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How to get solar PV on your roof

In previous blogs we have outlined the variety of reasons as to why to install solar panels on roofs, but it is of equal importance that people know how to do it as well. The following blog contains important aspects that consumers should consider in order to empower themselves with solar PV.

Certification of installers
One of the most important elements of installing a solar system is selecting installers who have the necessary knowledge and skills to install a rooftop solar system properly and safely.  Certification programs exist in many countries for solar installers, so it is advisable to choose a company that is certified in these programs. Certified installers can bring a level of expertise to your solar project, which provides you with peace of mind for the quality, efficiency, and longevity of your installation.

Examples of certification programs for installers are:

The United States – NABCEP
China – SGS
The United Kingdom – MCS
France – CERTISOLIS
Thus, it is important to research and consider the existing solar installers certifications in a country as this will help to guarantee the success and sustainability of solar projects.

Moreover, trusted installers can be found by taking a look at the members of the solar association of a specific country or region, many of which can be found via the Global Solar Council website such as SER, MESIA, Solar Power Europe, and many more.

There are other certifications to look out for when considering transitioning to solar energy, for example:

R2 – An indication of the recyclability of a given panel.
ROHS – A commitment to avoid the use of hazardous chemicals and materials in the development of renewable energy sources.
Cradle to Cradle – A commitment to both responsible sourcing and waste management of renewable energy sources
There are a variety of these certifications which guarantee that a consumer’s choice to use solar PV is as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.

Correct sizing in relation to consumption profiles
When ready to start planning a rooftop project, some key questions arise: How many panels do you need? What capacity do you want your installation to be? Do you need a battery?

These are all important decisions to consider as they will have an effect on the cost, and dimension of the system. In fact, it is important that rooftop solar plants are sized according to the demand they’ll need to satisfy (keeping into account the near future power needs resulting from a wider electrification but avoiding oversizing), to minimize the excess energy to be fed to the grid and reduce investment cost in storage while maximizing the self-consumption capacity.

Of course, when making a plan with the installers, they will perform a study of the building as well as on current and planned energy usage, and compare this with the available solar energy resource in your region.  They will then calculate the number and size of solar panels you will need to meet all or a portion of the electrical power requirements.

Conversely, depending on your area, you can use tools that allow for calculation of solar generation, payback times, and more, such as Chile’s national simulator; or even explore the IRENA SolarCity Simulator, which can provide detailed information on energy generation, payback times, and many other factors relating to solar installations in a number of cities. This is done via the use of satellite imagery which is able to estimate the area suitable for panels, the solar radiation on the given area, as well as the geographical orientation and peak sun times. There are also a number of software tools developed by specialized companies to allow you to perform comprehensive simulations.

Installing efficient and high-quality solar panels for safety and longevity
Solar panels are high-tech pieces of equipment that will guarantee the efficient conversion of solar energy in clean and affordable power for a long time, but it is still important to find the best panels for your project as they will maximize the benefits that you can gain from your own energy transition.

All solar panels will have an accompanying document that provides the specifications of the systems. Important aspects to look for are safety qualifications, efficiency levels, and durability.

A typical solar panel today has an energy conversion rate of around 20% and a lifetime of 30 years, it is important to check these figures so you can be confident in the performance of your installation. It is also very helpful to understand the basic maintenance practices that can maximize rooftop systems lifetime and production.

Integration with solar thermal, electrical mobility, and energy storage