How to Connect Solar Panels to the Grid
- 1). Mount your solar panels to your roof or other location where they will be getting the most direct sunlight. Maximizing your sunlight exposure is the key to maximizing the power output of your solar panels. Most panels that you buy will come with an available mounting kit. However if you are building your own panels you may want to consider buying a pre-made mounting kit and installing your panels directly onto the mounts. Installing a solar paneling and mounting them is part of the process of getting your panels connected to the grid that you can do yourself.
- 2). Take wiring and cut to desired lengths. In most states you will need a liscensed solar installer or electrician to do all of the wiring and connecting to the main power box. Check your local codes and determine if you will be able to do this work yourself. Some areas require you to take a test on codes and electrical knowledge before giving you a permit to do any of your own electrical work. If you are knowledgeable on installation of electrical components it is still important to follow safety precautions as when connecting to the grid you will dealing with extremely high and deadly voltage levels.
- 3). Connect the panel wiring to an inverter. This will convert the DC (direct current) power from from your solar panels to AC (alternating current) so that it can be used in the conventional power grid.
- 4). Run wiring from inverter box to a main breaker box circuit. You may need to install a new circuit in your main breaker box before connecting to the grid.
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