The Best Solar Panel Company recommends these 10 installation solar panel practices for the Canadian Climate to ensure you will have a great solar panel system that will last you a long time.
1. Solar Panel Safety
All of our workers are trained with Fall Protection, First Aid, and WHMIS. A Job Hazard Assessment and Fall Protection Plan are completed to ensure the safety of our workers and your property throughout the duration of the job. You can expect to see our workers wearing a Rope & Harness, Hard Hat, Steel Toes, Safety Glasses and a smile at all times.
2. Critter Guard – Rodent Protection
Standard practice on all of our solar installations. Critter Guard is going to enclose your entire solar array and give it a professionally finished look. Enclosing your solar system will also prevent pigeons from nesting under your solar array, and prevent squirrels from chewing on the wires.
3. Solar Panel Monitoring System
We install a solar monitoring system on all of our installations. This will allow us to make sure your system is performing the way it should be every day of the year and if there is an issue we know immediately and can send out a service rep to fix the potential issue.
4. ROOFING & Solar Panels
There is a reason roofing is in all capital letters. This is the number one reason you can lose on your investment. One roof leak equals a very large insurance claim and you will be questioning why did I install solar in the first place. We have a fifteen year roofer on staff, who also has an engineering degree, so to say he is very detailed is an understatement. He ensures that common and uncommon roofing mistakes never happen on your home. A 10 year in house roofing workmanship warranty backs up our quality of work.
5. Clean Electrical for Solar Panels
Our Journeyman Electrician keeps all of our wires under our solar panels and strapped tightly to our solar racking systems, so you don’t have to look at them sitting on your roof and it prevents wear and tear from loose wires rubbing on the roof. We will also hide wires either along the wall or through your attic in the cleanest looking manner possible. You will never see us go over an eavestrough or a gable end as this is an extremely lazy way to install your electrical.
6. Solar Panel Layout
We will always layout your solar panels in the most efficient and clean looking manor possible. If we have to move roof vents or plumbing stacks to fit your solar panels in a better spot then we will go the extra mile for a better looking and performing solar array!
7. Anchor Bolts for Solar Panel Racking
Properly installing anchor bolts is an extremely important detail. Anchor bolts secure the entire solar array to the roof and must be installed into TRUSSES. We have seen many solar systems installed into sheeting because installers cannot find trusses and in our extremely high Saskatchewan winds this is a dangerous practice. We pre-drill all of our lag bolts and make sure we feel for trusses before we install our anchor bolts.
8. Surge Protection for Solar Power Systems
We think it is a good idea to go a little bit over the top and install a surge protector because it protects your investment from power surges and voltage spikes.
9. Roofing Details for Solar Installations
When installing roof anchors we do not just put screws through your roof cap and tar at the end as this can result in leaks. We replace the roof cap because we know “just putting tar on it” is bad roofing practice. We also make sure when installing your solar flashing that they are sealed on the bottom and tarred underneath the shingle to ensure that they will not blowoff in the future. The exposed solar flashing is then secured with waterproof roofing screws instead of nails to ensure a watertight seal. We also will use ice & water shield membrane on penetrations that go through your roof as an extra layer of protection.
10. Financial Success for Solar Systems
We show you the best financial options available to pay for your solar panels. We do not just try to pressure you into a quick sale and rush you into a bad financial program. This is not in your family’s best interest. We show you in order for the best 5 ways to pay for solar panels. See our How Do You Pay For Solar For Your Solar Panel Installation Page for more information.
If you are able to follow these simple but important steps you will find that you are working with the Best Solar Panel Company!
For more information about solar panel performance and potential in your province or territory in Canada visit this Guide!