Flatiron Solar - Concept, Design and Installation
Concept, Design and Installation Let Flatiron Solar guide you in your decision of what type of solar system and how big of a solar system is best. We’ll consider your homes energy profile and suggest the best financial, economic, and natural solution. A Flatiron Solar representative will visit your home to measure your roof, assess the shading if any, and talk with you about rebates and tax credits. The different types of solar systems produce electricity or heat. Choosing one or both for your home depends on two things, available sunny roof space to put the solar panels, the amount of electricity or gas used currently, and the price of those utilities. See How Much Does Solar Cost for sizing and cost. |
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There are several design options for a solar system. The first choice is hot water or electricity. One part of your decision is your personal choice for your own reasons. Maybe you think photovoltaic (electric) system is cool. You may want a solar electric system or you like the idea of making electricity from silicone or you like somebody else paying for half the system for you.
Types of Solar Systems
Types of Solar Systems
- Solar Electric Grid Tied
- Solar Electric Grid Tied with Battery Backup
- No Solar Electric System with Battery Backup
- Solar Electric Grid Independent (off-grid with batteries)
- Solar Hot Water for Domestic Hot Water (DHW)
- Solar Hot Water for Space Heating
- Solar Hot Air System
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Layout and Concept Drawing
The layout may be very important to the look and aesthetic appeal to your homes architecture. Typically a solar system is easily seen on your roof and you may want to know what it’s going to look like before purchasing. Flatiron Solar will create for you a concept drawing showing your home with a solar system. This will give you an idea of how much space the solar panels take up, how the conduit is routed from the roof to the area where your utility meter is located, and what components, disconnects and inverters, look like. These edited pictures will also be used as a pictorial guide describing each part and how to turn on/off the system so anybody can be comfortable operating their new solar system. |
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Installation
Installation is the labor of any solar system. How do you get the panels on the roof is sometimes a ladder and muscle, a lift, or a crane. All the details come together at this point to ensure a quality installation which is designed to last 50 years or more. Flatiron Solar always uses roof jacks or flashing for (picture) every anchoring foot or piping penetration. This ensures the solar system lasts at least for 30+
years. Every design detail is followed per the approved permit package and the manufacturer’s instructions and directions. All components are engineered to withstand the forces of nature such as hail, wind, and snow. After installation Flatiron Solar inspects everything and tests the production of the system.
Installation is the labor of any solar system. How do you get the panels on the roof is sometimes a ladder and muscle, a lift, or a crane. All the details come together at this point to ensure a quality installation which is designed to last 50 years or more. Flatiron Solar always uses roof jacks or flashing for (picture) every anchoring foot or piping penetration. This ensures the solar system lasts at least for 30+
years. Every design detail is followed per the approved permit package and the manufacturer’s instructions and directions. All components are engineered to withstand the forces of nature such as hail, wind, and snow. After installation Flatiron Solar inspects everything and tests the production of the system.
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Permit Package Preparation
Flatiron Solar is familiar with many of the cities and counties permit requirements from installing systems throughout the Denver/Boulder metro area. We usually pass the first inspection because our trained and experienced employees and our master electrician is experienced and knowledgeable and up to date with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC). Everybody at Flatiron Solar has over five years experience designing installing and servicing solar systems. There won’t be a “new guy, learning on the job” on your home or business. The permit package, a concise and thorough assembly of documents, can be the key to an expedient and approved installation which meets and surpasses code requirements. This may be the technical part a homeowner do it yourself (DIY) may want Flatiron Solar to help with. Flatiron Solar maintains a friendly and open relationship with each and every inspector. The inspections are an important milestone of each project, not only for understanding the background of each safety aspect of the electrical code but also to demonstrate progress and completion of the steps to completing your project.
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Electrical Diagram or One Line Diagram
The electrical diagram is called the one line diagram because the wiring is depicted in the diagram a one single line representing three or four or six wires in reality. This simplifies and clarifies the connections and routing of wires on a drawing which would otherwise be cumbersome to look at and understand. Filled with electrical calculations and the design of the system, it is closely looked at and approved by the inspector or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). |
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Verifying Production of Electricity
Upon completion of every installation, a production verification letter is sent to each client. This letter answers the question, “How do I know the solar system is working?” This is determined by measuring the energy hitting the solar panels and seeing how much energy is being produced by the inverter, energy in versus energy out. Some energy is lost because of the conversion from DC to AC or solar panel electricity to home electricity... |
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Concept Drawing and Layout
Part of the design process is choosing the right panel, both for looks and function. A concept drawing will show your roof and home and then solar panels will be added to give you an idea of how they will look and where they will be installed. For some clients, this is the most important aspect as home pride if very important to maintain, it sometimes makes you happy driving up to your home and admiring the view. Associated with the looks, the number of panels possible can be determined by using a drawing or cad program. Some panels are inches longer or narrower allowing for one more column or row to get to that 100% elimination of your utility bill.
Part of the design process is choosing the right panel, both for looks and function. A concept drawing will show your roof and home and then solar panels will be added to give you an idea of how they will look and where they will be installed. For some clients, this is the most important aspect as home pride if very important to maintain, it sometimes makes you happy driving up to your home and admiring the view. Associated with the looks, the number of panels possible can be determined by using a drawing or cad program. Some panels are inches longer or narrower allowing for one more column or row to get to that 100% elimination of your utility bill.