In recent years, the market for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has grown significantly. The total amount of newly installed photovoltaic capacity worldwide in 2022 was around 239 gigawatts. In the Asia-Pacific area that year, the newly installed solar PV capacity was the greatest 1. As the need for solar energy grows, the need to ensure installation procedures is safe. Solar panel installation safety is the top priority while installing solar panels because they include heavy machinery, heights, and electrical systems. Today we are going to learn about the primary safety measures that must be taken to ensure a secure solar panel installation procedure.
Certified Installers
The primary component of safety is hiring qualified and experienced solar panel installers. Untrained or unskilled installers could compromise the integrity and efficacy of solar systems without the necessary training, thereby leading to unsafe situations and poor performance. A certificate verifies that installers have received the appropriate instruction and are knowledgeable about the best procedures followed by the industry, which include working at heights and doing electrical work. Additionally, certification and proper training benefit technicians as well as customers. Certified installers have the knowledge and abilities required to design, install, and maintain solar systems efficiently. Professional solar PV installers are in high demand as the solar energy sector continues to expand at a rapid pace. According to forecasts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar power installation employment is really expected to rise by 52% between 2020 and 20302.
Site Assessment and Structural Integrity
Site assessment is the first to install a solar panel safely and how it will work better for you in your location. A qualified assessor will come to your home or place of business to meet with you one-on-one and learn about your requirements and understand the safe installation process. Besides, the structural integrity is important for safely supporting the additional weight of solar panels. Getting advice from a structural engineer is crucial before installing the panels since they can support the added weight of the structure. They can evaluate the roof’s ability to support loads.
Solar Panel Supporting Structure Constraints 3
Guidelines for Electrical Safety
Jobs for solar PV installers are predicted to expand by 51% by 2029, ranking third among all occupations in terms of quickest growth. With the increase of job opportunities, work related injuries are also increasing. According to ESFI, there were 650 work-related injuries to solar PV installers between 2011 and 20194. To reduce the electrical injuries during solar panel installation the following activities should be maintained:
- Turn off power: Make sure the electrical power supply is off before beginning any work to avoid any potential hazards.
- Use proper personal protective equipment: Installers can protect themselves from possible risks such as electrical shocks by using suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety gloves, non-conductive boots, and eye protection.
- Ground fault protection: Use ground fault prevention equipment to reduce the risk of electric shock. In the event of a malfunction, these devices identify any current leakage to the ground and switch off power.
Fall Protection
Solar panel installers and maintainers often work on rooftops, utilize scaffolding and ladders, and are near ledges and rooftops. Workers may no longer have access to the walking space that was previously available as more solar panels are placed on a roof. So, they are at risk of falling. It is important to take fall prevention precautions as installing solar panels sometimes requires working at heights.
- Guardrails and edge protection: To avoid falls, add guardrails or protective edges all the way around the installation area.
- Safety harnesses and anchors: When operating at heights, be sure that employees are wearing safety harnesses and using strong anchors. This increases an extra layer of defense in the event that someone slips or falls.
Fire Safety
If solar panels are not properly installed, they can produce heat and increase fire risk. It is important to understand the fire hazards associated with solar panel installation, including how to prevent solar system fires and protect your assets, before installing solar panels on your home. According to a TÜV research that examined 210 PV fires, the majority of fires caused by PV systems (38%) is the result of poor construction and design 5. To avoid overheating, install fire-resistant materials and keep space clean around panels.
Safety for PV systems has increased over time 5
Handling Equipment Properly
During installation, it’s critical to handle heavy machinery and tools safely. To prevent accidents, make sure all lifting equipment is in working order and employ safe lifting procedures.
Weather Considerations
The weather has a big impact on installation safety. Stay clear of working during severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or winds. Prepare an evacuation strategy in case of unexpected weather conditions.
Installing solar panels requires the greatest safety. The durability and efficiency of the solar energy system will be guaranteed according to these safety measures and recommendations, in addition to ensuring the health and safety of the installers. You can maximize the potentiality of solar energy while lowering installation-related risks and dangers by putting safety first at every stage. You should always keep in mind that a successful installation is one that is a safe installation.By prioritizing safety at every step, from hiring certified solar installers to following stringent solar installation safety guidelines, the potential of solar energy can be maximized while minimizing risks.
