10 Things to Pay Attention to During Solar Plant Installation

Have you ever wondered how solar energy can change the way you power your home or business?

Click here to get more.

Well, solar power is no longer just a trendy idea, but it’s becoming a new reality of energy solutions worldwide. And there are good reasons for it – two of the most prominent being rising electricity costs and environmental concerns.

However, solar plant installation is not just about putting up panels on a roof or a plot of land – there’s more to it. Solar power plant installation is about creating an efficient and cost-effective system that will perform well for years to come.

You need to consider several factors that play a significant role in determining the performance and overall success of solar plants. In this blog, we have listed down all those factors, starting from design to ongoing maintenance and everything in between that matter.

So, let’s take a step-by-step look at each aspect.

1. Site Selection and Location

The first and most important thing you need to consider for your solar power plant installation is the location as the efficiency of a solar system depends largely on the environment around it.

Whether you’re installing solar plants on your roof or land, you must consider the orientation and available space. The Issues and Solutions in Industrial Solar Power Plant Installation, Plus, make sure there’s minimal shading from trees or buildings throughout the day, as this can drastically reduce energy production.

Moreover, the location you choose also influences the solar plant installation cost. If your site requires extra work like tree removal, additional wiring, or structural modifications, costs can add up quickly.

A well-chosen location maximizes energy output, making the initial investment worthwhile in the long run.

2. Solar Plant Design and System Layout

Once the location is decided, another aspect you need to consider is the design and system layout of the solar plant because a successful solar plant installation begins with a well-thought-out design.

Your system needs to be sized appropriately based on your energy needs and available space.

The placement of solar panels, inverters, and wiring should be carefully planned to avoid unnecessary maintenance and potential efficiency losses. A good design can also help you minimize solar plant installation costs by utilizing available space and avoiding unnecessary equipment.

The best part? Proper layout reduces the chances of system failure and increases long-term performance, saving on costly repairs and maintenance down the line.

3. Permits and Regulations

Did you know that most solar plant installations require specific permits and approvals?

You need to make sure you are following local zoning laws, and utility company regulations, and have building codes that are in accordance with government policies. When you have all of these in place, you can save yourself from big delays and extra costs.

Not following the rules can lead to fines or having to redo portions of the installation, which can significantly increase the solar plant installation cost. It’s always recommended to check with local authorities and utility providers before you proceed with the project.

4. Estimating Solar Plant Installation Costs

Moving forward, it’s important that before you commit to a solar power plant installation, you have an understanding of the key factors that contribute to the overall cost.

Consider factors like - the size of the system, labor fees, material quality, and location. All of these play a role in determining the solar plant installation cost.

For you to get an accurate estimate, we recommend you consult with a few trusted solar EPC solution provider and get detailed quotes. Also consider potential incentives and rebates from government programs, as they can significantly reduce the total investment. Doing your own research on solar plant installation costs could save you thousands in the long run.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Yijia.

Featured content:
How to Save Money When Buying custom solar panels

5. Choosing the Right Solar Equipment

The quality of the equipment you choose can make or break your solar system so make sure that the solar panels, inverters, and mounting systems you choose are durable, efficient, and reliable.

Buying solar power plant installation equipment from well-known brands can help you get good warranties so that you can have peace of mind while ensuring high efficiency.

Never overlook the importance of selecting the right components as the equipment choices you make impact the overall lifespan of your system, maintenance requirements, and energy output. Investing in high-quality equipment might increase the initial solar plant installation cost, but it will surely pay off through long-term performance and fewer repairs.

6. Professional Installation vs. DIY

While DIY projects are becoming more popular, when you are doing a B2B or a large-scale project, you need to have professional help for solar plant installation.

When you hire certified professionals, you can be rest assured that the job is done safely and efficiently as experienced installers understand the technical aspects of setting up solar panels, electrical connections, and system configurations – all of these minimize the risk of errors.

Figuring out all of these by yourself may save you money upfront, but they could lead to poor performance, safety issues, and costly repairs. It’s always a good idea to hire professionals who are well-versed in solar power plant installation to ensure everything runs smoothly.

7. System Sizing and Capacity

When designing your solar power system, it’s essential to properly size it according to your energy needs. If you install a system that’s too small, you might not generate enough electricity to meet your needs, leading to higher utility bills.

On the other hand, if you install an oversized solar power plant, you may need to bear unnecessary upfront costs and increased maintenance.

