Find out what you need to install a solar panel

The installation of solar panels has increasingly attracted the interest of Brazilians, following the global trend of using renewable energy. In addition to being an economically viable solution, this technology offers numerous advantages, such as significantly reducing electricity bills and contributing to environmental preservation.

With the increased interest in Photovoltaic systems, many questions arise about the process of installing solar panels. With this in mind, Canal Solar has prepared this comprehensive article to clarify the main steps in the photovoltaic system installation process.

How does the solar panel photovoltaic system work?

A solar panel, or photovoltaic module, is a set of solar cells responsible for converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These cells are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which, when absorbing solar radiation, generate a flow of electric current.

In addition to the cells, the solar panel is made up of photovoltaic glass, junction box, cables, connectors, aluminum frame, encapsulant and backsheet (white sheet made of a polymer that covers the back).

The electricity generated by solar cells is in the form of direct current (DC), which needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) to be used in homes and businesses. This conversion is done by a solar inverter, which adjusts the power to the standard of the electrical grid. photovoltaic modules are interconnected in series and parallel to obtain the desired voltage and power in the system.

Solar panels and other equipment can be installed in homes, businesses, industries, farms and areas without a connection to the public electricity grid. Photovoltaic systems can be on-grid or off-grid, as we will see below.

What is an on-grid photovoltaic system?

An on-grid photovoltaic system is a renewable electricity production model that operates in direct connection with the power grid of utility companies, such as ENEL, CPFL and Energisa. If the solar energy generation is greater than the consumption at the time, the surplus is injected into the utility grid, enabling the creation of energy credits.

These credits can be used later when the system is not generating enough electricity, such as at night or on cloudy days. This ensures optimized consumption and a significant reduction in the electricity bill, making the installation of solar panels an efficient and economically advantageous solution for those who want to use solar energy.

In addition to saving money, on-grid systems are more affordable than those with batteries, since they do not require storage. However, since they depend on the power grid, they do not work in the event of power outages, as automatic shutdown is necessary to ensure the safety of technicians working on the grid.

What is an off-grid photovoltaic system?

While on-grid systems are connected to the public electricity grid and use the utility as a kind of “virtual battery”, off-grid systems operate independently, without any connection to the grid.

This means that, in the off-grid model, all the energy generated by the solar panels must be consumed immediately or stored in batteries for later use. This feature makes this type of system ideal for remote locations where there is no electrical infrastructure available, such as rural areas.

However, off-grid systems have a higher initial cost due to the need for batteries, which represent one of the most expensive components of a solar panel installation, although prices have fallen significantly in recent months.

Furthermore, these systems require a accurate sizing to ensure that the stored energy is sufficient to meet user demand, avoiding the risk of electricity shortages during periods of low solar generation.

What is needed to install solar panels?

Under no circumstances should you install solar panels yourself. This should be done by qualified professionals with experience in this type of project. To install solar panels, the professional must take courses and obtain a series of certifications, such as working at heights, installing and maintaining electrical networks, among others.

A photovoltaic system is made up of different components that work together to transform sunlight into usable electricity. The main elements are:

• Photovoltaic modules: capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC);
• Solar inverter: converts the direct current generated by the modules into alternating current (AC), which is the standard used in homes and businesses;
• String box: acts as a protection and connection system, ensuring the safety of the modules and facilitating the connection between the modules and the inverter;
• Fixing structures: responsible for keeping the photovoltaic modules correctly positioned to capture the maximum amount of sunlight and withstand the mechanical stresses imposed by the wind;
• Photovoltaic cables: transport the energy generated by the modules to the inverter and then to the building's electrical panel. They differ from conventional cables mainly because they have more layers of insulation and UV protection, as well as a layer of tin around the copper;
• Batteries: used to store energy in cases where off-grid systems are used.

Installing solar panels involves high risks and requires a complex infrastructure, with interconnected components that require specialized technical knowledge. Therefore, it is essential to hire certified professionals, trained in safety standards and photovoltaic systems, to ensure energy efficiency and avoid accidents.

What do you need to know to install solar panels?

Solar panels are installed by attaching brackets to roofs or using structures mounted on the ground. The engineering design must take into account several factors, such as the number and weight of the panels, shading, wind load, roof slope, positioning of the panels (usually facing north), among other aspects.

