There’s a right way and a wrong way to install solar panels on rooftops. We did research on 20 rooftop systems averaging 10 years old. The results are described in our recent White Paper: “The Importance of Safe and Reliable Solar Mounting Systems.” You can download it on our website under Resources/White Papers. Or check out the article on Greentech Media.
- Mounting systems must be specifically designed for rooftop solar installations.
- Solar and electrical components must meet all standards, codes, and permitting requirements and be designed for wet and hot roof conditions.
- Structural components, including fasteners, must be stainless steel or aluminum.
- Roof attachments must be designed for the mounting system being used and include flashings designed for that mounting system.
- Use of the newest grounding components will maximize the system’s long-term integrity.
- Use of newly UL-listed power electronics such as microinverters, DC-DC converters, and string inverters will reduce arc faults that lead to shock and fire hazards.
- Panels, inverters, racking, grounding, and wiring with built-in or factory-assembled safety features will install faster, limit the use of inferior components, and therefore increase reliability and reduce system outages.
- Installers should be chosen that have a track record of quality work performed by well-trained crews and with the expectation that they will be able to honor applicable warranties.