http://geekbeat.

tv/the-complete-guide-to-installing-a-pv-photovoltaic-solar-
panel-system/

Can I Get A Solar Panel System?

There are a number of things that had to be be expertly evaluated before we can
consider putting panels on my roof.

First, an engineer had to actually climb up on my roof, take measurements, inspect to

see if we have visibility to the south, and use a Solar Pathfinder to determine the times of day
that particular areas would be shaded.

If you’re going to get funding assistance, the electric company is going to require that
your roof is pointing in the right direction. This means it must be facing south within about a 20
degree window. If they can’t point the panels in that direction, you might as well not do it
because your solar generation drops dramatically.

Even if your roof points south, and nothing’s blocking the sun you still need to have an
engineering survey to determine if your roof can bear the additional weight! Our solar systems
only add about 5-6 pounds per square foot of roof loading, so most roofs should be able to take
it.

Second, you must bear in mind price. These systems are mostly guaranteed for 25
years! But it is the solar panels that are guaranteed for that long, but the inverters are not. So
when you’re doing your calculations you need to include the fact that you’re going to have to
spend thousands of dollars somewhere in the middle of the lifecycle for changing out parts.

Third, Choosing between Inverters and MicroInverters. Each type of inverter has its own
benefits. While micro-inverters are more efficient, they are also more costly. They are also
extremely reliable.

Shade: Sombra

To face: Mirar a

To drop: Caer

Roof: Tejado

South: Sur

Guaranteed: Garantizado

Inverter: Inversor

MicroInverter: Microinversor

Reliable: Fiable