A PV system installation has two major aspects:
• Panel installation
• Electrical installation
Both are directly mounted into your roof. Like a match made in heaven, All G Electric, LLC and Murakami’s Roofing have joined forces to become a powerhouse team specializing in photovoltaic installation and maintenance. This team of highly skilled specialty contractors has the knowledge and experience to advise you accurately on these major components.
One important factor when considering investing in PV is, of course, your roof. What is the current condition and age of your roof? Is your roof in the right condition to receive the racking material used to mount photo-voltaic panels?
Most rooftop PV installations require penetration of the roof membrane. Even installing the most basic PV system can result in as much as 15 separate penetrations through your roof. Having an experienced and knowledgeable roofing contractor to advise you on adequate roof preparation and potential areas of water leakage, such as existing low-lying areas where water can pool and become a major problem in the future, is crucial.
They also understand how to properly secure equipment to a rooftop, apply flashing and waterproof all penetrations. As a second generation roofing contractor with more than 25 years of field experience, Clinton Murakami has seen and done it all. He will not only conduct a thorough evaluation of your roof’s current condition, but also will work hand in hand with the electrical contractor to determine the most ideal panel layout for your home, without compromising the water tightness of the roof. Upon completion of the installation, they also will waterproof all areas with roof perforations.
The other major, if not most important, component of a PV system is the electrical component. An experienced and knowledgeable licensed electrical contractor has the ability to not only properly size a system to offset your specific power consumption, but methodically install and power up the entire system. Conduit size and type, proper fittings, wire size and type, disconnecting means, grounding means, etc. are all part of the electrical aspect. The state of Hawaii requires a licensed electrical contractor to provide the complete installation of your PV system. A licensed electrical contractor has thorough knowledge of electrical codes (NEC) and a full understanding of engineering principles and hazards associated with electrical and photovoltaic power systems.
Prior to finalizing your PV system size, All G Electric will conduct a thorough electrical evaluation. This will not only assess your electrical consumption but also address any major electrical concerns such as rewiring, panel replacement and other electrical tasks to help improve the overall electrical safety and efficiency of your home. Increasing the home’s efficiency and updating its electrical system can potentially reduce your consumption, resulting in a lower electric bill. A lower electric bill means a smaller PV system and less out-of-pocket money that you will need to spend.
There are a number of existing and pending codes and standards that govern the installation of PV systems and equipment. In most cases, the standard for photovoltaic systems is the National Electrical Code (NEC), published every three years by the National Fire Protection Association. There are codes specific to PV system installations, as well as a number of other articles covering wiring methods, overcurrent protection and disconnect provisions, grounding and other issues. PV systems are required to be inspected by a City and County electrical inspector. Using an electrical contractor with the right know-how will help facilitate the entire process so that permits will be closed and HECO will be coordinated and Net Energy Metering will be installed.
In celebration of this perfect union, Murakami’s Roofing is offering free rain gutters on any home needing a complete re-roof, and All G Electric is offering your choice of a free 200 amp upgrade (overhead only) or back-feed system, which allows a generator to power a portion of your home through the electrical panel during the next power outage without needing to run extension cords. The minimum PV system size is 5 kW.
Feel free to contact us for a comprehensive photovoltaic home evaluation at 531-2554 (ALLG) or 348-8270.
CONTACT: 531-2554 (ALLG) or 348-8270 • info@allgelectric.com
WEBSITE: www.allgelectric.com
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