Before we get going with this solar panel installation guide – especially with MYSUN – we are sure you are wondering why should install a solar panel at home in the first place?
If you've been thinking about solar panel installation, there's no better time to do it than now. The cost of photovoltaic (PV) cells and therefore the Solar PV Systems has reduced substantially, and it’s an excellent project to install a solar panel at home for several reasons. For a start, you'll save loads on your electricity bill, and may even be able to sell some of the power that you generate back to the utility company. Just in case you are curious to know how much can you actually save through solar panel installation, you may want to run our in-house designed Solar calculator, called MYSUNCalculator, which provides you with the potential to save. Aside from your savings, you'll also reduce your carbon footprint, and if you’re installing a solar system in a remote location (such as a cabin or a telecom tower), you will have much less to worry about than you would, since you’ll use a diesel generator. Beyond this, you will also support a growing industry, and in doing so help contribute to the worldwide adoption of this wonderful new energy source in the form of solar panel installation. So instead of you asking us ‘why solar’, we put the question to you, ‘why not solar?’
Now that we have introduced you to the massive list of benefits that can be accrued from solar panel installation, let us get down to how do you go about getting this magic in your world. Here’s a guide detailing how to install solar panels step-by-step.
Step 1 - Review the physical installation options.
- Do you have room on your roof or on your property for solar panel installation? If yes, then how much area (in sq. ft. or sq. mt.) would you be able to spare?
- Would you rather have panels on your rooftop or on the ground where you can reach them easily?
- Does the sun shine bright on this area for most of the daylight hours?
- Do shadows from trees or other structures fall on this area at certain parts of the day or not?
- Is your roof structurally sound enough to bear the weight of solar panels and racks?
- Will you be able to orient your solar panels towards south, so that the winter sun hits the panels in the most optimally perpendicular manner possible at noon?
(As you may have noticed, that there is quite a bit of things you need to consider and take care of before solar panel installation. If these questions sound too complicated to you and you are in no mood to research for the answers, you can always reach out to us from the Contact Us page, and the MYSUN team would be more than glad to help you with the installation options and other relevant details for you)
Step 2 – Load Calculation
Now that you have assessed the physical installation options, the next step is to calculate how much power you would need once you install a solar panel at home. Since solar panels are measured by how much energy they can absorb, this will tell you how many panels to buy, how efficient they need to be, and perhaps – most importantly – how much space you're going to require for solar panel installation. Don't worry; this process is no longer complicated thanks to our advanced tool MYSUN Calculator where just in a few easy steps, you can get a fairly accurate assessment of your solarization potential and can also get a personalized solar scorecard.
Step 3 – Grid Tied or Off Grid System?
Next up is a step that’ somewhat technical. But do not worry, we have simplified solar panel installation for you under our FAQ and Solar Essentials sections. And if you still have queries, we are just a click away (write to us at [email protected]). It is time to decide between a Grid Tied (On-Grid) or an Off-Grid System.
Grid Tied or On-Grid: An on-grid system is a form of solar panel installation which is interconnected with your existing electrical system. The solar energy generated is simultaneously consumed, and if the solar panels are not generating sufficient energy to cater to your consumption needs, the differential is automatically sourced from the grid. It is also possible to connect the system with batteries, home inverters, diesel generators, etc.
Off Grid: An off-grid system is an independent, battery-backed solar panel installation system which is not connected to any grid. During daytime, the solar energy that’s generated runs your appliances. Any excess energy is stored in the batteries, which can be utilized at night. Off-grid systems are used for standalone applications like traffic & streetlights, billboards, agricultural pumps, telecom towers, rural applications, etc.
Now that you know the difference between grid-tied and off-grid systems, you need to decide what kind of solar panel installation system is appropriate for you.
Step 4 - Decide how much to invest and how to finance it
After load calculation and deciding what kind of system fits your overall solar panel installation requirements, you can easily check how much the process to install a solar panel at home is going to cost you. You must also determine recurring costs and performance estimates for PV systems, including maintenance costs, system lifetime, expansion potential, warranty, and so on. Once you have the cost, you have to make a choice; whether you are going to spend the money out of your pocket or are going to look at solar financing options. MYSUN provides the best industry benchmarked pricing to you along with options to finance your solar panel installation cost as per your convenience.
Step 5 – Get the installation done
Now that the money is in place, it is time to locate contractors and go out for formal bids. Our suggestion to you is to talk to as many contractors as you can, and ask them as many questions as you can think of. Get them to give you a personal visit at your house/office/ building and look at your solar panel installation situation in greater detail. Do not give anyone a contract to install a solar panel at home unless and until they have given your place a personal visit and assessed the area and location thoroughly. Also, make sure you deal with experienced, quality and reliable installers only. MYSUN brings to your fingertips the entire process of receiving and evaluating quotes from different pre-screened solar installers to get the right quality and commercial terms.
