Installation Tips

It is important to properly mount and install all equipment. Failure to do so will lead to many problems and frustrations later on. Here are some basic tips and reminders for safe and proper installation:

We can not emphasize enough how important it is to thoroughly read all manufacturer installation manuals.

System Layout

Build a small power shed near your house.
- Centralize all of your equipment (inverters, batteries, transfer switches, etc.).
- Protect equipment from the weather.
- Possibly mount solar panels on the roof.
Make all wire connections a "permanent" connection. In other word, do not twist wires together, tape it and call it done. Do use properly sized connectors and/or solder all connections
Make a detailed schematic of your wiring before you begin stringing wires and making connections.
Label it, label it and don't forget to label it. This will pay off in hours of needless trouble shooting and wire wiggling.

Solar Panels

When a solar panel is exposed to sunlight, it produces an electrical potential. Place panels face down when wiring them together. Cover the panels when you mount them face up and make the final connections. Have your wiring well planned out before you jump into making connections.
Mounts - There are two basic kinds of solar panel mounts
- Static mounts hold the panel at one angle unless it is manually changed.
- Trackers are mounts that change their angle of tilt to keep the panel directly facing the sun. Trackers are significantly more expensive then static mounts, however the increase in efficiency will offset this cost. New tracking mounts are very simple and reliable.

Positioning
- Obviously the most important thing to consider is no shade.
- Mount as close to house as possible.
- Mount solidly to withstand wind and snow loads if applicable.
- If you are in an area that gets much snow you will need to have access to the panel so that you can sweep the snow off.
- Face the panels towards the equator at an angle equal to your latitude for year round maximum efficiency.

Wind Generators

Position 30' above anything within a 500' radius
Most manufacturers will have suggestions on what type of tower or mount to use.

Final Suggestions

Again, designing your own renewable energy home power system is not rocket science. However, it does need to be thought out and researched thoroughly to ensure that all of the components work together and are installed properly. If you have gone through this system design guide then you have a good idea of what it will take to power your home with renewable energy. This web site is an overview of how to design your home power system. It does not cover every detail of the process. Therefore it is very important that you pay attention to your equipment specifications and instructions.

The Environmental Power Company is here to help increase the use of renewable energy. If you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact us.

Telephone

(209) 482-4299

FAX

(209) 952-7055

Postal address

6333 Pacific Ave. #121 Stockton, CA 95207

Electronic mail

Information: jmitchell@epowerco.com