More recently, the use of sunlight as a substitute for traditional energy was perceived as something fantastic or possible only in special conditions. Today, such solutions do not look unbelievable, but the problems of their implementation in practice for ordinary consumers also persist. The installation of solar panels on the roof itself is quite simple and optimized, but this does not negate the difficulties in organizing the operation of such batteries.
Basic system kit
The working infrastructure of the solar generator includes a battery station, an inverter unit, an energy converter, a controller and control equipment, directly panels with photocells and mounting and connecting accessories. Each component can be represented by different devices that differ in technical and operational characteristics. For example, a small residential building with solar panels on the roof is provided with a power of 1.5-2 kW. It should be noted that there are both integrated and local stations that can serve different groups of consumers. Powerful batteries produce enough energy to cover all your electricity needs - from a street lamp to a heating boiler. Less productive systems are intended for summer cottages, although energy-intensive equipment in the form of pumping stations and working power equipment is often used in areas.
The principle of operation of solar batteries
The most prominent and visible part of the solar power station is the converter panel. There are various technologies for its manufacture up to the fact that manufacturers develop secret formulations of photocrystalline fillers. Standard devices include a silicon panel with coatings based on boron and phosphorus. It can be either a single plate or a combination plate of two or more elements. In different layers of the coating there are active electrons that, under the influence of light, start the movement of particles, which provokes the generation of current.
The accumulated energy is provided by copper strips connected to the panels. They can transmit current either to energy stores, or directly to consumers, for example, located in the area of lighting equipment. In order for solar panels on the roof to take the most advantageous position relative to the arrival of rays, the design also provides for automation. Thanks to thermal sensors, it reacts to light and directs the panels towards the sun.
Choosing a place to install
In order to initially increase the performance of the system, it is advisable to consider the optimal placement of panels on the roof. The following rules should be followed:
- Accounting for drop shadow. If the installation area most of the daytime is under the shadow of a tall tree - of course, the efficiency will be extremely low and will not allow even the module maintenance cost to be recouped. Therefore, the most exposed to the sun's rays zone is selected.
- The correct orientation of the panels. Even if the system includes an auto-rotate system, it is advisable to initially select the position that will be most advantageous in terms of the incidence of bright sunlight on the photocells.
- The calculation of the slope. A common mistake in the installation of panels is their location at an angle corresponding to the slope. In other words, the structure simply fits onto the ramp without any corrections. This is fundamentally the wrong approach, since the slope angles (30-45 degrees) may not correspond to the slope, which will be the most advantageous in a particular region. Experts recommend installing solar panels on the roof at an angle equal to the geographical latitude of the local region. That is, the angle will correspond to a degree of latitude.
- Definition of accessibility. The operation of the panels will be coupled with regular maintenance and technical support of the structure. Therefore, physical accessibility to roof panels is also assessed in advance.
Options for creating a carrier base
To install the panels, it is recommended to mount the power unit, on which the photocell frame will be fixed. This design can be made at home. You will need a metal corner and fasteners. It is desirable to make the connections by welding - again, using an inverter, the joints will form even an inexperienced home master. The most important thing is to correctly calculate the base in terms of size and weight so that it does not break through the roofing and, in principle, allows for reliable fixation. The difficulty of mounting solar panels on the roof is the installation of the supporting platform to the rafter system. The fact is that fixation as such is performed not to the roof elements, but to the roof beams in the under-roof space.
From the attic side, a strong power frame is made, on the basis of which a welded profile structure will be fixed. It is best to use bolted connections so that the installation can be disconnected at any time. To do this, the holes are calculated in advance, the configuration of the mutual layout is formed, etc. Obviously, it will be necessary to create a technological opening in the roofing.
The process of installing solar panels on the roof
Each panel with photocells is enclosed in a metal profile frame. Manufacturers initially think through the configuration of the future mount, leaving gaps and holes for fixing. At the stage of installation of the panels, the corresponding fastening equipment should also be prepared on the supporting platform.
In addition, it is necessary to prepare damping and insulating materials. They will protect the mounting system from corrosion damage and strong vibrations from wind loads. This is a kind of lining between the supporting structure and panels. Next, the installation of solar panels on the roof at the selected point is carried out - by means of hardware through technological holes, the panel body is screwed to metal profiles. If possible, it is worth using adjustable or articulated locks to adjust the position of the panels.
Electrical events
No less crucial stage, at which network wiring and equipment connection is organized. There are different ways to solve these problems, but the most reliable method is the autonomous connection of solar panels on the roof with an independent power source. Panels with a converter and storage units are introduced into the autonomous power supply system. This will require generators with a small power of about 500 W with a household voltage of up to 220 V.
Wiring is done using a standard twisted pair cable with a thick layer of insulation for outdoor use. All equipment connections are made using electrical contactors - as a rule, they are included with the solar panels. As an alternative solution, you can think about the possibility of connecting to a central power grid, but then it will not work to use the power plant as a backup power source.
Integration of skylights on solar panels
Design-optimized version of the solar battery, which eliminates the need for special installation activities. The panel is already integrated in the roof window, therefore, only the installation of a frame structure is required. If desired, the panel can be removed from the supporting case and leave one window with shutters or other protective fittings.
Some manufacturers offer the installation of solar panels on the roof of the house in the finished dormer-windows. That is, the panel is designed and manufactured specifically for the dimensions of the existing opening, taking into account the characteristics of the frame. Then it remains only to make a few holes in the design of the window unit and bolt the panel. To connect the cable, a small channel is created with a wiring path leading to the attic or attic. Here, by the way, the equipment accumulating and converting energy can be located.
General workflow guidelines
Before starting work, you should sketch out an approximate plan for the location of the structure - this will not only determine the optimal method of fastening, but also minimize possible miscalculations of the installation. The manufacturers ’advice on mounting solar panels on the roof of a building should also be considered. For example, the instructions often note the need to maintain a gap between the surface of the panel body and the roofing. In order to optimally distribute energy over the entire area of the photocells, it is also recommended to place rectangular panels horizontally - that is, the long side along the ledge.
System operation
The best way to control the system is through automation. Modern household power plants using solar cells allow using the remote control to program the operation of both the panels and the storage equipment directly. But this does not mean that physical maintenance is not required. Periodically check the condition of the solar panels. On the roof of a private house, it is advisable to provide a small technical platform with a set of necessary tools and supplies. From time to time, regulatory operations, inspection of the photocells, cleaning of the structure and replacement of consumables, if necessary, will be necessary.
Solar reviews
In Russia, there are not many private homeowners who have tested the capabilities of solar panels. Nevertheless, the impressions of the first acquaintance with this source of energy are mostly positive. Even a relatively small coverage of the amount of energy required causes a positive response. Users note the wide possibilities of energy storage and distribution with subsequent rational use of it in accordance with requests.
On the other hand, many of those who installed a solar panel on the roof of their home note difficulties with maintenance and the high cost of consumables. The continued high cost of equipment remains the main obstacle to the spread of solar panels.
Conclusion
Despite the obvious benefits of developing alternative energy sources, there are still problems with their use at the mass consumer level. These are not only the technical nuances that users face, but also the conceptual features of energy generation. For example, the installation of solar panels on the roof in private country houses can only be justified in warm regions, where there are high rates of so-called insolation. This is a measure of solar energy that enters the earth with rays of light. And it is not at all the same in the southwest and northeast of the country, in particular. Experts also recommend taking into account the ratio between the required energy and the potential generated by solar panels. It is possible that even in conditions of favorable insolation rates, certain characteristics of the panels simply will not allow to achieve a positive effect of energy saving.