Here are eight areas we focus on to make sure you receive the best install possible:
1. Grounding and bonding
Grounding refers to the way we give the electrical current a redirect path to the ground. Since the earth doesn’t conduct electricity very well, it’s a great place to steer a current. Your home electrical system should already include copper grounding wires for this exact purpose. When we install a solar array, we just connect it to your home’s grounding system through an equipment grounding conductor (EGC). The EGC is designed to group all the metal components of your installation into a single unit which is then connected to the electrical system, grounding it safely and completing a circuit. That current surge needs to go somewhere, and the typical solution is to send it to the ground since the earth doesn’t conduct electricity very well. Your home electrical system should include copper grounding wires so there’s a grounding path in case of a problem.
Our technicians thoroughly inspect the grounding and bonding of your solar installation to make sure all the equipment works well.
2. Solar module wiring
The individual solar modules or panels in your array must be wired properly so they run harmoniously with your other home systems. This wiring is a complex system that involves wiring each panel to an inverter, so your home can transform solar power into electrical current. We make sure that the connection is sound, upfront, so your panels can perform for the long haul.
3. The Junction Box
The junction box stores all the electrical wires from the solar panels and keeps them safe from the elements. The wires from the panels connect to diodes in the box that keep the power flowing in one direction and help keep the wires organized.
We ensure the junction box is secured properly to the solar module and that the wires are properly hooked up to the diodes.
4. Overcurrent Protection Device
Solar installations come with an overcurrent protection device. As the name implies, this device ensures your home won’t experience short circuits and other overcurrent effects. Our team makes sure that the breakers are the correct size and model so the device works reliably.
5. Mounts and penetrations
Your solar array is mounted to your roof on a large metal rack, and like anything involving your roof, we account for exposure to the elements, structural integrity, and simple wear and tear when we do an install. For example, we inspect the roof beforehand to make sure it can bear the weight of the panels.
Then, once installation gets underway, we thoroughly inspect the mounts themselves to make sure they’re securely attached to the roof and able to withstand reasonable weather conditions.
6. The Array
We make sure the solar array is level throughout, and the solar cells in the modules are all in working order. Loose wiring is properly secured, and we ensure all the panels have adequate space between them so they can perform at their best.
7. Discrepancies between the CAD and the installation
Knowing there can be a slight difference in the design when satellite images or the aerial shots used to make the computer-assisted design (CAD) don’t quite match the actual site, we always check for potential discrepancies while we’re on the job site, in person.
To the untrained eye, a slight deviation in the CAD might not be noticeable until later, when reversing it is a little more difficult. But our customers are not to worry: We do a thorough review upfront to make sure our installs are custom to the actual site and not impacted by CAD differences.
8. A clean job site
Like any project that requires construction or a major installation, the site should be completely cleared of any debris and cleaned up once the job’s done. The only evidence your solar provider was ever there should be the array itself. We pack up any extra parts or materials, down to the screws.
Clarity and thoroughness aside, making sure a job site is restored back to its original state is just good professional courtesy. We know we are working on and around your home and are respectful of that.