Install your own solar panels : designing and installing a photovoltaic system to power your home

2017·36.02 MB·English

by  Joseph Burdick

For Daniel, Billie, and Lisa Burdick,
for living exemplary lives that give me continued inspiration.
— JB
For Diana,
It shines on us, too, and helps us all grow.
Infinity Googolplex
— PS

CONTENTS
Introduction
1. The Basics
Anatomy of a Solar-Electric System
Can I Install My Own PV System?
Going Solar — From Start to Finish
Working with Solar Professionals
Answering the Big Three
2. Assessing Your Site
Measuring Area, Slope, and Azimuth
Sizing Your System with PVWatts
Snow, Wind, and Shade
3. Choosing PV Hardware
Modules
Module Support Structures
Inverters and DC Optimizers
4. Designing Your System
PV Circuit Fundamentals
The Design Process
Sample System Designs
One-Line Electrical Diagrams
Wire Types for PV Systems
5. Getting Ready to Install
Permitting and Inspections
Shopping Solar
Solar Financials
Assembling Your Crew
6. Mechanical Installation: Rooftop
Laying Out the Racking
Installing Footers and Rails
Installing Modules
7. Mechanical Installation: Ground-Mount
Setting the Support Posts
Assembling the Ground-Mount Structure
8. Electrical Installation
Final Project Steps
Running Conduit
Component Connections
Final Inspection and Turning On Your PV System
9. Off-Grid System Design
Off-Grid Basics
Batteries
Sample Off-Grid System Design
10. Beyond Installation: Tips for Troubleshooting, Maintaining,
and Monitoring Your PV System
PV Safety Rules
Shutdown and Startup Procedures
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Monitoring Your System
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Metric Conversions
Index
Save Your Resources and the Planet’s with More Books from Storey
Copyright
Share Your Experience!