Installation & Commissioning

Project Development Process

After conducting a thorough inspection of the site and determining its solar potential, the solar installation process can begin. The installation process typically involves several steps, including:

1. Design and Engineering: This step involves creating a detailed design and layout of the solar system based on the site assessment and energy needs of the homeowner or business owner.

2. Permitting: In order to install a solar system, one must obtain the necessary permits from the local and state authorities. This is done to ensure that the system meets safety and building codes and is compliant with all necessary regulations.

3. Roof Preparation: The roof where the solar panels will be installed must be properly prepared to ensure that it can support the weight of the panels and that the roof is in good condition. Any damage or leaks must be repaired before installation.

4. Installation of Solar Panels: Once the roof is prepared, the solar panels are installed on the mounting system. These panels are typically mounted at a tilt to optimize their exposure to the sun and generate maximum electricity.

5. Electrical Wiring: The solar panels are then connected to the home or business’s electrical system. This requires running wiring and installing an inverter, a device that converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity that can be used by common household appliances.

6. Final Inspection: After all the components of the solar system are installed, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that the system is operating correctly and safely.

Overall, installing a solar system is a complex process but has become much more streamlined and efficient in recent years. With the help of experienced solar contractors, homeowners and business owners can enjoy a sustainable and cost-effective source of energy.

To deliver successful renewable energy projects NFA Technologies Limited brings together and integrates the following key elements: customer requirements, modern technology, design/engineering, training, project management and HSE.

Working Safe

• Method Statement
• Risk Assessment
• JSA
• Training and Experience

Project Management

• Plans & Schedules
• Experienced Supervision
• Installation Quality Management
• International Standards and Codes
• Testing & Commissioning Procedures
• Client Training
• Documentation and Records
• Digital Operations & Maintenance Management

EHS Management

The Hazards

While solar energy is among the cleanest and least hazardous of energy sources, there are four significant hazards during installation and maintenance: Lifting, Trips & Falls, Electrical, and Ladders.

LIFTING

Solar panels are awkward and heavy. Improperly lifting panels can cause strains, muscle pulls, and serious back injuries, including:

• Herniated discs
• Rotator cuff tears
• Hip and low-back strains

THINK SAFETY

• Use mobile carts, forklifts, or other non-manual methods to reduce lifting.
• Use gloves to protect your hands and improve your grip.
• Get a secure grip with both hands.
• Use smooth, even motions.
• Keep the load as close to the body as possible.
• Step to one side or the other to turn. Do not twist your body.

TRIPS AND FALLS

In construction, falls accounted for nearly 39.2% of fatalities. The most common height of fatal construction falls was from more than 30 feet.

Other risks include:

• Broken, Fractured, or Shattered Bones
• Severe Back, Neck, and Head Trauma
• Internal Injuries
• Puncture Injuries

Workers who are six feet or more above a lower level need to have some protection:

• Guards around edges
• Covers over holes
• Safety nets
• Personal fall arrest systems

When using a personal fall arrest system, the harness must be rated for at least 5,000 pounds, and the anchoring system must be rates for at least 5,000 pounds per attached worker.

THINK SAFETY

• Identify all potential slip, trip, and fall hazards before starting.
• Keep work areas clear of debris and obstructions, including loose shingles, poorly-placed tools, and electrical cords.
• Ensure work surfaces are free from ice, oil, water, and other substances.

ELECTRICAL

Solar systems include many components that conduct electricity. Electricity comes from many sources: the utility company, the solar array (i.e. the sun), ESS and generators. Even when a building’s main breaker is shut off, the PV system will continue to produce power. Risks include:

• Thermal burns
• Muscle, nerve, and tissue damage
• Falls from a surprise shock
• Death

Even low-light conditions can create sufficient voltage, shocking a worker and causing a fall.

THINK SAFETY

• Inspect your equipment to ensure it’s in safe working condition.
• Work a safe distance from power lines.
• Cover the solar array with an opaque sheet to “turn off” the sun’s light.
• Lockout/Tagout and de-energize AC and DC power sources.
• Always test circuits to ensure they are de-energized before working on them.
• Use a current clamp to check for hazardous energy before working on PV panels.
• Take special care around inverters. These can hold a powerful charge even when power is removed.
• Never disconnect PV connectors or other equipment that’s under load.
• Wear the appropriate PPE for electrical safety.

LADDERS

There are many recorded cases of fatalities from falling off ladders.

Other risks include:

• Fractures or sprains
• Puncture injuries
• Back, neck, and head trauma
• Cuts and bruises

THINK SAFETY

• Inspect ladders before use. Mark defective ladders with a label stating “Do Not Use.”
• Use a fiberglass ladder with non-conductive side rails near power sources. Aluminum and metal ladders are hazardous near power lines or electrical work.
• Ensure that ladders will extend a minimum of three feet above the last rung that the worker will stand upon.
• Place the ladder on dry, level ground, away from walkways and doorways, and a safe distance from power lines. Secure ladders to ground or rooftop.
• Grasp the horizontal ladder rungs (not the vertical rails) and maintain 3 points of contact.
• Never carry a solar panel or other equipment while climbing a ladder. Use a winch or hoist system to lift solar panels to the roof.