Ah! So much good news about solar photovoltaics (PVs). It is recognized by practically everyone now as the way to go. Fossil fuel combustion is on its way out in time. People and businesses see that solar and other renewable technologies makes sense, using something in nature that is free to produce electricity that produces no toxic nor GHG emissions. Solar farms are already cheaper to build and operate than proportionally-sized fossil fuel-fired plants, and with some improvements in electric storage technology, solar and wind will become “no brainers”! That does not mean that solar panels are perfect; that they are without risk. Yes, strongly consider adding solar panels to your roof or parking lot or open field. But be aware of some potential problems that can negatively impact your system, so that you can properly prepare.

One risk involving solar panel utilization is fire. Of course, this is risk in any electrical system. Solar PVs cannot start a fire by themselves. However, overheated components may. A related concern is if there is a fire nearby, emergency personnel may have a risk of electric shock from solar panels. Many solar panel systems are designed to automatically shut off during an emergency.

Solar panels on roofs may cause damage to a roof and, therefore, result in water intrusion. Thus, one should not just go to contract to install solar panels on a roof without checking first with the solar panel provider and even an outside roofing consultant, asking the question of what are the chances that the roof will either not be able to hold up the panels or will be damaged by freeze-thaw cycles over the next 25 years. Be sure to take into consideration accumulated snow and ice adding to the load from the solar panels. Also, anticipate worst case water accumulation on the roof (ponding) and how that may impact the roof and the operations of the solar panels. Nobody will guarantee no leaks or no roof damage going forward 25 years. But you should get an idea of the odds of the roof lasting that long without an intrusion. Certainly, implement any recommendation of either vendor type to prolong the life of your solar panels and roof. The good news is that solar panels lately on most roofs require fewer insertions into shingles and, thus, are easier to temporarily remove to access and repair a roof. And then reinstalling the panels in place.

Another risk to be aware of and prepare for is damage from extreme storms. Might the solar panels become projectiles in a severe storm with high winds or a hurricane? Be aware of unusual storm types in your area and work with your solar vendor to design and install them to withstand the worst weather of an impact. Does your homeowners or commercial building owners insurance cover a catastrophic result involving solar panels, including business losses if the building becomes unusable temporarily?

If you are planning for a solar farm, you need to have sufficient land that otherwise has little use. Might there be environmental risks from installing solar panels on this land, such as the loss of grass or trees and the re-routing of storm runoff? What might its effects be on wildlife and human neighbors in the are. Be sure to spend time assessing these issues and ensure that no serious effects or flooding will result in its presence.

Now here is another potential risk that seems pretty rare and innocuous, but has affected some systems. Roof-mounted solar PV systems could attract animals. Panels represent an excellent shelter for small animals that can get underneath from bigger predators and from storms. There have been reports of squirrels and other small animals nesting under a solar panel. Animals staying around too long can damage shingles and thereby cause a roof to leak. Guards that keep small animals from going and staying underneath a panel exist. You may want to consider including these in your solar PV design (and the added weight and complexity they cause). 

I don’t mean to pour rain on the parade. We certainly encourage you to consider installing solar PV on roofs or solar farms on vacant land. But it is not a panacea; all technologies have some risk. Be aware and plan accordingly and reap the benefits.

CCES has the experts to help you decide whether solar PV or other renewable power is right for your facility and bring in the experts to design and ensure that the system works for your maximum financial benefit. Contact us today at karell@CCESworld.com or at 914-584-6720.