So you’ve chosen to power your home with solar, signed a contract and… now installation day is right around the corner. Expecting this situation prepares you for it and helps things running smoothly.
Before the Team Arrives
Ensure that the installation crew has access to an unobstructed perimeter around your property. Clear vehicles from the driveway for vans and equipment to park. Keep your pets indoors, and tell the neighbours.
The installation crew typically gets on site very early (sometimes between 8am-9am). They will also come by, say hi and verify the installation plan before doing one final site check with you!
The Scaffolding Goes Up First
Generally the scaffolding is set up first for implementing roof installations. This normally requires one hour or two, depending on how tall and complex your property is. The scaffolding crew may show up the day before or early morning on installation day. This stage will involve some noise.
Roof Work Begins
After the scaffolding is in place, installers then mount and secure it. They will then remove the appropriate tiles, add mounting brackets and make sure everything is weatherproof.
Drilling and going up on your roof It is totally natural to the installers, even though it feels weird to see people walking above you.
Panel Installation and Wiring
The solar panels themselves are then hoisted onto the roof and bolted to the mounting system. The installers cable the panels together using weatherproof cables running your wiring into your inverter location, usually loft-mounted or garage/garden-wall mounted.
Internal Work
The inverter is then installed inside your property, tied into the end consumer unit and if you have monitoring, this will be set up. Almost all have this step but your power will need to be shut down for a little while during the process – typically 30 min -1 hour. Make an effort ahead of time to charge your devices and be prepared.
Testing and Commissioning
Installers then carefully test the entire system post-connect and before they pack up. This includes, but is not limited to voltage requirements and connections; along with tying into your monitoring app properly.
Final Walkthrough
The installation team will demonstrate the system before they leave, brief you how monitoring works and answer any questions that you have. You will receive documentation, warranties and system performance information. For Solar Panel Installation Portishead, visit //redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-portishead/
Timeline
The average residential installation is completed in one day, usually 6-8 hours. Two days worth may allow for larger or more complex systems. The scaffolding is typically removed one or two days after the installation.
Your Part
Be on hand to answer questions, release your receiver unit and have an adult over 18 present onsite all day. Let the professionals work; they’ve done this hundreds of times!
Installation day is exciting. And by the time evening rolls around, you will be producing more of your own clean energy.