In the world of solar energy, safety, performance, and longevity go hand-in-hand. While solar panels are known for being low-maintenance and reliable, how they’re installed and maintained can make all the difference. A poorly installed or neglected solar system can lead to a host of issues including fire hazards and roof damage. Here’s why bringing in qualified professionals for both installation and ongoing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) is essential and why getting an expert opinion before buying a property with solar could save you from future headaches.
Why Qualified Installation Matters
Solar energy systems are made up of many components – panels, inverters, DC connectors, cables – and every piece has to meet strict safety regulations. Footprint Zero recently inspected a solar installation from 2013, which highlighted some major risks that could have been avoided with proper installation:
- Faulty DC Connectors: The connectors used in this installation were unofficial copies of MC4 connectors, and it’s highly unlikely they comply with RC62 Regulations. Faulty DC connectors are one of the rare causes of photovoltaic (PV) fires, and this installation was at serious risk due to this shortcut.
- UV Damage to Cables: Drone photographs revealed cables lying unprotected across the roof, exposed to both UV damage and wind. Regulations (RC62) specify how cables should be protected to avoid damage, yet this system’s cables – installed more than a decade ago – were left vulnerable. Today, they’re likely brittle, increasing fire risks significantly.
- Improper Panel Placement: Panels were installed directly over skylights, without the required clearance, and over air vents. This isn’t just a code violation, but a significant risk for the roof and building’s integrity. Blocked vents can cause heat build-up, which might also damage the panels and create a fire hazard.
- Poor Cable Management: Loose cables were strewn across the roof, outside of regulated cable runs. Some cables were even found under broken roof sections, compounding the fire risk and creating electrical hazards.
- Compromised Roof Structure: The roof itself showed multiple areas of damage. This not only compromises the system’s performance but the entire building’s structural safety.
Due to the severe safety concerns, our immediate recommendation was to turn the system off to avoid any potential fire or structural failure.
Regular O&M: A Must for Long-Term Performance
Solar systems might not need a lot of attention, but they still require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently. Routine O&M checks allow professionals to spot issues before they escalate, whether it’s replacing worn-out cables, cleaning the panels for optimal performance, or ensuring the system meets current safety standards.
In the case of the 2013 system we inspected, regular O&M could have caught some of these issues early on, preventing a dangerous situation. Regular maintenance would have ensured that the cables were replaced before becoming brittle and the roof was maintained before compromising the entire system.
The Importance of Pre-Purchase Inspections
If you’re considering purchasing a building with an existing solar array, getting an expert inspection is time well spent. It’s easy to assume that solar equals “free energy,” but if the system wasn’t installed properly or hasn’t been maintained, it could be a liability. A professional inspection will identify risks such as electrical hazards, structural issues, or under-performance.
Had the company that owns the building we inspected consulted a solar advisor before buying it, they would have been made aware of the system’s risks and avoided taking on these serious fire hazards. These issues also affect insurance premiums and long-term energy savings, making an upfront inspection a smart investment.
Why Choose Footprint Zero?
At Footprint Zero, we have the expertise to help you navigate the complexities of solar energy systems, from initial design and installation to ongoing O&M. We ensure that all installations comply with the highest safety standards and regulations, and we offer detailed system inspections before you commit to a purchase. Our goal is to give you peace of mind, knowing your solar investment is safe, efficient, and optimised for the long term.
Contact us today for a consultation or a pre-purchase inspection to help safeguard your solar investment.