Having solar panels installed on your home is an excellent way to create a greener household and save money on your utility bills each month. Like any type of home improvement, however, the panels do have safety considerations that all owners should be aware of. Here are three tips that will help you stay safe and enjoy the benefits of solar energy. 

Safety Considerations for Solar Panels

1. Set Rules About the Roof

After a network of solar panels is installed, it’s important that everyone in your household understands that the roof is now off limits. Solar panels generate hundreds of volts of electricity when taking in sunlight, so it’s crucial that the proper safety precautions are taken to avoid any accidents. Children should never be on a roof with solar panels and should be instructed to tell an adult if there’s any need to retrieve a toy that has gotten stuck somehow. If your home has direct access to the roof via doors or windows, those exits should also be deemed off limits to any younger members of the household. 

2. Know How to Disconnect the Power

From cleaning gutters to grabbing a lost toy, there will be times when being on the roof is necessary. By law, every solar panel system needs to have a control panel located in a spot accessible to homeowners and emergency professionals. Locating this panel and turning the system’s power off should always be the first step before climbing on your roof, but you should always assume that electricity is still present in the circuits. Sunshine can still create energy in the system even if the power is switched off, so it’s important to still be vigilant of where you’re stepping and what you’re touching when on the roof. 

3. Update Your Home’s Wiring

Electrical surges stemming from solar panels are very rare, but the danger does increase if your home’s wiring is out-of-date. Before having a solar system installed, speak with your local electrical contractor to see if any wiring upgrades should be completed first. 

Solar Help Hawaii is the premier source for solar services in the Honolulu, HI, area, specializing in the sale, installation, and repair of photovoltaic electrical systems including solar panels, water heaters, attic fans, and more. The company’s team of experienced technicians takes pride in helping all individuals harness the power of the sun and decrease utility bills. For more information, call (808) 548-4357 or visit the website today.