Only a few decades ago, climate change became a hot topic. And much like the Earth’s temperature, it has only gotten hotter since. Though some argue that the issue is still not taken seriously enough, recent years have seen a steady growth in renewable energy use.
According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, renewable energy constituted a little more than 10% of the total energy consumption in 2017 (see below).
More recently, the IEA (International Energy Agency) recorded a 27% renewable energy generation in 2020 and predicts that number to increase up to 35% throughout 2021. And while wind and hydropower currently contribute the most to that number, solar is the fastest-growing energy source of them all.
But what are the most common issues that may slow you down in your solar panel business?
Rooftop failures
This issue is prevalent in older buildings and is most likely to occur due to inadequate assessment preceding the installation. While it may seem like nothing more than a formality to some, they would most likely change their tune after they collapse down three floors while holding onto a photovoltaic panel.
To that end, it is necessary to task a well-trained employee with carrying out the obligatory structural assessment. Following that, assuming that a different worker is in charge of the actual installation, you should seek to supply both the information regarding all potential hazards and the means to prevent them.
Animals nesting under the solar panels
There is a surprisingly high risk of critters such as birds and squirrels making their home under the installed solar panels. While the animals may see the shade and warmth of the panels as perfect for a dwelling, their activity may compromise the roof’s structural integrity and even endanger the panels’ efficiency.
Integrating protective mesh around solar panels into your installation process can help prevent unwanted animal activity and help you avoid needless maintenance visits to fix its consequences.
Solar system installation and commissioning checklist
Download a free solar system installation and commissioning template and increase safety and efficiency during the instalation process
Wiring issues
Besides having to worry about the claws and beaks of animal visitors, you should keep a plethora of other wiring issues in mind. These most often include wires not being connected properly, unplugging due to harsh weather, becoming damaged, or short-circuiting.
Prevention and regular maintenance visits are, unfortunately, the only way to address this issue. Mistakes made out of inattention and complacency are widespread. However, you can prevent them by supplying your workers with the tools they need to avoid such problems.
Power up your solar panel installations
resco.FieldService has all the reporting tools you could ever need to power up your solar panel installations and maintenance, making the work less taxing on managers and field staff simultaneously.
You can download our free solar system installation and commissioning checklist and incorporate it into your installations and routine inspections in just a few moments! Thanks to its modular nature, it is easy to tweak and customize to suit your company’s and workers’ specific needs.
And it is entirely digital-friendly to boot! None of your inspectors will have to struggle against the wind and the burning sun with a pen and paper in hand ever again.
Explore and download the solar system installation and commissioning checklist here or find other great solutions for your inspectional needs in our Resco Digital Template Library!