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Removing solar panels for for maintenance
Removing panels
This may be a stupid question, but is it safe to disconnect a panel array and put them in to storage myself? Have been quoted £1200 to remove the 12 panels from a garden room roof, including hire of a scaffold tower, and make the wiring safe for further work.
I can get on the roof with a normal ladder and there is an isolation kill switch up there too to make sure they are isolated.
Not sure if it’s something I can just work out how to do myself, or if getting a company in is the best option. Will then need them refitting on to a rubber roof around 3 weeks later.
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10 Replies
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Isolating does not make the panels safe. This is something you could do with a neighbour who knew enough about electric to keep you both safe. If you’re not infirm you can do this yourself but must be with knowledgable help.
1200 is a ludicrous amount unless the reinstall is included in that.
You think it’s only panels…. It’s possibly rails as well.
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that’s just for the removal of them
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yes I expect it is. This is a lower outhouse. With help an afternoon of time, planning and rigor a safe decent can be made, he says he’s happy to get up there. Householders are able to make their own rules.
that’s almost twice what they’d cost to buy. Just cause you gotta quote don’t mean you need to take it. There are other companies..
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You will need to cover them, or do at low light time, as otherwise panels will have voltage. Plus a tool to disconnect wires.
Ideally, find another contractor with a lower price
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I’d bet the same price! You can do it yourself with knowledge understanding competence
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Yes you can most definitely do it yourself, it really isn’t rocket science. A little bit of commonsense and a lot of money left in your pocket.
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Get an mc4 disconnect tool it will make life easier.
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Easy job, I would suggest 2 of you to make handling easier. An MC4 disconnect tool makes life easier too! Isolating doesn’t really help as the panels are the thing generating! Just do it on a dry day and wear gloves, if you can avoid licking the connectors, you will be fine!
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Oh dear! An isolation switch means that the panels are isolated from the rest of the domestic supply. It DOES NOT mean that the panels stop generating. If you don’t understand the basics of electricity and how solar panels are wired and work, do not go near them. You could be in for a nasty surprise, [particularly if you are up a ladder.
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If the system is fully isolated, removing the panels isn’t very complicated, but solar panels still produce DC power in daylight, so the wiring can be risky. If you’re confident working on a roof and handling electrical connections, you might manage it, but if you’re unsure it’s safer to let professionals do it—especially since they’ll be reinstalling them later.
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