New 4 Kwp system in Wiltshire

[RC]

Hi All

First post here.  My new solar PV plant was commissioned on Monday so today was the first full day of production.  I am quite pleased with 12.15 Kwh for today with a peak of 3.11 Kw and several dips down to 300w during prolonged and very heavy showers.

The installation comprises 16 JA Solar 250w panels and a Sunnyboy 4000TL Inverter. The roof faces 192 deg True with a slope of 30 deg.  Interestingly, the installers used no scaffolding; they wore the same sort of harnesses used by steeplejacks with the ropes secured on the other side of the house.  This seemed like a really cheap and easy way to work.  Their total access hardware consisted of 2 ropes and a ladder.

Some photos attached:

[rondurrans]

Looks good......what were the ropes anchored to? How did they get over the gutter with the ropes on the opposite elevation or did they come between the facia and the gutter? Was the saving on scaffolding refelected in the price?

Thanks,
Ron

[Justme]

As that array was on the rear of the house I would have expected them to anchor to their vehicle. As that would be a distance from the house the rope angle should miss the gutters. When working on my roof I do the same but use a suitably placed tree to anchor to.

[itsnewtome]

Must be a complete nightmare installing without a scaffold. I wouldnt entertain it on a roof like that. Its not just the people who may fall but also tools etc.
Personally I dont think its worth the risk.
Job looks good tho'

[RC]

The ropes were indeed secured to the van towbar about 7 yards from the front of the house.  I chatted to the guys about training and qualifications for rope work.  As with any other similar activity, training, experience and supervision mitigate the risks.  One of the installation team used to be an aerial erector, so house roofs are a bit tame. 

[stannn]

Look at the overhang of the mounting rails. You would think that it would be easier and safer to cut the end pieces to dead length on the ground before finally bolting together. They probably cut them with an alligator when all the panels were in place and when there was precious little room to kneel. It's very interesting though.
Stan

[Other-Power]

Intresting install, I would not work from rope when using tools on a slipy roof but thats me.

On another note, I think your inverter is a bit to close at the top, should be moved down a little.

Regards

Jon

[danny-solar]

I thought people were making it up when they said installers were installing panels on a house without scaffold but this is proof. 

All of the tiles for the brackets need removing and grinding so cannot see how this would be carried out easily and safely.

Scaffold always on a house whatever the circumstance!!!

[Cornish Dragon]

Here in Cornwall as else where a qualified rope tree
surgeon works from a harness AND uses a chainsaw !
It is all about the risk and method statements.....
And  training and confidence of course.
We use two harness packs for roof work.

CU
CD