With global warming affecting the
lives of many people around the world, more countries around the world are now
turning to renewable energy sources, like wind power in Denmark, Solar
Power in the Philippines, and geothermal power in Iceland, to reduce
their carbon footprint and hopefully limit the effects of global warming.
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Home solar power systems are especially
gaining traction in many countries because of the following:
·
They
are totally silent
·
Maintaining
them is not expensive
·
They
do not require as much space as wind power systems do
·
They
have no moving parts
However, despite the myriad
advantages that solar power systems have over other renewable sources of
energy, many are still averse to having them installed on their homes for fear
of any safety issues that often arise with many fairly new technologies going
mainstream.
One issue is that installing solar
panels is very difficult and therefore can poses a risk to both the installer
and the house it is being installed on.
Although the work can be difficult
at times, as solar panels are big and heavy and some houses’ wiring systems are
difficult to navigate, installing a solar power system on a house is generally
a simple matter. It is also important to
note that each work site presents its own challenges (a two-story house with a
sharply angled roof and simple wiring vs a single-story house with a flat roof
and shoddy wiring, for example).
To mitigate all possible risk, the
following safety protocols must be followed when installing solar panels:
·
Proper
lifting techniques should be practiced when carrying solar panels.
·
At
least two people should carry each solar panel.
·
Installers
should avoid carrying solar panels while climbing ladders.
·
Ladders
should be placed only on level ground and unobstructed places to prevent them
falling over.
·
Installers
should use proper safety equipment, like helmets, safety nets, and body
harnesses, at all times.
Another is the issue of solar panels
being a possible fire hazard.
It is important to note that,
although solar panels have to pass through rigorous quality testing, pass
tough, international standards, and be of a certain quality before they can be
sold to various countries around the world, they are not totally immune to electrical
faults.
This is why it is also important for
both installers and homeowners to take the following precautions to mitigate
the risk of electrical fires in a solar power system:
·
As
faulty, low-quality components can cause electrical fires, the use of higher
quality components is recommended. One
reason why higher quality components are priced higher than low quality ones is
that their failure rates are very low.
·
Experience
does not come cheap. Hiring quality,
experienced installers that have performed hundreds of installations is miles
better than hiring cheap, inexperienced ones that only have one or two
installations under their belt.
·
Regular
inspection of the system should always be performed to ensure they are working
at top shape.
·
Although
most inverters come with factory weatherproofing, they should still be well
ventilated and protected from the elements.
Nothing is 100% safe. In fact, any device that uses electricity as
its power source has the potential to overload, short circuit, and develop
electric arcing that can cause electrical fires. However, through proper precaution, the usage
of higher quality components and installers, and the practice of fire safety
protocols, preventing electrical fires and building a safe and efficient solar power system anywhere is very much possible.
Author Biography:
Kimberly Marie
Gayeta (Kimmy)is a Communications Degree holder, passionate writer, currently
working as a local Public Relations Officerand an online Marketing
Representative.
Thoroughly fascinated
about travelling, leisure, and living the good life!
Follow
her on twitter: @kimmygayeta
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