Can you walk on solar panels? What happens if you walk or sit on them? These are typical questions you may ask yourself if you own a solar installation. Although it may seem like there is no problem, the answer is NO.
Common installation mistakes
There are two habits that we frequently see when installing solar panels on a roof:
Designing arrays without spaces between them
A common mistake is designing huge arrays of multiple rows without spaces (aisles) between them. This makes future basic tasks such as cleaning and maintaining the modules difficult.
This shows a lack of vision on the part of the person who designs the arrangement of the modules. During their useful life, the screws will be subjected to mechanical loads that can cause the clamps and supports to become loose, putting the installation at risk at the first gust of wind. Designing this way will make it difficult to carry out any type of adjustment.
We will also have problems with cleaning the modules. These are usually covered with dirt, polluting particles from the environment, bird droppings, etc. which form a layer that reduces the efficiency of the solar panel, which can be up to 20%.
Installers walking or resting on solar panels.
The lack of training and supervision of work leads to bad practices by photovoltaic installers. We have seen workers resting on top of the module. Also, we have seen companies making advertising spots featuring their workers walking on top of solar panels.
Although they may seem resistant, solar panels are not indestructible. And their physical resistance has limits. For example, if we walk on the tiles of a roof we know that sooner or later they will break if someone exerts weight on them.
KEY INFO
Returning to the initial question… the answer is NO, you should not walk on solar panels under any circumstances, you should avoid it.
Consequences of walking on solar panels
Microcracks
It is not advisable to walk on solar panels since the mechanical load generated under our feet can cause mechanical breakage (microcracks) of the cells, which are sheets composed of silicon that are only 0.2 mm thick.
These microcracks are not immediately visible since the tempered glass of the panel does not break so easily. However, they can cause several highly relevant problems in the long term:
- The broken parts of the cell are isolated from the rest of the cell and no longer generate energy.
- It reduces the overall performance of the system.
Solar panels, depending on the brand or manufacturer, can produce energy for more than 15 years. However, allowing installers to walk on solar panels can cause a high percentage of reduction in the useful life of the solar panel.
Hotspots
Hotspots can also be created in these broken areas. These occur when, because of defects in the module, microcracks or any other reason, points are produced within that module that heats up much more than the others.
This can be very dangerous and the solar panel can end up catching fire, making it difficult for people around it to stay safe.
See How Walking on Solar Panels Causes Cell Damage
To show our point, we share the following video from the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado). This video uses electroluminescence imaging (similar to X-rays) to reveal the damage caused to the cells when a person performs actions on the module, such as walking or kneeling on it.
What to do if they are already installed?
If there is no way to avoid it, what you have to do when doing maintenance or cleaning work on the solar panels is to walk on the frames of the panels. It is preferable to walk on those panels that rest directly on the structure. And this task should be carried out by a person of a thin build or of little weight to minimize the bending of the glass. So, avoid walking directly on the cells, because, as we have mentioned, they will break.
In short, it is good practice to install modules in rows (maximum two), leaving spaces and corridors between them. So, you can easily clean and maintain solar panels, which will improve their performance over time.
FAQs
Can I walk on solar panels to clean them?
It’s better not to walk on them. Instead, use soft brushes with long handles. Also, you can hire professionals for regular cleaning. This will keep the panels in good condition without risking damage.
Can you walk on semi-flexible solar panels?
Semi-flexible solar panels are not built to handle human weight. Although they may be slightly more resilient to bending, walking on them can damage the internal cells and reduce performance.
Is it safe to sit on solar panels?
Sitting on solar panels is also discouraged. Your weight and pressure can create internal fractures in the cells. Although they may not be immediately apparent, they will gradually decrease the panel’s performance and lifespan.
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