How is a solar system installed in the Garden?

 ‍In general, it is best to align your modules to the south at a 20-30 degree angle. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.

As for the assembly, the installation is done quickly. To attach the mini solar system to a garden shed or carport, you only need a few suitable screws and a few brackets. That should all have been included in the complete package. There is also a simple installation guide.

After the module brackets have been screwed to the roof, the cabling still has to be connected. This ensures that there is a connection between the solar system and the home power grid.

Now charge controller, power storage, and inverter are connected one after the other. Only at the very end is the power inverter connected to the junction box.

On an open area, such as on the lawn, a so-called “elevation” is recommended. In this way, the ideal angle can be achieved without shading. You have bought the right accessories in the complete package. If not, you can easily reorder them from the manufacturer. Calculate around €50 per module for the displays.

Types of solar systems for the Garden

When you hear about solar systems for the Garden, you probably first think of classic solar modules. But there are also many other variants, which we will now present to you. Let’s start with the most common variants first. Finally, we will introduce you to a few very unusual, rare species.

balcony power plant

Balcony power plants are classic PV modules that are attached to the balcony grid using a special bracket.

The modules are either mounted on a 90-degree bracket without elevation or on a bracket with elevation. The latter option enables an even more flexible alignment of the modules since the angle of inclination can be individually adjusted.

An advantage of the balcony modules: In addition to solar power production, the modules also serve as privacy screens.

Rooftop system

1.Pitched roof:

As with conventional, large PV systems, the PV modules are attached to a sloping roof using a mounting device. Which special assembly set is required depends on the roof material.

Installation on roof tiles is the easiest way, and tile mounting kits are available from all suppliers. The situation is different with bitumen, sheet metal, or reed. Here you have to find out about the feasibility on the respective websites of the providers.

The pitched roof modules from Priwatt and Yuma are available in different versions. The systems can be attached to tile, bitumen, sheet metal, and trapezoidal roofs with the respective installation sets.

2.Flat roof:

If you have a carport or your garage or Garden shed has a flat roof, other modules are used. Assembly is very easy here, as the modules simply have to be set up.

The PV modules are raised to approx. 20-40° using the bracket supplied. This bracket usually consists of two metal supports that are connected to the solar modules and are positioned on four non-slip rubber feet.

The rubber feet are then weighed down with slabs or stones so that the system does not slip in storms. Depending on consumption behavior, it is flexibly aligned to the south, east, or west and can be adjusted at any time.

Installation system

The set-up systems are basically the same type of PV system as the variant for flat roofs. The panels are elevated with metal supports, and the feet are weighted down for fixation.

However, some providers also offer special design variants for installation systems for the Garden, which are visually even more attractive and do not disturb the Garden. This type of garden plant is perfect for placing on the lawn, in a flower bed, or on a patio.

Facade plant

Facade systems are specially designed for wall mounting for attachment to a facade or house wall.

This type of PV system is particularly useful if you have little space on the ground or roof or simply do not want to occupy these areas.

The bracket of a facade system has extendable rails, with which you can adjust the angle of the modules individually. The modules are usually mounted lengthways.

Solar case

A solar suitcase is a simplest and most flexible way of generating electricity. Because a solar case is simply folded out and folded in again as needed, this has two important advantages:

First, you can take the solar case with you anywhere. Solar bags are particularly useful when camping. Secondly, solar bags can be rotated with the sun. This ensures that the solar cells are always optimally aligned with the sun.

Nevertheless, the bottom line is that solar cases are not as power-intensive as fixed solar systems.

Solar fence

With a solar fence, you kill two birds with one stone. Not only do they generate electricity from two sides, but they also protect your private area from prying eyes. If you align your fence to the east and west, you can benefit from both the morning and evening sun.

Flexible solar panels

If you don’t have straight surfaces available, you should take a look at flexible and semi-flexible solar systems. These can now be found in almost every specialist shop. Flexible PV systems are specially designed to be attached to curved surfaces, to be hung up or even to be rolled out.

Special solar systems for pump systems

This primarily includes pond pumps, fountains, and watercourse pumps. All of these types of pumps can be powered 100% by special solar power solutions. You can find more information from specialist companies and your local electricians.

Special solar systems for lighting technology

Light sources in the Garden are diverse. Modern solar lights for wall mounting, on garden paths, free-standing models, or even table lamps and fairy lights often have small solar modules. These store solar energy during the day and release it again in the evening.

Checklist: You should pay attention to these things before the installation

In principle, the same requirements apply to all solar systems – and therefore also to PV systems in the Garden.

Area: The larger the area, the theoretically greater the yield. Approximately six to eight square meters of surface area are required for a one-kilowatt peak (kW) of system output.

Orientation: Solar modules oriented to the south are optimal, but decent results can also be achieved to the west and east. If your power consumption is highest in the morning or evening, you can align your modules accordingly.

Tilt: In the best case, the sun’s rays should hit the solar cell perpendicularly. This can be done on the roof with a slope of 30 to 35 degrees. Modules placed on the floor should preferably have an angle of about 20 degrees. The reason is that the module only gets sun on the ground through trees and buildings when it is at its highest.

Shading: Make sure that no objects cast shadows on the modules. In addition to buildings and trees, this can also include bushes.

Statics: Solar modules have a certain weight. Therefore, check beforehand how much load your roof can withstand before you attach the modules.

Mini solar plants are so small that building permits do not usually need to be obtained in advance. In principle, you do not have to ask your landlord for permission. However, in order to avoid later quarrels, we still recommend it to you.

What is required by law, however, is the registration of the balcony power plant with the network operator. Furthermore, the registration of the system in the market master data register of the Federal Network Agency is mandatory.

Our recommendation: Complete both processes directly, one after the other. Because the institutions are in close contact with each other.

Conclusion

Many Germans have a garden. In most cases, it is advisable to install a solar system. This supplies the devices in not only the Garden but also household appliances and, if necessary, a wall box.

This is not only an important step for climate protection but also saves you money. However, make sure to adapt the system to your actual consumption. In this context, think about when you need how much electricity and for what purpose.