The key is to find the right balance between panel capacity, available space, and your energy requirements. A properly sized solar power plant system will ensure both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

8. Safety Precautions During Installation

You can’t ignore the importance of safety during solar plant installation. Whether you are installing solar plant for business, you need to make sure that you are following proper safety measures.

Taking safety measures means that you are following the guidelines, have the right tools, and avoid risks like electrical shock, falls, and equipment damage.

9. Maintenance and Monitoring Plans

Once your solar power plant installation is complete, you need to follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep the solar plant running efficiently. This includes periodic cleaning, checking for damage, and making sure all components are working correctly.

Additionally, installing a monitoring system will allow you to track the performance of your solar power plant in real time. This will help you detect issues early, minimizing downtime and reducing repair costs.

10. Future Expansion and Scalability

One of the best ways to maximize the value of your solar plant installation is to plan for future expansion. As your energy needs grow, having the flexibility to add more panels, upgrade inverters, or incorporate energy storage systems can help you keep up with demand.

Ensuring that your system is scalable from the beginning can save you the hassle and extra costs of retrofitting or rebuilding parts of the system later.

Consult KPI Green Energy for B2B and Commercial Solar Power Plant Installation Today!

Installing a solar power plant is a big decision, but with the right approach, it can pay off significantly in both the short and long term.

By carefully considering factors like site selection, design, costs, and maintenance, you can ensure that your solar plant installation is a success. Remember to also account for future scalability and monitor your system regularly to maximize energy production.

Whether you're considering solar energy for a home or business, these tips will help guide you toward a more cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solution. So, take your time, do your research, and plan your solar power plant installation with confidence!

Contact us for

Sustainable, reliable & affordable energy systems

Are you interested in learning more about solar farm mounting system? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

FAQS

Good information, would you ever use treated lumbar with spanning rails such as the xr as suggested ?

There is nothing wrong with lumber, I would use definitely consider using it with the following caution. There are several grades of treated lumber available. Typical treated lumber at the hardware store is generally more for indoor use as a bottom sil plate for framing and is most likely not #1 or better lumber. Just make sure whatever product you choose is graded and that you use the proper structural SPAN, weight loading charts for the particular product you are using.

There is nothing wrong with lumber, I would use definitely consider using it with the following caution. There are several grades of treated lumber available. Typical treated lumber at the hardware store is generally more for indoor use as a bottom sil plate for framing and is most likely not #1 or better lumber. Just make sure whatever product you choose is graded and that you use the proper structural SPAN, weight loading charts for the particular product you are using.

You are correct there are differences. Non ground contact meant for your sil plates and general outdoor deck construction where posts will stand on pier blocks. Ground contact where it is to come in contact with bare earth. Like 4x4 posts.

Where I use to work I would build and install what they called valve boxes. They were berried about 6‘ under ground with a lid at the top and steps to the bottom to access underground valves to operate a large irrigation system on a farm. I was told that if made out of ground contact wood they would last 15-20 years before replacement.

They had a guy working for them sometime before me that just bought the cheap non contact lumber. Well I was replacing them before the other ground contact type. maybe 7-10 years. You don't mention what climate you're in. If you have frost depth, you either need piers that extend below the frost line or make one floating slab for the whole array to ride on top of. Piers in really rocky soil means you'll probably have to hire someone with a rock drill who can put in ground screws to the proper depth.
If you don't have frost, you can use either precast concrete ballast, or poured in place ballast. They aren't connected together so they will rise and fall differently if you have frost heave, which will damage your panels and/or mounting system. So you would only be able to use them in warm climates.
There are all kinds of ground mount companies, the biggie is Iron Ridge which is expensive. I used Sunmodo, cheaper and more than adequate for residential applications. In all cases treated lumber could work, but for an array your size the warping and twisting of treated lumber may become a problem because it may damage your panels or the other mounting components. It's also more involved grounding the panels if you use lumber because the entire mounting structure doesn't have electrical continuity. I used ground screws but if I had it to do over I would pour a slab and set the mounting bolts in the concrete when it's poured. We're on glacial till and it was very difficult getting the ground screws in plumb and deep enough. I used Unirac ULA. Other people here use Iron Ridge (I think less expensive than Unirac).
Small structure may not need building permit depending on your location.
The vendors can provide structural drawings, designed for wind and earthquake loading.

Obviously, rock you'll have to deal with. What I did was use anchor bolts into existing concrete; big enough rocks and that might work for you. Or core-drill and bond uprights (e.g. 2" pipe) to the rock in an appropriate manner.
I could also imagine removing what soil you could until you hit rock, built footings, and ballast them with rocks.

