Installing solar panels on your home can be an excellent way to reduce your energy bills and environmental impact. However, improperly installing solar panels can potentially damage your roof or home. Follow this guide to learn how to safely connect solar panels without causing any damage.
Choose the Right Installer
Make sure to hire a reputable, experienced solar installation company. Some key things to look for include:
- Experience installing solar panels, especially on homes similar to yours
- Proper licensure and insurance
- Membership in industry organizations like the Solar Energy Industries Association
- Strong reviews and references
An experienced installation crew should be able to install solar panels properly without damaging your home.
Inspect and Prepare the Roof
The installer should thoroughly inspect the roof for any potential issues before installation. They may recommend repairs if the roof is too old, weak, or damaged to support solar panels. Making necessary roof repairs will prevent the additional weight of panels from causing roof leaks or collapse.
Installers should also clear the roof area of debris, overhanging tree branches, vents, or anything else that could get in the way during solar panel installation.
Waterproof Roof Penetrations
Solar panel mounts and wiring often penetrate directly into the roof. The installer must make all roof penetrations properly waterproof to avoid moisture damage. Common methods include:
Flashing: Roof flashing deflects water away from penetrations. Often a layered system of base, side, and top flashing is used.
Sealant: Caulk, sealants, adhesives, and butyl tape creates a waterproof barrier around penetrations.
Weatherproof Boxes: Preassembled boxes with rubber gaskets allow wires to pass through while keeping the roof watertight.
Avoid Putting Holes in Shingles
Ideally, solar mounts should attach to roof rafters or decking without disturbing shingles. If attachments must penetrate shingles, extra waterproofing precautions are needed around each bolt. Avoid puncturing or sliding under tabbed shingles, as this can damage their waterproofing abilities over time.
Use Non-Penetrating Rooftop Mounts When Possible
Non-penetrating mounts attach using adhesive, weighted feet, or simple friction instead of roof bolts. These avoid roof holes entirely, preventing moisture issues. Temporary ballasted mounts spread weight to prevent roof damage from concentrated forces.
Minimize Roof Traffic and Impact
The installation crew should take care not to break tiles or shingles by stepping on them. They can use plywood sheets to spread out foot traffic and prevent damage. Avoid dropping tools or materials on the roof as well.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation
Panels and mounting equipment should not block vents or prevent proper roof ventilation. Trapped moisture and heat under the roof can cause expensive damage over time. The installer may need to adjust the layout or tilting of solar panels to provide adequate airflow.
Make Sure Panels are Securely Fastened
A loose, shifting panel can rub against shingles or lift in heavy winds, potentially allowing water intrusion. Solar mounting equipment must maintain a tight, immovable hold on panels after accounting for wind loads, expected roof movement, and thermal expansion.
Use Microinverters When Possible
Microinverters attach to each solar panel instead of sending DC current from panels down to large string inverters. This approach avoids the need to penetrate electrical wiring into the home. Power is converted to AC at the panel and fed through an ordinary outlet.
Follow Electrical Safety Precautions
Solar panel wiring and connections require proper precautions and electrical codes. Use conduit appropriate for outdoor use rather than running exposed wires. Waterproof all outdoor electrical boxes and connections. Improper wiring can cause shorts, fires, or make you liable for damage to your home.
Check for Panel Damage During Extreme Weather
Hail, falling branches, severe winds, or other extreme weather events can potentially crack solar panels or mounting equipment. Schedule a professional inspection after any major storm to check for damage that could compromise waterproofing or performance.
Maintain the Solar System Properly
Follow all manufacturer maintenance recommendations for panels, mounts, and other solar equipment. Check for wear, loosening, corrosion, or other problems over time that could lead to roof leaks down the road. Have any issues corrected by a qualified solar professional immediately.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels protects your home and the environment, but only with proper precautions against water damage, excessive roof loads, and other structural threats. Follow the tips in this guide, and hire experienced, reputable installers to connect solar panels safely. With reasonable care and inspection over their lifespan, solar PV systems can provide clean energy to your home for decades without issue.