The installer, or solar integrator, must be equipped with appropriate tools, such as personal protective equipment, ladders, screwdriver, open-end wrenches, Allen keys, saw, rubber hammer, connector crimping pliers, photovoltaic connector disconnection wrenches, pliers, multimeter and megohmmeter. In addition, it is recommended to use an elevator to perform the installation in high places.

Check the incidence of the Sun on the solar panel

Although solar panels generate energy even in cloudy conditions, their maximum efficiency requires high solar exposure. Therefore, geographic location is critical: it is necessary to consider latitude, roof orientation and absence of shadows to optimize radiation capture.

Strategic positioning (such as north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere) and adjustable tilt angle are essential techniques for maximizing energy generation. Therefore, a detailed technical design and professional solar panel installation ensure that the system operates at maximum and safe performance.

Cost analysis

Photovoltaic systems vary in functionality and value, from on-grid (connected to the grid) to off-grid (autonomous) models. Therefore, choosing the ideal type for your home or business requires technical analysis.

In addition to the efficiency of the modules and the initial investment, evaluate the useful life of the system (25 to 30 years) and the payback (financial return between 4 and 7 years), ensuring that the installation of solar panels will bring long-term benefits. This combination of criteria ensures that environmental sustainability goes hand in hand with economic viability.

Structure for the solar panel

The installation of solar panels requires aluminum and/or stainless steel structures, designed to withstand weather conditions and ensure the correct positioning of the modules.

Improvising supports or adapting inappropriate materials not only harms energy efficiency (due to the wrong angle), but also the integrity of the roof, increasing the risk of leaks or structural damage to the property.

The process must be carried out exclusively by qualified professionals, following an engineering project that includes: structural calculation to verify the mechanical load capacity of the roof; specific tools (such as anti-corrosive fasteners and anchoring devices); compliance with technical standards to ensure safety and durability; and, in some special cases, devices to prevent corrosion.

Therefore, the safe installation of solar panels combines maximum system performance with property preservation.

Fixing items for the solar panel

Fixing solar panels requires specific components to ensure safety and durability. Essential items include adjustable aluminum profiles (which control the height of the panels), hexagonal and hammer head screws (for precise fastening), lock washers and anti-loosening nuts, as well as a hexagonal socket wrench to apply the correct torque.

All materials must follow technical standards and have anti-corrosive treatment to resist inclement weather.

professional follow-up

Professional installation is essential, as it ensures that the system is assembled in accordance with structural calculations, avoiding damage to the roof and optimizing energy efficiency.

Roof analysis is a crucial step in installing solar panels. Only a specialist can ensure that the building can support the weight of the panels and identify critical points (such as leaks or fragile materials), avoiding the risk of permanent damage.

The incidence of winds must also be mapped, as intense winds can generate dynamic loads that compromise the fixing of the panels and reduce energy efficiency.

Documentation

The “access report” is a mandatory document prior to the installation of a solar panel, essential to validate the technical and legal conditions for connection to the electricity grid. It assesses the viability of the location, including distribution infrastructure, network capacity and safety standards, and must be requested directly from the energy provider, with guaranteed issuance within 34 business days.

After approval, the document releases the installation within regulatory standards (such as Normative Resolution 1.000/2021 of the ANEEL), ensuring that the system operates in compliance with the public network. Skipping this step makes it impossible to project approval (i.e., the receipt of credits), in addition to generating risks of fines and disconnection from the system by the distributor.

Do you want to specialize in installing solar panels?

Installing photovoltaic systems requires technical knowledge and specific certifications to ensure safety and efficiency. If you want to work in this promising market, it is essential to seek professional training.

No Canal Solar, we offer complete courses to help you master all stages of installation and stand out in the sector. Access now: https://educacional.canalsolar.com.br/showcase

Conclusion

Solar energy is a sustainable and economical solution that has been gaining ground in Brazil, but its installation requires technical knowledge and planning.

Choosing between on-grid and off-grid systems, evaluating the positioning of the panels and ensuring a safe installation are fundamental steps to achieving energy efficiency and financial return.

Furthermore, following regulatory standards and relying on qualified professionals avoids structural problems and ensures maximum system performance.