Step-by-Step Solar Panel Installation

Solar panels, perhaps the best-known form of alternative energy, have altered the energy landscape and hold the potential to revolutionize how we power our devices, vehicles and buildings. Solar panels trap the energy emitted by the sun in photovoltaic cells and convert it to electricity to be used immediately or stored for later. You can save money by installing solar panels yourself for your home or business.

Chalk
Tape measure
Lag bolts
Electric drill
Drill bits

Instructions

- 1
  Mount the cells on a roof or shade structure, such as a covered patio, where they will receive the most sunlight.
- 2
  Lay out the arrangement of the cells using chalk and a tape measure, being sure to position them evenly and along a straight line.
- 3
  Attach the solar panel mounts to the roof with steel lag bolts, using a drill. The mounts support the weight of the cells, which will be attached directly to them.
- 4
  Fit the solar panels into the roof mounts and secure with steel bolts.
- 5
  Connect each cell wire to its respective circuit on the combiner box.
- 6
  Connect the positive and negative combiner cables to the AC/DC inverter.

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