As an electrical technician, you may be asked to install solar panels on a property. Although this is not something that electricians would have needed to know too much about in the past, the fact is that solar power electricity is growing in popularity, and it would be surprising if you didn’t come across it in your work. 

There are a number of things you need to know about solar power installation before you can confidently talk to customers about it or carry out any kind of installation. This guide should help you know more so that you can help your customers decide whether solar electric power is right for them and their property. Read on to find out more. 

Different Types Of Solar Panels 

It might be surprising, but there are actually four different types of solar panels, and as an electrical technician, you’ll need to know about each one of them. In this way, you can ensure you recommend the right panels to your customers. 

The first type of solar power system to discuss is monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels (which you might also see referred to as single-crystal panels) are, as the names suggest, made from just one silicon crystal that is cut into slices. You’ll know these types of panels from the dark black look they have; this comes from the pure silicon they are made of. These panels are the most long-lasting and efficient type of solar panel, but that also makes them the most expensive. 

The next type of solar panel is the polycrystalline solar panel. Rather than just one silicone crystal, these panels are made from multiple crystals. The crystals are mixed together and poured into a mold to achieve the panel effect. They are more cost-effective as there is little to no wastage, but they are less efficient due to the way they are made. 

Passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) panels are another option. These solar panels use new technology to make them much more efficient; they can actually reflect light into the cell, meaning that even more UV radiation is absorbed. You might think this makes them expensive, but even though they utilize new tech, they are easy to make, and therefore the cost is not prohibitive. 

Finally, there are thin-film solar panels. These are flexible panels, which means they can be cut to any size and fit any roof space. For awkward spaces that might not otherwise be able to have solar panels installed, these are ideal. 

How To Install Solar Panels 

For customers, by far the best way to undergo a solar power installation for their homes is to pay an expert to do it for them, which is why it’s so important for electricians to understand how to do this work. 

The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the working area is safe. Ideally, this will mean installing scaffolding so that you can work on the roof with a good, solid platform to stand on. Not only does this keep you safe, but it protects the panels as well – these could be damaged if they were to fall. You must also wear the correct safety equipment. Although with plenty of training and experience, you will know how to stay safe, the fact is that accidents can still happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

The next step is to install the solar panel mounts and then the panels themselves. The mounts keep the panels in place and must be in the right position before the solar panel system can be installed. 

Once these elements are installed, the solar panels must be connected to the electricity grid. This is perhaps the main reason why an electrician should do this work rather than a homeowner; you’ll know how to do this safely and efficiently. 

How To Sell Solar Panels To Your Customers 

A lot of the time, solar panels don’t need to be sold; your customers will already know that they want them, and they’ll simply need a price for installation and the timeframe for you to do it. It really could be that easy. 

However, there might be times when someone is unsure about whether solar power would be a good thing for them. In this case, you can talk about the money they can save on their electricity bills and how much less energy usage they will have to contend with. This will save them money, and it is better for the environment. It is also a good idea to mention how solar panels can make a house easier to sell in the future.