A Beginner's Guide to Solar Panel Installation

Solar energy is a renewable and inexhaustible resource. It converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic solar panels. Many people are adopting solar as a cost-efficient and reliable source of energy. Are you considering installing solar panels, but don't know where to start? Here's our little guide to help you install a solar-powered system.

The Solar Panel

A solar panel has 4 main components:

• A photovoltaic panel to install directly in a frame on the tiles or into the roof replacement coverage.

• Wires to carry the electricity. They have an anti-UV treatment.

• An inverter to convert the DC high-performance current delivered by the low-voltage panels to alternating current.

• An electricity meter to measure the energy produced by the user.

Initial Inspection

First, analyze how you are currently using electricity. Take a deeper look at your electricity bill to find how you allocate your electricity bill in the house. Then, you should decide whether or not your solar panel should cover the use of energy needs of your entire house or only a part of it. After checking these points, you will be able to determine the most suitable one for your needs.

Tip: Unplug your devices! Did you know that even if you turned off your electric appliances, they still consume electricity? They will stay active unless you plug them out, so your electricity bill will be higher than what you should be paying.

Roof Inspection

After you have checked your power consumption, analyze your roof's measurements to validate the type of solar panel you can install there. Because of your roof's specific size, you should be careful with the solar panel's dimensions and its output to maximize the space on your roof.

Solar Panel Installation

Hire a professional. They are certified and know all the intricacies of the installation. Make sure that the roof, ground mounting, or tracking system you are using is engineer-certified for the area you are in. For example, if you live in an area with high climate variability, the mounting system and mounting brackets also need to be sufficiently weather-resistant.

Solar Inverter Efficiency

The power inverter is a box installed between the panels and your appliances that converts the generated DC to AC, which is suitable for use in your home. Their efficiency will have a direct impact on the payback time of your system, so look at the inverter efficiency before purchasing a system.

Prices Benchmark

Price is always an important factor when you want to buy a product. Quality-price ratio is an important element to include in your equation. The average price of a solar panel installation is typically $7-9 per watt. So, a 5 kW system would cost around $25,000-$30,000.

Many utility companies offer incentives for solar panel installation, so look for price reductions or subsidies available for your home.

Warranty Length

Be careful of the solar panel's warranty length. Try to aim between 5-10 years, as it will cover all the short-term issues you may encounter.

Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency in Real-World Conditions

When installing solar panels—especially for outdoor lighting applications like parking lots or pathways—efficiency isn't just about panel specs. Real-world performance depends on:

• Solar irradiance in your location (sunlight availability throughout the year)

• Shading from trees, buildings, or terrain

• Panel orientation and tilt angle

• Seasonal weather patterns like snow accumulation or extended cloud cover

At Greenshine, we conduct site-specific assessments before any installation to ensure optimal positioning and performance, even in challenging conditions.

Solar Panel Installation for Lighting vs. Full-Building Systems

Unlike rooftop solar panels for powering homes or buildings, solar panel installation for outdoor lights is far more streamlined:

For outdoor lighting, every pole is its own power plant, eliminating dependency on main service panels or power providers.

What’s Included in a Greenshine Solar Light System?

When customers ask about "solar panel installation," they’re often thinking of just the panels. But Greenshine’s integrated systems include everything needed for stand-alone operation:

• Monocrystalline solar panel (high efficiency)

• Battery (lead-acid or lithium, depending on needs)

• Smart charge controller (regulates power flow)

• LED luminaire (with optional motion sensing)

• Pole and mounting hardware (wind-rated and weatherproof)

This package simplifies installation and removes the need to coordinate multiple vendors.

Installation Tips for Maximum Performance

Here are a few key guidelines we follow to ensure solar panels function at peak efficiency:

1. Avoid Shade at All Times

Even partial shading from trees or poles can cut energy output dramatically—sometimes by 50% or more. Panels must be exposed to open sky during daylight hours.

2. Face Panels True South (in Northern Hemisphere)

South-facing panels capture the most sunlight. Minor adjustments can be made for regional differences or specific application goals (e.g., maximizing winter performance).

3. Set Correct Tilt Angle

The tilt should be equal to your site’s latitude for best year-round production. In some winter-prone areas, a steeper tilt helps snow slide off.

4. Check for Dust or Debris

Although Greenshine panels are self-cleaning during rain, periodic checks improve performance—especially in dusty, high-traffic areas.

Permitting and Zoning Considerations

For many solar installations, permits and inspections can slow down timelines. The good news? Solar lights usually avoid this hassle because:

• They are off-grid and don’t alter utility infrastructure

• They typically qualify as temporary or low-impact structures

• They're often approved for fast-track permitting or exempt from it entirely

Still, our team checks local ordinances to ensure full compliance—especially in HOA communities, parks, or historic areas.

Choosing the Right Battery: Lead-Acid vs. Lithium

Battery storage is a critical part of your system—it keeps lights running even when the sun isn’t shining. Greenshine offers both battery types:

We'll help you choose based on temperature, cycle needs, and budget.

Maintenance Needs After Installation

Greenshine systems are low-maintenance, but we recommend:

• Visual inspections every 6 months for panel cleanliness and debris

• Battery checks every 3–5 years (depending on battery type)

• Firmware updates if smart controllers are integrated (via remote systems)

We also offer maintenance plans for clients who want full-service monitoring.

Installation Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

For solar lighting installations, costs are typically bundled into per-unit pricing (i.e., cost per pole). This includes:

• Lighting design

• All system components

• Pole delivery and hardware

• Installation (optional, if turnkey service is selected)

There are no trenching or electric connection fees—saving thousands per pole compared to traditional lighting.

Solar Panel Installation Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

At Greenshine, we design every system to be plug-and-play, modular, and fast to install. Whether you’re lighting a parking lot, public park, or private campus, our solar panel systems deliver:

• Quick installation

• Long-term reliability

• Independence from the grid

• Lower operational costs

You don’t need solar experience to start. Our team handles the planning, layout, and guidance—you get clean, sustainable light that’s ready on day one.