The sun in Texas is hot and the sun can shine brightly for days. For this reason Solar Panels may be under the radar to purchase from a sales person who comes to the door to sell you their products or sends you marketing materials. Homeowners may be tempted, especially when they hear the pitch about energy savings on electric bills. Did you know that Solar Panel Sales People are not licensed by the Texas Occupational Licensing ?
If you have an interest in Solar Panels, you may want to ask if their company has licensing and permitting requirements based on the type of service or products associated with their business. When it comes to purchasing any products, it is wise to know if there are any safety issues to be aware of. In a Solar Panel Class on January 4, 2023, the Instructor/Certified Home Inspector mentioned issues that raised awareness for buyers buying or owning homes with Solar Panels. Below are issues that were brought up in class:
SAFETY ISSUES CONCERNING SOLAR PANELS
The Certified Home Inspector/Instructor discussed many issues he is aware of when it comes to Solar Panels. The scariest issue was reported on the News Channel on May 2, 2022. A Homeowner in the City of Melissa in Collin County in Texas had a house fire caused by his Solar Panels while he was away. His neighbor noticed the fire and attempted to put out the fire and he called the Fire Department. For more information and to watch the news report search Melissa Solar Panel House Fire or try the link for "A Warning about solar panels after man's home almost burns down". It may be an anomaly, but do you want to take the risk without asking questions or knowing a fire is possible?
Other issues and deficiencies the Certified Home Inspector mentioned that has come up on his reports are as follows:
- Leaks
- Bowing
- Flashings
- Power Surges
- Penetration
- No Access for Evaluating Maintenance
- Ladder not tall and wide enough to get to top Solar Panels
- Owners don't know what the SOP says about Solar Panels purchased
- Critters dead or alive under panels (primarily squirrels)
- Missing Fasteners
- No Sealants on Fasteners
- Grounding/Bonding & Missing Covers
- Potential Hidden Deficiences or Objects Inspector Can't Access
- Inability to get up on a ladder to inspect each panel
- Damage to Roof and Inability to see what is under the panels
- How many layers are under shingles that are obstructed by panels
- Roof Does Not Appear To Support the Weight of the Panels
As explained in class, "when the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel." Potential buyers need to know many Home Inspectors are not Certified to Inspect Solar Panels. If issues come up and roofs need to be replaced, the Solar Panels have to come down. Who is going to pay to take the panels down and who will pay to put the solar panels back on when the work is done? Deals have gone dead when Sellers agreed to replace the roof but the cost to remove and put the panels back on were unexpected costs. Buyers and Sellers should check with their Insurance Company to see if Solar Panels are covered. Also, just like roof, there are no guarantees how long Solar Panels will last. Hail is a common issue why people need to replace their roofs.
In sum, per the Certified Home Inspector, no one has any idea on Solar Panel performance or Resale Value. Why would I trust Brian Greul, Home Inspector on classes for Solar Panel? Because he has Solar Panels on his own home and he is an excellent Instructor for Real Estate Agents.
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