You don't mention what climate you're in. If you have frost depth, you either need piers that extend below the frost line or make one floating slab for the whole array to ride on top of. Piers in really rocky soil means you'll probably have to hire someone with a rock drill who can put in ground screws to the proper depth.

Good point , yes we have a frost depth of approximately 30” Just remember that if you're going with some type of surface mounting that we are worried about UPLIFT, not snow loading or foundation area.

Solar panels don't sink into the ground because of a bad foundation, they get ripped out of the ground because the wind wants to make them fly.

One fairly cheap way to make a surface base is to use concrete ballast blocks. Some 2x4's and plywood to make an 8 or 10 foot long block that is 2 feet wide and maybe 16 inches tall. Instead of filling it with solid concrete, you can dump in some busted concrete or large rocks. It doesn't need to be strong, just heavy. Fabricate some mounting studs for the pressure treated lumber or steel and you're all set.

Lumber is pretty expensive right now..

Just remember that if you're going with some type of surface mounting that we are worried about UPLIFT, not snow loading or foundation area.

Solar panels don't sink into the ground because of a bad foundation, they get ripped out of the ground because the wind wants to make them fly.

One fairly cheap way to make a surface base is to use concrete ballast blocks. Some 2x4's and plywood to make an 8 or 10 foot long block that is 2 feet wide and maybe 16 inches tall. Instead of filling it with solid concrete, you can dump in some busted concrete or large rocks. It doesn't need to be strong, just heavy. Fabricate some mounting studs for the pressure treated lumber or steel and you're all set.

Lumber is pretty expensive right now..

Along this same lines, I've heard advice to keep a bit of gap between each of the panels so the wind can bleed through, so you don't wind up having as large of a contiguous sail...

Does anyone have recommendations for good ground mount systems ? I would like to do approximately 48 panels in some rocky soil

Thanks

I just spent two months after work, installing 20,600w or 48 ea QCells at 45° PV array angle on a shale/clay 36° slope, using 48 ea 4x4 post (8’-16’ L), sprayed termite spray, dried them sealed all posts with Black synthetic rubber, dug with post hole diggers/chisel as deep as possible, for shallow holes I poured concrete above ground inside a 12”-14” cylinder, Sealed top of concrete to posts with synthetic rubber, 34 pieces Unistrut, 22 ea 2x4x12’ bracing, 150+ lbs of concrete per post, 112 ea 3/8” x 2.5” ss bolts, 112 ea Belleville washers, 96 ea 3/8” x 4” galv lag bolts. It’s withstood 40 mph winds so far. Going around perimeter with 1x10 oak boards, spaced about 4” apart for a wind block, visual appeal, panel perimeter security and extra weight. Wiring now...

I think since I am unable to dig that deep I’m going to do something like this but out of wood. I’m going to mount my panels landscape so their surface area is going to be 28’w by 7’ tall. How would I calculate how large to make my concrete blocks? I found a calculator for pounds per square foot. I’m thinking of probably 8 legs. 200# ea 300#?

Hey if you need more weight, you could also distribute it sideways, by building a frame on the bottom that holds standard cinderblocks (or the solid ones). I remember when I was doing wireless internet, and we would install non-penetrating roof mounts, they had like a frame holder (simple angle iron rectangles), and you could put 10 cinderblocks on the smaller ones, and 20 on bigger ones (and more on even larger ones), to hold a large terrestrial dish antenna mount, without drilling any holes in the roof, but the weight was super heavy, you could even stack them double high on the cinderblocks if you needed more weight.

I just spent two months after work, installing 20,600w or 48 ea QCells at 45° PV array angle on a shale/clay 36° slope, using 48 ea 4x4 post (8’-16’ L), sprayed termite spray, dried them sealed all posts with Black synthetic rubber, dug with post hole diggers/chisel as deep as possible, for shallow holes I poured concrete above ground inside a 12”-14” cylinder, Sealed top of concrete to posts with synthetic rubber, 34 pieces Unistrut, 22 ea 2x4x12’ bracing, 150+ lbs of concrete per post, 112 ea 3/8” x 2.5” ss bolts, 112 ea Belleville washers, 96 ea 3/8” x 4” galv lag bolts. It’s withstood 40 mph winds so far. Going around perimeter with 1x10 oak boards, spaced about 4” apart for a wind block, visual appeal, panel perimeter security and extra weight. Wiring now...

This sounds exactly like what I was planning. Could you share some photos?