Was Your Solar Array Installed Correctly? Here’s What to Look For.
Solar power is not only good for the environment, but can save money over a long period of time. However, not all solar is created equal. Solar companies have been receiving backlash for shady business practices for the past few years, whether for a lack of diligence, shoddy installation, or persuading customers to purchase solar panels when it’s not helpful for them. After 25 years in the electrical industry, Master Electrician Bryan Butler has seen plenty of poorly installed solar arrays as a result of big solar companies and unscrupulous salespeople. We want to make sure that customers are receiving the benefits they were promised and not being taken advantage of, so we asked Bryan Butler how homeowners can identify incorrectly installed solar panels and solar arrays.
A Basic Explanation of Solar Arrays
There are multiple types of solar arrays, each with a unique use case. Most solar panels are installed on a building’s roof to maximize sun exposure, but there are also racking systems that allow solar panels to be installed on the ground. The power received from the sun is direct current (DC), which has to be converted to alternating current (AC) power to be used in buildings. The conversion from DC to AC is controlled by an inverter, preferably one that can balance the voltage coming off of the solar modules. This allows solar arrays to produce power even if certain panels are blocked by shade.
Dishonest Solar Companies & Solar Arrays
Bryan Butler has seen the harm caused by unethical solar companies firsthand. One customer, wanting to save money on her utility bill, asked a local solar company to come to her house and put in solar panels. They told her that she wouldn’t have to pay for electricity ever again after they installed the solar panels. However, they neglected to inform the customer that she’d have to cut down the old beechwood tree by her house in order to get any power, which would cost thousands of dollars on top of the cost for the solar panels.
Many solar customers have gotten burned in different ways. We’ve seen cases where homeowners don’t use enough power to recoup the financial benefit of solar energy, low quality inverters that stop producing power as soon as one panel is shaded, and sloppy wiring. Combined together, these issues can increase the risk of electrical shock and fire.
Red flags: sideways Soladeck box (the point should be pointing up to protect the electrical work inside from rain), solar panel over roof hip which interferes with fire safety measures. For further explanation, click here.
Indicators of a Good Solar Array
While we have seen bad solar arrays, we’ve also helped install plenty of effective solar arrays. Solar arrays that are installed correctly will produce power that is converted for building use and have high quality workmanship (such as clearly labeled conduits). Another sign of a good solar array is when the conduit for the solar panels is hidden in the wall, rather than installed on the side of the building (when possible). By reducing the exposure of the conduit to heat from the sun, you can increase the durability of the solar array. We try to practice this when possible for each solar project. It might mean that our team has to do some more work, but it's worth it to make sure customers are happy and know that we don’t cut corners.
We want to make sure our customers receive quality service, proper installation, and safe electrical work. If you’re concerned about your solar array, or want to see if solar energy is the right decision for you, give us a call at (616) 643-8287.
