dust on your panels, you can simply run a hose pipe with water over the panels.
• Avoid Shading
After the installation of solar panels, you need to make sure that the panels are not covered by shade such as from new-towering trees, because they will reduce the amount of energy produced by the system.
• Monitor the Solar System
The only way to detect a problem in the system is to carefully monitor its performance through daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual checks. Daily checks should involve monitoring the inverter display to ensure that it is working properly. Maintain a daily record of the system’s output so that you can easily monitor the performance for a long period of time.
Monthly and quarterly checks involve checking the cleanliness of the panels and accumulation of dust around the PV system.
• Annual Solar Panel Maintenance
Annual maintenance of solar panels involves a general performance check of the system by reviewing the daily performance data. You need to check the solar panels to ensure that they are clean, free of scratches, corrosion, moisture penetration, and browning.
Keep a check on the mounting hardware to ensure that it is in good condition. Thus, ensuring the earth connection is continuous. You should check the breakers for any damage and make sure that the isolation devices are working properly.
Cabling should also be checked to ensure that it is secure, and the voltage of strings is within the stipulated tolerance.
Trusted brands like Luminous offer an array of solar panels that come with a performance warranty of 25 years. With these maintenance tips, you can effortlessly and efficiently take care of your solar panels. With the right care, you will be guaranteed a steady and maximized output over a long period of time.
