Removing solar panels temporarily for roof repairs
If you need to remove solar panels temporarily for some work on a roof, it's usually not too complicated. First, the inverter on the AC side needs to be disconnected from the grid after which the DC cables are disconnected from the device. Then the solar panels are disconnected from each other and taken off their mounting structure and set aside. Finally the mounting hardware itself is removed and then the roofer can begin. When the roofer is done, everything is put back in place and reconnected. Sounds simple, right?
Even though it shouldn't be too complicated, there are some things that need attention. If the work is done by a party other than those who installed the panels, then that will void the installation warranty. After all, the installer of the panels cannot take responsibility for any problems that arise after another party has touched the system. As an accredited 'InstallQ' installer, Zonnefabriek provides a standard 5-year installation warranty. Therefore, if any work needs to be done on the roof within the first 5 years, it's probably best to give us a call first.
When disconnecting solar panels, it is important to disconnect the DC circuit first. To do this safely, you need to use the DC switch which is built into the inverter. If someone were to accidentally disconnect connectors through which DC (direct) current is flowing, they risk creating an electric arc, which can not only cause injury but can also damage the connectors themselves.
Care must also be taken when putting the installation back in place after the work on the roof is done. The connectors between the panels should always be attached to the mounting system, preventing them from lying on the roof. In connectors that come into contact with bitumen, the rubber can begin to react with the bitumen, affecting the waterproofing of the connector. This in turn can lead to water ingress and eventually failure of the entire system.
Cables that are not properly secured can also cause problems; when a cable starts to rub along a sharp edge in the wind, over time the insulation layer can rub away. The inverter then senses an insulation fault and the system fails.
On a flat roof the mounting structure is weighted down with ballast, in the form of heavy concrete tiles, which are placed in the racks. How much ballast is put in which spot depends on several factors. The ballast is calculated very precisely based on the features of the roof. When putting it all back in place, it's important that everything is put back exactly as it was before, otherwise the panels could start to move in the wind.
The way the panels are clamped to the profiles must also be in order. Sometimes it can happen that a clamp or a screw breaks when you remove the panel. When replacing the broken parts, care must be taken to ensure that everything was fastened as tightly as before. After all, the panels must withstand even the fiercest storms for many years to come.
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Installation Warranty
Even though it shouldn't be too complicated, there are some things that need attention. If the work is done by a party other than those who installed the panels, then that will void the installation warranty. After all, the installer of the panels cannot take responsibility for any problems that arise after another party has touched the system. As an accredited 'InstallQ' installer, Zonnefabriek provides a standard 5-year installation warranty. Therefore, if any work needs to be done on the roof within the first 5 years, it's probably best to give us a call first.
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Electrical installation and assembly
When disconnecting solar panels, it is important to disconnect the DC circuit first. To do this safely, you need to use the DC switch which is built into the inverter. If someone were to accidentally disconnect connectors through which DC (direct) current is flowing, they risk creating an electric arc, which can not only cause injury but can also damage the connectors themselves.
Care must also be taken when putting the installation back in place after the work on the roof is done. The connectors between the panels should always be attached to the mounting system, preventing them from lying on the roof. In connectors that come into contact with bitumen, the rubber can begin to react with the bitumen, affecting the waterproofing of the connector. This in turn can lead to water ingress and eventually failure of the entire system.
Cables that are not properly secured can also cause problems; when a cable starts to rub along a sharp edge in the wind, over time the insulation layer can rub away. The inverter then senses an insulation fault and the system fails.
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Ballast and mounting
On a flat roof the mounting structure is weighted down with ballast, in the form of heavy concrete tiles, which are placed in the racks. How much ballast is put in which spot depends on several factors. The ballast is calculated very precisely based on the features of the roof. When putting it all back in place, it's important that everything is put back exactly as it was before, otherwise the panels could start to move in the wind.
The way the panels are clamped to the profiles must also be in order. Sometimes it can happen that a clamp or a screw breaks when you remove the panel. When replacing the broken parts, care must be taken to ensure that everything was fastened as tightly as before. After all, the panels must withstand even the fiercest storms for many years to come.
Our Zonnefabriek service team can organise dismantling and re-installing the solar panel system for you. Contact our service department for more information and a quote.
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