Contents

Anatomy of a Solar-Electric System

Can I Install My Own PV System?

Going Solar — From Start to Finish

Working with Solar Professionals

Answering the Big Three

2. Assessing Your Site

Measuring Area, Slope, and Azimuth

Sizing Your System with PVWatts

Snow, Wind, and Shade

3. Choosing PV Hardware

Module Support Structures

Inverters and DC Optimizers

4. Designing Your System

PV Circuit Fundamentals

The Design Process

Sample System Designs

One-Line Electrical Diagrams

Wire Types for PV Systems

5. Getting Ready to Install

Permitting and Inspections

Solar Financials

Assembling Your Crew

6. Mechanical Installation: Rooftop

Laying Out the Racking

Installing Footers and Rails

Installing Modules

7. Mechanical Installation: Ground-Mount

Setting the Support Posts

Assembling the Ground-Mount Structure

8. Electrical Installation

Final Project Steps

Running Conduit

Component Connections

Final Inspection and Turning On Your PV System

9. Off-Grid System Design

Off-Grid Basics

Sample Off-Grid System Design

10. Beyond Installation: Tips for Troubleshooting, Maintaining, and Monitoring Your PV System

PV Safety Rules

Shutdown and Startup Procedures

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Monitoring Your System

Acknowledgments

Metric Conversions

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