Installation – Our journey to Solar Electricity (part 3)

After months of preparation, we were finally ready for actual installation. On April 18, 2007, our solar installer (PVSquared) arrived on site despite the weather being in the low 40’s and it spitting rain. On the first day, the roof mounts were installed. The roof mounts are essentially the supports that are attached to the roof rafters that will support the rails. These supports are flanged to protect any water from seeping into the roof.

On day 2 of the install (April 19, 2007), the roof rails were built and installed on the roof mounts. The roof rails will hold the actual solar panels and allow the whole structure to be wired together. Also on day 2, the installation for the grid disconnect, inverter and solar meter were started. And most exciting of all, on day 2 the 18 solar modules were actually delivered to the site.

On day 3 of the install (April 20, 2007), the installation of the grid disconnect, inverter and solar meter were completed as well as the pulling of the DC drop from the roof to the inverter.

On day 4 of the install (April 23, 2007), the roof rails were wired and the first panels started to get installed.

On day 5 of the install (April 24, 2007), the panels were installed on the roof rails and wired and tested. It should be noted that the installation was completed despite the fact that it started raining in middle of the afternoon and the installers were completely soaked.

Our journey continues with inspections and commissioning in part 4…