Conducting Site Assessments & System Design
Best practices for rooftop solar orientation, shade analysis, wiring gauge selection, and earthing.
Conducting Site Assessments & System Design
Before mounting panels or connecting batteries, technicians must conduct a comprehensive site audit.
Pre-Installation Site Checklist
Roof Structure & Tilt Angle
Verify roof structural integrity. Position solar panels facing True South at an inclination angle of 10° to 15° for maximum solar irradiation in Nigeria.
Shading & Horizon Audit
Ensure zero shading from nearby trees, tall buildings, or water tanks between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Inverter & Battery Room Ventilation
Select a cool, dry, dust-free indoor location for battery banks and hybrid inverters. Maintain minimum 30cm clearance around cooling fans.
Earthing & DC Surge Protection
Install dedicated copper earth rods, DC surge protective devices (SPDs), and DC breakers between panel arrays and charge controllers.
Cable Sizing Warning: Under-sizing DC cables between battery and inverter causes excessive voltage drop and poses a severe fire hazard. Always follow recommended AWG / mm² cable gauge tables.