The rise of solar energy as a sustainable alternative has been nothing short of revolutionary. With the ability to convert sunlight into electricity, this clean form of energy not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps you save on energy bills. However, making the transition to solar energy is not just about placing solar panels on your roof. At Supreme Solar & Electric, your trusted Fresno Solar Company, we believe in making sure that every aspect of your solar panel installation is perfect, down to the last detail. One critical but often overlooked step is trenching for a detached solar system. In this blog post, we’ll give you an insider look into how we go about this process.

The trenching process is essential for a detached solar system—where the solar panel array is installed at a distance from your main electrical panel. Accurate trenching is required to lay the conduit and wires that connect your solar panel to your home’s electrical system safely. Doing this incorrectly could result in a solar service call down the line, costing you more time and money. So, let’s dive into how we ensure the trenching process is carried out meticulously.

The first step in the trenching process is to map out the trench line where the conduit and wiring will go. Our experienced solar panel installer teams will mark this using white paint, providing a clear visual guide for the entire length of the trench. Proper planning at this stage can avoid a lot of hassle later, as it minimizes the risk of interfering with existing underground utilities like gas or water lines.

Before we dig, it’s essential to identify any existing underground lines that may intersect our proposed trench. This is where 811 comes into play—a nationwide service that communicates with utilities in your area. We open a ticket with 811 to ensure that all major companies respond and mark their existing lines. This prevents potential risks and hazards associated with digging near utility lines.

Upon receiving the ticket, utility companies will send their personnel to mark the locations of existing lines crossing the proposed trench. This is a critical step in ensuring the safety and success of the solar panel installation process.

After receiving approval to proceed, our next step is to locate these marked areas and begin hand digging. Doing this manually allows us a greater degree of control, and we can be sure of not damaging any existing lines. Once we’re confident that the path is clear, we proceed to the next phase.

According to code, the required depth for a solar conduit trench is 18 inches. However, at Supreme Solar & Electric, we always dig about 20 inches deep to ensure that we have clear depth in all areas. This extra depth provides a safety buffer and allows for better accommodation of the conduit and wiring.

Once the trench is prepared, we run our high-quality PVC grey conduit through it. This conduit serves as a protective layer for the electrical wires that connect your solar panels to your home’s electrical system. After the conduit is in place, we proceed to pull the electrical wire through it, effectively connecting your detached solar system to your home.

As your go-to solar panel company in both Fresno and Palm Desert, California, we prioritize safety and precision in every solar panel installation job we undertake. Proper trenching is crucial in avoiding complications that could lead to a solar service call in the future. By adhering to best practices and going above and beyond the standard requirements, we aim to provide you with a solar solution that is both efficient and long-lasting.

Switching to a solar-powered home is a significant step forward in sustainability, but it’s essential that every step, including trenching, is performed to perfection. If you are considering making the switch to solar, rest assured that with Supreme Solar & Electric, you’re in capable hands.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in your journey towards sustainable living. With our experienced solar panel installers, superior customer service, and attention to detail, you can’t go wrong.

Choose Supreme Solar & Electric: Where Quality and Customer Satisfaction Shine as Bright as the Sun!