When transitioning to solar energy, the solar panel system design process is crucial for maximizing both efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Modern solar installation companies utilize cutting-edge technology and detailed planning to ensure your home’s solar system meets all technical requirements while maintaining your property’s visual appeal.
Our design and engineering team uses proprietary software, 3D modeling, and our comprehensive site survey data to produce your solar system design. We will share the design with you so you know exactly how the system will look on your home at installation. This is also the stage where we maximize your potential solar production.
Aesthetics are important, but so is cutting down your power bill, and we will always balance form with function. We will then submit the solar system design to your local building department and utility company. ESP works closely with these stakeholders, so all necessary permits and approvals are taken care of.
Balancing Form and Function
Here’s an in-depth look at how the solar panel design process works. Understanding what to look for in a solar EPC can help you make informed decisions.
ESP starts with state-of-the-art 3D modeling software that creates a precise digital representation of your home, based on satellite imagery and combined with the information retrieved by our site survey technician while on site, to model the perfect system for your home’s precise needs. Thanks to this technology, our solar panel engineers are able to:
– Analyze roof orientation and pitch
– Identify optimal panel placement locations
– Calculate potential shading issues
– Determine maximum solar production potential
– Create accurate visual representations of the final installation
A well-designed solar system must strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and performance. Professional designers and installers consider multiple factors:
Aesthetic Considerations
All solar panels are rectangular, but residential roofs come in many shapes and sizes. Achieving a consistent symmetrical appearance is desirable whenever possible, to fit inside the allowable area on each section or mounting plane of the roof. There’s also the visual angle – how does it look from street level? Some homes may be inside an HOA with strict covenants about placement and other factors, so we always ask if the homeowner has a preference on the location of the solar arrays. Engineers also need to integrate with existing roof obstructions and architectural features. When you think of your roof, you probably just imagine a big open area over your head. But if you start looking closer, there are all types of vents poking out. That often creates a scenario where a perfectly symmetrical array needs to be adjusted or offset. You may have larger units like a swamp cooler, satellite dish, or chimney that the solar will need to avoid, for aesthetics as well as production and safety.
Performance Optimization
Obviously, the core priority of solar is gaining maximum sun exposure throughout the day. Solar designers need to be strategic to avoid shading created by roof obstructions in the immediate area, or other bigger objects around the home like trees or other, taller neighboring houses. Optimizing the system for the homeowner’s energy needs could mean adding a panel or two on a separate array, or moving an entire section of panels to a different part of the roof.
Code Compliance & Permitting
Lastly, a designer has to be thoroughly familiar with building codes and permitting requirements to obtain the building permit for solar panels in the local municipality. There may be additional clearances under fire code that shrink the total useable roof space, or limit where certain components can be mounted. Getting the design approved by the homeowner and the city on the first go-around is always ideal, but in the event of corrections needed, we’ll get on it promptly to turn around an approval.
Once the design phase is complete, the project moves into the Permitting stage. There may be multiple parts of the permit process depending on the municipality. When the design is submitted to the city or county office (also called an AHJ or “Authority-Having Jurisdiction”), the plans need to include or address several things:
– The design plan set must contain detailed system specifications such as manufacturers used and individual components’ power output ratings
– The plans must include a structural analysis report compiled by the engineering team to ensure reinforcement is sufficient or additional support is needed
– Electrical diagrams and installation plans must show exactly how and where the solar system will hook into the home’s existing wiring
– The plans need to be signed off on by the building, electrical, and sometimes fire code officials before the installation can proceed
There’s also the utility company submission. Every power company has their own documentation and requirements to interconnect solar onto the grid, generally called a Net Metering or NEM program. The initial NEM submission happens here, with the expectation that the plans are approved and the installation passes inspection without any hangups. Professional solar companies maintain strong relationships with local authorities and utility providers in order to streamline these administrative processes for homeowners. Throughout the design process, the customer remains actively involved and informed so there are no surprises.
A professional solar design process combines technical expertise, aesthetic consideration, and regulatory compliance. Solar companies like ESP create systems that look great and deliver huge energy savings for years to come, by using this advanced technology and maintaining close communication with customers and regulatory bodies.
What comes next in the solar journey? Keep reading!