5 Solar Installation Safety Tips

5 Solar Installation Safety Tips

How to Install Solar Panels Safer

Here is a list of key Solar Installation Safety Tips you need to remember when installing solar.

Safety first! As simple as it may sound, it’s the very thing experienced solar installers sometimes overlook and neglect when installing solar equipment or building solar PV systems. But it’s not too late, we have prepared a brief guide, so you can be sure to have a safer and faster job on your next installation.

Solar Installation Safety Tip 1. Wearing Proper Attire and Safety Gear

It all starts in you. A hard hat, safety gloves and right pair of boots will be a great help to install any solar equipment easier and safer. Hard hats are very useful to protect your head in any injury due to falling objects, debris, electric shock and collision impact.

Safety gloves for electrical work, on the other hand (pardon the pun), should work with an excellent grip particularly in carrying solar panels, to ensure they don’t slip and fall. Like hard hats, electrical safety gloves are also good in protecting you from possible electrical shocks and hand injuries.

Another important thing to have before going to your workplace is a good pair of roof-ready boots. Preferably, boots should have flat soles that can get a grip on roof shingles, tiles, or metal to stay on your toes above the ground.

Even if you’ve got the right attire, you can’t still secure a fall-free installation. This is when you need roof anchor tool, to secure yourself from falling. You can install them on the roof while doing your job and can also be used with a roof safety harness when working on a sloped roof.

(Source: www.superanchor.com)

Additional tip is to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from solar flare and rays that reflect to solar panels when its sunny. Also, don’t forget to remove any conductive items such as metal jewelry, watches and the likes before engaging yourself on the installation process.

Solar Installation Safety Tip 2. Electrical safety – Check for Damage

The most essential thing is to adhere to all local codes, regulations, recommendations and manufacturer’s guidelines when installing a solar systems. Generally, when you install your solar system and wire it, you need to disconnect it from the power grid before the final inspection by an electrician– this is to ensure everything is in excellent order before you flip the switch.

Furthermore, damaged solar components are a big no for customers – not just because it’s costly for them, but because damaged wiring and components can spark fires, and damaged or cracked batteries can leak hazardous fumes and battery acid that might destroy properties which is the last thing you want to happen in installing a solar system. Make sure your entire PV system is properly and safely earth grounded to avoid electrical shock and injury.

Upon receiving your freight shipment, the first thing you should do is to check for possible damages in any solar components. All of them must meet all standards and requirements to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Solar Installation Safety Tip 3. Proper Handling of PV Panels

Most part of the installation process will focus on solar panels which make it prone to damages. Try not to apply weight on solar panels by sitting or stepping on them, this can cause damage not only to the panel, but to wiring and roof structures.

Likewise, never drop anything on the solar panels and organize other equipment to avoid these accidents.

Solar Installation Safety Tip 4. Check the Weather Forecast

It looks unnecessary, but it isn’t. Checking the weather before taking any action is a wise decision for installers. Not only that it can save you from working in unproductive weather conditions, but it saves you time and energy. Installing PV system in a bad weather will slow down your working pace and make the installation challenging and potentially dangerous for you and your team.

Also, PV panels can be blown around by the wind or a storm which can result in falling or damage to the PV system. It is not safe to work in a wet and slippery conditions as it increases the chance of slipping and losing your balance. So please be sure to be responsible and careful when installing in changing weather conditions.

Solar Installation Safety Tip 5. Ask for Help

“I don’t need assistance” says no one when working on a solar installation project at home. As a basic rule, do not work on solar PV systems without the help. Always have at least one to two persons depending on the size of the project.

Larger installation projects can be done with more installers to help you cut down on install time and have assistance on some of the heavy lifting and other tasks.

 

In conclusion, installing solar PV system can be a tedious and tiring task to do, but ultimately rewarding. However, with the proper training, right practice, discipline and adherence to safety codes and guidelines, it will change the game of installation and make the process easier, safer and faster for everyone involved.

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