Step 6 – Permits/ Incentives
Permits are usually not required for off-grid systems or on-grid solar panel installation systems for captive consumption. For on-grid systems, if you choose to go for net metering or gross metering, certain approvals are required. These approvals usually vary from state to state and depend on the type and size of solar panel installation. Your solar system installer will either guide you in this process or take up ownership of this process.
Several incentives are available for rooftop solar PV plants in India. The specifics of the incentives could vary from one state to another. These incentives broadly fall under the following categories:
- Accelerated Depreciation (for companies)
- Capital Subsidy
- Priority Sector Lending
- Net-metering
Step 7 – Maintain and repair your system
Your solar system does not need too much of maintenance, but it is still important to take care of a few things. Cleaning the solar panels is a critical aspect to ensure good performance from your system. And as with any mechanical or electrical appliance, PV systems require some routine and periodic checks, though not very exhaustive. You may be able to carry out many routine inspections and maintenance tasks yourself. If, however, you are not the do-it-yourself types, or if there is a major problem with your solar panel installation system, you will need to locate a professional to do the work. Keeping an eye on the generation will help you catch any potential problem early and thereby avoiding you any major energy generation or savings loss.
Home solar panel installation is not very complicated, and it isn't terribly expensive either. In the long run, you can save a lot of money on your energy bills, and even make money by selling power back to the utility company. Once you know the parts of a solar system, the entire process is much less intimidating - it's just a matter of adapting the formula to your specific situation. You are always invited to stop by itsmysun.com for more learning articles, solar news stories, affordable solar systems and components, or if you have any questions, for a solar expert. And if beyond all this, there is anything that is related to solar and you were unable to trace back in the article or on our site, remember we are just a hello away using the Contact Us page or our Social Media platforms.
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jaywant kuwar | February 26, 2017 at 1:48 am
I’m interested in dealership in my area for solar rooftop installation
MYSUN Operations Team | March 6, 2017 at 11:12 am
Hi Jaywant, Thank you for your interest in MYSUN.
Kindly register as a partner with MYSUN. link: https://www.itsmysun.com/partner/
For any query, please feel free to reach out to us at 0120-4753500.
Vasantkumar S Kakol | August 13, 2017 at 12:29 am
I would like to install rooftop solar system. Plz guide
Arpit | August 25, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Hello Mr Vasantkumar,
We have shared the details with you over an E-Mail. Pls check.
ShamraoGhorpade | March 22, 2018 at 8:50 am
Nice information.
kamal | April 10, 2018 at 9:14 am
I want
Arpit | June 11, 2018 at 10:38 am
Thank you for your interest in going solar, our team is in touch with you over e-mail.
Thanks
Munna | May 15, 2018 at 9:20 am
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Arpit | June 11, 2018 at 10:24 am
Thank you for your interest in going solar, our team is in touch with you over e-mail.
Thanks
V.K.Mathur | May 17, 2018 at 1:23 pm
I am interested in installing roof top solar panels. I even contacted some local people in my city. They promised they would come and work out an estimate/economies for me. But no one ever turned up. Could you perhaps help?
Arpit | June 11, 2018 at 10:21 am
Thank you for your interest in going solar, our team is in touch with you over e-mail.
Thanks
Ranjit | May 23, 2018 at 3:52 pm
How many prise of 5 kilowatt solar plant for home
Arpit | June 11, 2018 at 10:21 am
Thank you for your interest in going solar, our team is in touch with you over e-mail.
Thanks
Anil Dagar | June 21, 2018 at 7:26 am
I want to install solar system on my roof top of 500 watt. Please share price details and process for this.
Arpit | July 12, 2018 at 8:51 am
Thanks for your query.
Our team is already in touch with you over e-mail
viahnu k patel | June 21, 2018 at 12:13 pm
*Number Deleted*
Arpit | July 12, 2018 at 8:50 am
Thanks for your query. We have deleted your number in respect of your privacy.
Our team is already in touch with you over e-mail
Ramdeen | June 22, 2018 at 5:30 pm
How many prise of 5 kilowatt solar plant for home
Arpit | July 12, 2018 at 8:50 am
Thanks for your query.
Our team is already in touch with you over e-mail
Aamir Ali | January 10, 2020 at 11:19 pm
Hi It has been good start up supports measure provided by the Mysun.
[email protected] | January 24, 2020 at 6:38 pm
Hi Aamir,
Thank you for your kind words. Keep spreading the goodness of solar. 🙂