In recent times, I have attended several seminars and that makes me wonder whether the entire process of Solar Energy Systems installation has anything to do with Electrical Engineering, or is it perhaps closer to something like tree cutting where there are so many claiming to be “experts” in that field.
Almost daily, we receive a note of someone saying that they are tree-fellers. On the radio, I hear CCTV installers are “experts” in Solar Energy Systems or perhaps companies selling totally unrelated products advertising that they also sell PV Modules.
Listening to questions posed at these seminars, I begin to doubt that Solar Energy Systems have any relationship to Electrical Engineering, or the placement of the PV Modules have anything to do with Mechanical Engineering. When I read or hear about fires where Solar Energy Systems were installed, I truly begin to doubt that.
It should not be that difficult to connect the wires together or tighten a bolt, or is it? People tend to think that hot connections on wiring circuits are only caused by a screw that is not tightened. How about a situation where the screw is over-tightened. Yes, that also causes hot connections. How about the bolts fastening the PV Modules. Yes, if the bolts are not tightened to the correct torque, the PV Modules will become loose and cause severe damage, perhaps even electrically induced fires. If not tightened to the correct torque, the bolts will undo itself with vibration caused by wind or it will break if it was over-tightened.
Who is at fault? There are perhaps many parties, but I will start blaming those who do not do a due diligence when it comes to appointing the “installers”. Do they, the homeowner or company, insist on having a proper design being done. Read more – https://agulhascorp.com/designing-solar-energy-systems/ of what we do. Do the homeowner or company ask the right questions to ascertain whether the person or company that they are about to appoint have sufficient experience in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
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