Solar rooftop DIY: the homeowner's guide to installing your own photovoltaic energy system

280 Pages·2016·30.58 MB·English

by  Sullivan

DEDICATION
To my loving children and four beautiful grandchildren.

CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: Basic Types of Solar Panels: Monocrystalline,
Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film
CHAPTER 2: Types of PV System Connections
CHAPTER 3: Major Components of a Solar PV Rooftop System
CHAPTER 4: How to Determine the Optimal Size of Your System
CHAPTER 5: How to Calculate the Annual Output of a System and the
Optimal Number of Panels
CHAPTER 6: Government Incentives, Rebates, Subsidies, Grants, Tax
Credits, and Private Leasing Programs
CHAPTER 7: Environmental Benefits of PV Solar Systems
CHAPTER 8: Maximize the Benefits from Your PV Solar Energy Rooftop
Installation
CHAPTER 9: Where to Find Professionally Certified Solar Installers in
Your Area
CHAPTER 10: Photographic Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a
Complete PV Solar Rooftop System
CHAPTER 11: Conclusions and Suggestions
APPENDIX
Online Energy and Cost Savings Calculators
Online Links to Sources for Determining Solar Radiation Values
for Any Location Worldwide
Ratings of PV Solar Panels by Independent Sources
Links to Free Online Magazines and Journals Dealing with Solar
Energy
Online Solar Energy Discussion Forums
Websites and References for Additional Information
Glossary of Terms
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THIS BOOK
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INDEX
Overview
This book is written for the benefit of homeowners all
over the world, especially those who care about the
environment and those who want to save money by
permanently reducing their monthly electric bill. The book
provides a useful step-by-step guide full of photos to help DIY
enthusiasts and others understand the basics of installing a solar
photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system.
The book is written in everyday language that is easy for readers to understand
and doesn’t bog them down in technical terms and diagrams or engineering
concepts. Solar energy is a high-tech business, but this book simplifies and
demystifies the technology for everyone interested in this amazing source of free
energy.
Millions of homeowners around the world are already enjoying the benefits
of clean solar energy and saving a lot of money in the process. You’ll learn why
and how within the chapters of this guide book. The book will explain the
various options as well as the main features, components, advantages, and
disadvantages of the different basic technologies available, and it will provide
detailed installation planning tips. I’ll answer all your questions and help you
select the best system for your needs and your budget. I’ll also show you how
much you can expect to spend for any size and type of installation and how to
calculate the substantial savings you can expect over the short and long term.
Go solar, go green, save money, and help the environment. It’s a timely and
unstoppable global trend.
INTRODUCTION
Benefits of Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems
Most municipalities permit homeowners or do-it-yourself
enthusiasts to install a PV rooftop solar system; often a
simple inspection and approval by a qualified electrician
or certified solar installer will be all you need.
They’re fast to install. Usually an installation can be completed in a week—even
by a DIYer—after all the required equipment and materials are on site. Energy
independence is an advantage that has strong appeal for many homeowners, and
PV solar systems can reduce vulnerability to power loss from grid blackouts or
power outages. You should see immediate savings on your electric bills and
begin recovering your investment right away.
PV solar systems are also flexible; you can start small and add more PV
panels later on. With solar rooftop systems, everything is modular.
Leasing is available in most areas. If you have limited cash flow, this option
can provide an easy way to get a PV solar system installed on your rooftop. It’s
also easy to obtain financing, if required; most US banks have ample experience
financing solar PV rooftop systems. In addition, government cash rebates, tax
exemptions, and other financial incentives are often available, and these can
substantially reduce the cash investment you need to make. PV systems have a
relatively short payback period that can be as short as six or seven years—or
even less, with rebates and other government incentives.
Your solar panel system should have a long and useful life. A warranty of 25
years from module manufacturers is standard. Systems can be installed on both
flat and sloped roofs, and even on vertical surfaces. They provide myriad long-
term environmental benefits and require almost zero maintenance.
Lastly, they immediately increase the value of your home, often by more
than the cost of the PV solar system itself.
This is a formidable list of advantages to installing a PV solar system in your
home. The only “negative” factor is the substantial investment or capital cost of
the PV system, but this is generally more than offset by the advantages, financial
and otherwise. The guidelines in this book will make it easy for you to calculate
the financial and economic aspects of whichever PV solar system you choose for
your home. I’ll also help you perform a simple cost-benefit analysis of your
project or proposed PV system. Reading this book will put you in control.
THE THREE BASIC TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY FOR PV