The following reasons explain why nobody should access a roof for any reason if solar is installed.
Solar electricity generated from rooftop solar panels is the transfer of light energy to electrical energy at a voltage level similar to that of 3 to 4 car batteries. Unfortunately when your system is connected to the grid the inverter requires a much higher lethal DC voltage from the panels. This voltage is up to 600 volts DC and is currently not controllable. To rectify this we have developed and recommend the installation of a Remote Solar Isolator.
The inability to isolate solar panels by using presently installed methods was highlighted on the Channel 9 News in Sydney dated 11th of February 2011 where various officials made comment. Since this date there have been numerous warnings about the inability to turn off solar panels issued from Clean Energy Council and NSW Department of Fair Trading along with prominent Solar Manufacturers.
Safety Alerts informing us of fires and electric shocks have also been released. Internationally firemen have failed to intervene and watched as homes with solar panels have been allowed to control burn, as the fear of electrocution is too great. We have reports of some people losing their lives. This fear has been reiterated by the latest Underwriters Laboratories report which brings attention to the inadequate isolation and unpredictable current paths which damaged solar arrays can have.
Electrical fires that could not be stopped as the solar array continued to generate power and feed the fire until it reignited again and again have been found with one electrician stating he has seen this problem on over 50 homes.
The safety of the Supply Authorities electrical workers has been compromised from backfeeding inverters.
It has been reported that poor quality workmanship and materials may put homeowners at risk of electrocution and fire and there is no way of fully isolating these systems.
Solar Audits around Australia have shown similar results stating that a high percentage of solar installations have faults that could cause fire or electrocution. Remember not one system may be fully isolated safely.
The Remote Solar Isolator has been discussed by numerous Australian and International media and has gained respect from many solar experts, including Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) where it was reported in The Courier Mail that one of the solutions being considered is a retro-fitted switch to break down the output from rooftop panels to “non-lethal voltages”.
There are numerous reports of fires and dangers around solar arrays and it appears that a Remote Solar Isolator would provide improved safety to 100% of them.
