What Is The 120% Rule For Solar Installation?
You don’t just walk into a store and say, “I want two solar panels, please!” and expect everything to work itself out. It takes accurate calculations and strategic planning to install a solar panel system that brings solar power efficiency to your home. One of the ways we do this is by following the 120% rule for solar installation, and this guide serves to teach you the basics!
Find out what the 120% rule is all about before reaching out to Solar Bear Orlando for a free estimate on your new solar panel installation.
Introducing the NEC 120% Rule For Solar Installation
The 120% rule for solar installation is a part of the National Electrical Code (NEC) that ensures a solar panel system does not exceed 120% of the main service panel’s capacity. Essentially, there’s a limit to how many solar panels you can have installed on your home. This isn’t simply to restrict your usage, but to help prevent the chances of potential safety hazards in Orlando.
A Closer Look at Solar Panel Safety For Florida Homeowners
By following the 120% rule, you can ensure that your Orlando home is safe from the dangers of an overloaded panel and short-circuiting. How likely is this to happen? The question should be, why risk it? But just so you have a better understanding of the significance of proper solar panel installation, let’s review what happens when you exceed this rule:
When you overload the house with an excessive number of solar panels that exceed the 120% rule, the panel’s busbar can become overloaded and cause an electrical hazard. Sparks can fly and start a fire, or the electricity can create a high-voltage environment. Either way, this is something that every homeowner in Orlando can avoid by implementing the 120% rule with solar panels.
Not sure how much solar power you need for your home? Take a look at our guide going over Florida’s average kWh per day for a rough idea of what you might need.
Tips For Following the 120% Rule:
Complying with the 120% rule is crucial for a safe setup and it’s not that hard to do. Here are some of the steps you need to take for necessary precautions in Orlando:
- Find out the maximum busbar your solar panels can handle.
- Multiple that rating by 1.2 to find 120% of your limit.
- Find the rating on your main breaker.
- Subtract the main breaker rating from your 120% busbar total for your maximum solar backfeed current.
- Hire a solar panel installer who can supply you with the necessary amount of solar panels that match your data.
Abiding by all of the necessary compliances is one of the main reasons to support your local solar company. Small businesses in Orlando know all about state laws as well as the local community and climate to offer you tailored services that fit your solar power needs.
Achieve Solar Panel Compliance Guaranteed When You Hire Solar Bear Orlando!
Trust the experts at Solar Bear Orlando for professional solar panel installation you can rely on for optimal safety and solar power efficiency. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to ask for a free quote and to see how we can help your home achieve the 120% rule for solar installation!