Installing and Maintaining Your Photovoltaic System
One major advantage of a photovoltaic (PV) system is that they are relatively simple to install and
maintain. For large or complex systems, Solar Mountain Inc. can usually help with installation and maintenance.
Installation
Solar Mountain Inc. will give you any relevant system documents as any supplier should. Carefully read all of the manufacturer?s recommendations. As with any electrical system, safety is important. You must obtain any necessary building and electrical permits and ensure that the system is installed according to code. Qualified Solar Mountain Inc. technicians should install the system. If you have a grid connected system, installation will involve the local utility. Wiring must be properly installed to avoid shocks, fires and other hazards. You will also need the services of a Solar Mountain Inc. installer to:
- properly fuse the system for protection against short circuits in the wiring or appliances.
- ensure that the system is properly grounded and protected against lightning.
- include switches between all of the system components that need to be isolated for any reason.
Mounting the PV Array
PV modules are designed to be installed outdoors without additional protection.  |
A mounting structure must be constructed to support the modules in all weather conditions. Factors to be considered in mounting the array include orientation, safety, structural integrity and local codes. Very large installations can be mounted to track the sun either automatically or manually. Select a site where the array will not be shaded at any point during the day. A shadow on the array can substantially cut power output. If possible, ask your neighbors if they plan to add trees or buildings adjacent to your property. Easements and restrictive covenants are two types of legal instruments. When used for solar applications, they provide certain guarantees to property owners about their access to sunlight. If access to sunlight concerns you, such a written agreement may be worthwhile. |
You can use pole mounting for small systems (one to 12 modules) to ensure proper orientation or to lift them above potential sources of shade, such as buildings or trees. The main advantages are no snow buildup to shade the array and the potential to track the sun. For many residences and cabins, roof mounting is an attractive option, particularly if the building is under construction. The modules should be mounted a short distance above the pitched roof and tilted to the optimum angle. Since PV modules work better when the ambient air temperature is lower, the free circulation of air around them will improve their performance. Elevating the array will also prevent the buildup of moisture and debris behind the modules. This buildup could rot the roof and deteriorate the electrical connections. For residences and cabins with a chimney, the array should be mounted in such a way that shading from the smoke is avoided.
Wherever you choose to mount the array, unless shading is a concern, try to locate it as close as possible to the battery bank or to the load (if there are no batteries). This will lower wiring distances and resultant power losses.
Housing the Batteries
Your choice of battery location should comply with the Local Electrical Code, whether you install the batteries inside or outside.
The location should also be designed to keep the batteries warm (75?F is best), because their capacity decreases at temperatures below 75?F. This means that if you choose to locate your batteries in an unheated space, you will need to insulate the area properly. You will also need greater battery capacity to compensate for the losses at lower temperatures. Make sure that your supplier knows about the planned location of your batteries. The batteries and other equipment should be accessible for maintenance and inspection, but safety must also be considered.
Batteries may give off hydrogen gas during charging and can be a source of electric shock, so the room or area where they are housed should be properly vented to the outside and kept locked. In addition, other electrical components, which can also be a source of a spark, should be kept separately from the battery housing.
Do not locate batteries near sources of heat or possible sources of open flame or spark.
Finally, read all of the manufacturer?s recommendations and warnings about the safe and proper use and handling of batteries.
Inside Locations Batteries located inside the living space should be properly vented to the outside. For small cabin systems with, for example, two 12-VDC (volt direct current) batteries, you need a vent that is at least ( 1 in.) in diameter. Keep batteries separate from the living space by housing them in special battery cases (with ventilation to the outside). For summer cabins, keep batteries full of charge to prevent freezing in the off-season.
Outside Locations Batteries located outside of the living space should be housed in a box or shed. In a very cold location, you can house the batteries in a buried container for better temperature control. In all cases, batteries should be well protected from the elements, Children and pets, and be well vented to the outside.
Maintenance
Always wear eye protection and protective clothing when working around lead-acid batteries!
An important advantage of PV systems is that they require little maintenance. The arrays themselves are durable and reliable and need little attention. The following summarizes the principal maintenance that your system will need, but you may wish to ask your dealer for a maintenance schedule that is adapted to your particular system and location.
Solar Panels Unless you live in an extremely dusty area or have severe problems with ice storms, you need to inspect the wiring and general panel appearance only occasionally. If your system has an adjustable mounting, you can carry out this routine maintenance check. If the array becomes dusty, clean it with a mild soap or plain water and a soft cloth. Do not use solvents or strong detergents.
Battery maintenance varies with the type used. Basic maintenance includes visually checking the electrolyte levels and regularly verifying the specific gravity of your batteries with a hydrometer. Add distilled water as necessary, and clean and tighten battery posts (only the latter are required for maintenance-free batteries). Also, check for any leaks or physical damage to batteries. Follow battery and charge regulator instructions for annual equalization charges that help cure the batteries from plate fouling due to corrosion.
Maintenance Log Keep track of any maintenance or modification made to the system (date and action). This will help you remember when your last maintenance routine was carried out and may ease troubleshooting should a problem occur. Ask about Solar Mountain Inc. economical service plans.
BUILDING PERMITS
You or Solar Mountain Inc. will need to obtain various permits from your city or county building departments before adding a renewable energy system. You will likely need to purchase a building permit, an electrical permit, or both to legally begin installation.
Typically, your Solar Mountain Inc. contractor or licensed installer will obtain these permits for you, rolling the price of the permits into the overall system price.
At Solar Mountain Inc. we always make sure that permitting costs and responsibilities are addressed with you at the start of the process.
Whatever you do, don't short cut the building permit process. Remember that the building permit helps insure that the grid and your home are safe for everyone.
If you are amongst the first in your community to install a renewable energy system you and Solar Mountain Inc. can speed the process along by working closely and cooperatively with your local building officials to help educate them about the technology and its characteristics.
Contact your Homeowners' Association, if your community has a homeowners' association, you will want to contact them to ensure you file the proper architecture request forms and obtain approvals. They cannot prevent you from installing a renewable energy system.
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