1) The document outlines 5 easy steps to installing solar panels: do solar homework using free online tools, scout potential solar panel locations, find a credible solar company, make the solar decision, and complete the solar installation. 2) Step 1 involves using free online tools to assess electricity needs and design potential solar solutions. Step 2 is finding suitable locations for solar panels on rooftops or grounds. 3) Step 3 is selecting a reputable solar company to provide a site assessment and proposal. Step 4 is making the final solar decision and obtaining necessary approvals. Step 5 is overseeing the solar installation and commissioning.

1. 5 Easy Steps to Going Solar April 14, 2014
by Dr. Suhasini Pattewar
What better time to set your mind to a new initiative to be more in control of your electricity than
now. This will be the time that you go solar! Whether your motivation centers around the
economics of solar electricity or your business values to protect the environment using solar
energy, or maybe some combination of the two, installing solar panels and generating portion of
your own solar electricity is a worthwhile project. It’s easier than you think. Here are 5 easy
steps to help you become the solar champion in your institution. With each step, you will be
closer to getting ready and generating your own solar power in a matter of just a couple of
months.
Step 1 – Solar Homework
Good news is, with this article, you are almost there! Start by logging in to Sunipod Tools
(They’re free!). These tools are organized to walk you step by step right from assessing what is
your electricity load to more complex solar system design tools , financial assessment of solar
and environmental benefits of solar tools. Play with them for free and do a little scenario exercise
until you get a good idea of the exact size and type of solar power solution you need.
Solar Homework – Free Sunipod Solar Tools at tools.sunipod.com

2. If you are considering a rooftop solar installation, then you should also be thinking about your
roof and whether it is suitable for solar panels. Typically the weight of solar panels is spread out
over a large area. Check out specifications of solar panels and you can easily calculate the weight
per square feet that the solar power installation will exert on your roof. Generally speaking, the
weight of quality solar modules per square feet is similar to the weight of your laptop.
Using these tools is quick and easy with the simple help available right next to each input that
clearly explains what you need to do!
Step 2 – Solar Location
This is also a good time to speak with your facility or electrical management peers and business
managers about starting to use solar energy for electricity. Start scouting for potential locations.
Installing solar power solutions either on your rooftop or on the ground depends on availability
of space and the electricity generation goals. Some people love showing off their solar power
plants, plus there is no need to climb stairs to clean the solar modules when they are on the
ground, but it may take up valuable real estate while often the rooftops lie open and unused.
Once there is more clarity around this, its time start evaluation your options. Are you installing
your system on your roof or on your property? Remember that in India (and most of the northern
hemisphere) the solar panels need to be facing south to maximize the exposure to sun and
optimize power generated. Calculate the area required for solar using the simple area calculator
tool.
Solar Installation Location is an Important Decision

3. Step 3 – Solar Company
Having decided on the type and size of solar solution you are going for and confirming that there
is area available to install the solar panels, now is the time to look for the right solar power
company. The internet is generally a good place to start looking at solar company websites.
Contact the solar power company that looks credible and has all the technical information you
need to feel confident about them. Ask if they can provide a free assessment and proposal. This
way you can validate their recommendations with your requirements. Make an appointment and
have them assess your requirements with a site review and to make suggestions for the right solar
power solution along with techno-commercial details of solar solution recommended. Make sure
they explain to you how you can best accumulate tax benefits from your solar investment. A
good solar company should also know about best financing incentives and options available.
Solar Company Must Provide Necessary Information

4. Step 4 – Solar Decision
It’s decision time! Now that you have techno-commercial proposals and the business feasibility
all worked out you have to decide which solar installer works best with you and which system to
go with. It is also the time to get sanctions from finance or have all the documentations ready
that may be necessary for financing from banks or leasing etc. Double check with your electrical
management or facilities team about the installation process – by now you should now have at
your fingertips all the information required to order and complete the installation. With the go
ahead from your senior management, you can seal the deal with your chosen solar company and
schedule and installation over a suitable period. Depending on your system size solar solution
installation can take from a couple of days to more than a couple of weeks. Make sure that the
designated rooftop is clean and clear from debris before the installation.
Solar Commissioning Checks are Must
Step 5 – Solar Installation
Your solar components have arrived! The installation day you’ve worked for is finally here!
Soon, you’ll be turning solar energy into electricity; saving you money and helping your
institution protect the environment. But to make sure that you are getting the most bang for your
buck, make sure the solar company provides you with a full commissioning report. This will take
some involvement from you as well. Walk through your solar installation to check the solar
company has delivered everything they promised. Have them describe the solar solution installed
and every part of it along with the benefits of their way of doing things. A lot can be discovered
including the quality of installation simply by visual inspection. Communicate any doubts and

5. get clarifications, now is the time. Get all the documentation from them. Before you consider
your installation complete, also take a moment to read about the importance of regular
maintenance for your solar panels. Make sure the solar company has educated and trained your
staff on using and basic maintenance tasks of your solar station. Remember you have already
started saving from day one…the sun shall rise as always!
Now that you are armed with these simple steps, it’s time to get started! You have already taken
the first step in making your resolution to going solar by reading this article. Follow through with
the other steps and you can be a solar champion and not just a solar dreamer!