Plug in solar

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82096352#Comment_82096352

Sounds like a good plan.

Might teach people a lesson and stop them climbing out of their Velux window to replace three power optimisers on their main roof.

Wifey helped, or …… perhaps …… was making sure there was photographic evidence to support her claim on life assurance.

I can recommend this company for safety harness', lanyrads, straps etc etc.

QrizB

There were various people earlier in this thread speculating that plug-in solar would lead to a surge in domestic fires; banning them from wooden walls, cladding and balconies is one way to reduce that risk.

tfhnota

In this dry heat a bit of fence or hut catching alight could then hit the grass and trees nearby and… so I guess they have a point, annoying as that may be. My only other option is a bit of concrete tile (main house) roofing next to the lean-to, the roof at the perfect true south 45 degree angle and not overlooked even at the bottom - not going to haul 25kgs up 45 degrees to get them to the ridge tile level! Still have to buy a proper bit of mounting kit to suit two panels rather than the two by four wood I have to hand to put them on the lean-to roof. Very easy for the cost to get out of hand.

Newbie_John

I think fires aside (in Germany there's like 6 per 100k installation of all solars), I think they more concerned of these 20kg things flying around.

We've all seen broken fences by wind, flying trampolines etc. they lighter and lower, panels go high and are heavy - and the quality of some fences, sheds, pergolas made of timber is quite low here, and deteroiorates quickly with winds and rains.

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82096421#Comment_82096421

Before you went out did she ask you where the important documents were and the sharp Stanley knife?

This did make me laugh 😂 😂

TroubledTarts

A nice air gap underneath works wonders for cooling and shed roofs for example not getting too hot.

I have been out today and it's noticeably colder underneath the panels to the parts of the shed roof with no solar panels.

Qyburn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82096352#Comment_82096352

The flaw in your argument is that stupid people do things that hurt others. The person shoddily fixing a solar panel at height probably won't be the one injured if it flies off.

TroubledTarts

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82096662#Comment_82096662

That's life, avoid the stupid people and blocks of flats it seems now 🤣

Or at least look up from the phone screen when doing so

Martyn1981

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82096564#Comment_82096564

Now you mention it, she did seem particularly interested in the strength of the 8x3 purlin I attached everything too.

Two of the PO's were easy(ish) being able to access under panels, after climbing out and settling in, reasonably comfortably. But the 3rd required me removing a panel below me, to get underneath. Was going well till I lifted the panel 90d and needed wifey to pop a hand on to steady ….. and our cat Doyle found us, and tried to climb out.

I was stuck in an awkward position, while she took him downstairs to lock in a room, got back, then his brother Bodie found us and tried the same. All whilst I attempted to look nonchalant for the various neighbours, and park goers a short distance away.

No cats (nor humans) were harmed in the making of this story, though my pride and one leg was slightly bruised.

Descrabled

I have two comments on possible fire risks:

1. The regulations allow large scale solar installations that could possibly start a field fire in the present very dry conditions.
2. Many homes have flat roofs on their garages. These will mostly have a roof that has a wooden construction topped with felt or other waterproof membrane.