The storms that hit southeast Queensland over the weekend were some of the most destructive in recent memory. Massive hail stones not only wrecked cars and windows, but roof tiles and solar panels, requiring significant repair work. 

But there are important matters to remember when inspecting damaged solar panels.

If you are working on damaged rooftop solar panels in the areas that the storms hit the hardest it is important to remember:

• Explain who you are, what you can do to help now, and what will have to wait
• Get permission to make safe – if the customer is a tenant verify whether they or the owner need to approve the work
• If premises are insured check if the insurance company want you doing work
• Document all processes – photograph installation and make notes. This will be very important for insurance claims or if there is a fire later due to damaged panels
• Assess the installation for safe access and potential hazards, such as structural integrity, asbestos, heights, broken glass, ability to get to roof area, potential storms, wind, occupier wanting to help, electrical faults and hazards, as well as other other trades on site.

MEA has created a guide for members of the public with hail-damaged solar panels.

Many of these worksites remains dangerous and you should complete a risk assessment and record before work starts.

If work approved and safe to do so:

• Ensure appropriate PPE is worn by all workers
• Isolate electrical installation or circuits to be worked on or near
• Inverter isolated, including tag out or lock out
• DC isolator tag out lock out
• Cover PV cells to reduce generation potential – ensure any coverings used are secure
• Split strings and make safe wiring to reduce string voltages where possible

Remember there are many things to consider before removing and replacing damaged panels:

• Owners wish to rectify the installation
• Insurers permission to carry out work
• Coordination with other trades for access to roof area for other repairs

Damaged solar panels may contain small quantities of toxic chemicals such as cadmium telluride, copper indium selenide, cadmium gallium (di)selenide, copper indium gallium (di)selenide, hexafluoroethane, lead, and polyvinyl fluoride. It is essential panels are disposed of correctly to avoid chemicals affecting people or being released into the environment.

Master Electricians have unlimited direct access to the MEA Technical and Safety hotlines. If you have questions about storm damaged solar panels phone 1300 889 198 to speak to the experts