Top Solar Panel Safety Precautions You Should Know

The solar energy market is growing faster than ever! In 2022, the world installed 239 GW of new solar, finally surpassing the TW-scale. That’s 45% more solar power capacity than the year before. The positive market developments in the first months of 2023 promise another solar boom year, expected to result in 341 GW of newly-added solar to the grid, by the end of the year – equal to 43% growth. (source) With the rise in solar energy use comes an increasing need for solar panel installation safety. Whether you’re an installer or a homeowner, prioritizing the safety of solar panels during installation is crucial for both efficiency and protection. From working with electrical systems to managing heavy equipment, there are several precautions you should be aware of to minimize the risks.

Ready to make your solar system both safe and sustainable? Let’s dive into the essential solar safety guidelines that can help protect workers, systems, and homes.

1. Certified installers are a must

One of the first steps to solar safety is hiring certified professionals for its installation. Unqualified personnel not only put themselves at risk but may also compromise the safety of solar panels and the entire installation process. Certified installers are trained to handle electrical wiring, assess risks, and apply the best solar panel safety precautions.

According to a report by the U.S. Bereau of Labor Statistics, employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 48 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. (source) More importantly, certified installers know how to address safety concerns of solar energy, protecting both the system and the people around it.

Here’s a tip: Always ask for proof of certification. A certified installer has the expertise to deliver a safe, reliable system that will last for years.

2. Don’t skip site assessment and structural checks

Before a single solar panel goes on the roof, conducting a thorough site assessment is key. A qualified professional will assess your home’s location, roof angle, and solar power plant safety requirements. Structural integrity is equally important—your roof needs to be strong enough to handle the additional weight of solar panels.

Safety in solar power plants often involves larger, more complex installations. Whether you’re working with a residential roof or a massive commercial site, consulting a structural engineer will prevent damage or collapse, keeping your solar system—and your workers—safe.

3. Electrical Safety: Always follow best practices

Working with electricity is no joke. Between 2011 and 2019, there were 650 work-related injuries among solar installers. (source) To avoid electrical risks, these precautions should always be followed:

• Turn off the power: Always disconnect electrical systems before starting installation.
• Use PPE: Personal protective equipment (PPE) like insulated gloves, non-conductive boots, and eye protection is vital for avoiding electrical shocks.
• Ground fault protection: Installing ground fault devices can detect electrical issues and automatically stop current flow, preventing shocks.

When it comes to large solar power plant safety setups, proper electrical safety protocols reduce risks and increase the longevity of the solar system. Don’t cut corners—electrical safety is essential to minimizing the safety concerns of solar energy.

4. Fall protection: Stay secure at heights

Installing solar panels often requires working on rooftops, ladders, and scaffolding. This introduces a new set of risks, especially from falls. Here are some ways to increase solar installation safety when working at heights:

• Guardrails: Use guardrails or edge barriers around the installation area to prevent falls.
• Harnesses and Anchors: Always wear safety harnesses and attach them to secure anchor points.

Falls are one of the leading causes of accidents in the solar industry, but by using proper equipment and techniques, you can greatly reduce this risk. This is just as critical for residential installations as it is for solar power plant safety.Point to ponder: Are your workers using the right fall protection equipment? Regular checks can save lives.

5. Fire safety: Keep the heat in check

Poor installation practices can cause solar panels to overheat, leading to fire hazards. To lower the risk, always install fire-resistant materials and maintain proper spacing between panels and other equipment.

Fire safety is a crucial part of both residential and solar power plant safety. Routine maintenance, clean panels, and appropriate wiring can prevent overheating and eliminate fire hazards.

6. Proper equipment handling: Avoid accidents

During the installation process, handling heavy solar panels and equipment is one of the biggest challenges. Safe lifting techniques and well-maintained tools play a significant role in preventing accidents. Tools and machinery should be inspected regularly to confirm they are in proper working condition.

This is particularly important in solar power plants, where machinery and equipment are even larger. Handling equipment safely is vital for solar panel installation safety and reduces risks to both the system and the workers.

Did you know? Using the right equipment for lifting and handling heavy panels can prevent strain injuries and make installations smoother.

7. Weather conditions: Don’t forget the forecast

Severe weather can make installations dangerous. Avoid installing solar panels during thunderstorms, high winds, or heavy rain. Have an evacuation plan in place to deal with unexpected weather changes. This step is crucial for maintaining solar power safety during large-scale installations.

Solar installations are often exposed to the elements, so it’s important to monitor weather conditions closely. Even something as simple as high winds can jeopardize solar safety.

How Futr Energy can help manage your solar assets?

Following these solar panel safety precautions is just the first step. To further safeguard your investment and optimize your solar system’s performance, Futr Energy offers a state-of-the-art solar asset management platform. Futr Energy provides solutions for remote monitoring, performance tracking, and maintenance schedules, helping you address any potential solar energy safety concerns in real-time.

With Futr Energy, managing your solar assets becomes much easier. You can track system performance, prevent downtime, and handle solar panel safety concerns more effectively, whether you’re managing a small installation or a large-scale solar power plant.

Ready to get started? With Futr Energy’s cutting-edge tools, you can take control of your solar assets while keeping solar plant safety a top priority.

FAQs about Solar Panel Safety