Solar Electric - part 2

We finally got our solar panels installed. This is the house before.

The first thing they had to do was put some bracing in the attic. This was part of the delay. Getting approval from the structural engineer. The panels weigh about 150 lbs and he was concerned with load in the winter time. Better be safe than sorry.

The solar panels. There are 16 but they actually come 2 together, so only 8 boxes. They are about 5' X 5' approximately.

Here is the back side. Each panel has a microinverter (bottom left). The solar panel turns the suns rays into DC power. The micro inverter converts it to AC Power.

Here you can see one of the panels ready to go on roof. Takes 4 guys. 2 on the bottom and 2 on the roof.

With the panels comes additional electric sub panels. There is also an additional meter to measure the amount of solar power generated.Here are the brackets installed on the roof to hold the panels. Some solar systems have a much more elaborate racking system. This system is actually called Solar in a Box and is much easier to install.

Here is a closeup of the panel. You can see the wires that are used to hook it to the remaining panels and ultimately the electric panel.

Another view of the mounting hardware along with the first panel at the far end of the roof.

Almost done. Only 1 more panel to go after the one they are working on. Took less than 6 hours to mount the panels. The electric hook up was much longer.