Can You Walk On Solar Panels?

Solar power and the usage of solar equipment in homes have been gaining a lot of popularity over the past decades. They are eco-friendly, cheaper, have great power output, almost no operation noise or wiring and you get electricity as well! In our eyes, it is a pretty great investment. And, you can even find marine solar panels these days.

Now comes the burning question, are you allowed to be walking on thin film panels? Well, the answer is both a yes and a no. You can of course walk on solar panels but we don’t recommend walking on the solar roof.

Read on as we explore this issue in-depth and inform you regarding the nitty-gritty of walking on the surface of rigid panels.

Key Takeaways

• You can walk on solar panels, but it is generally not recommended because it can damage the panels, reduce their efficiency, and lead to power output deterioration. Weather, natural calamities, and footwear can also contribute to panel damage.
• There is a potential risk of electrocution if a solar panel is broken and exposed to moisture or rain, especially if the solar system is not properly grounded.
• If a solar panel is broken, the extent of damage will determine whether it can still work. Minor damage may only require the replacement of broken cells, while extensive damage might be covered by homeowner’s insurance or require technical expertise for repair. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to keep solar panels operating efficiently.

Is It Fine to Walk on Solar Panels?

Since the panels on your solar roof were set up with your hard-earned money, it is common for you to wonder if you can walk on them without causing any damage. Well, the answer is yes, you can walk on them, but for the right reasons of course.

It’s because it is recommended not to. There might be many more questions running through your mind, will they break or can I get electrocuted while walking on them? Well, let’s clear the most common of these concerns in this article itself.

Why do we recommend not walking on your solar panel? Well, to begin with, a solar panel is very expensive. Walking on the panel or the solar cells may eventually break them or cause a scratch too. And, once one of the solar cells is scratched, the power output tendency of the solar panel on your roof to deteriorate will elevate.

In addition to that, the weather and natural calamities can cause a rather tiny crevice to become a lot bigger. This is because of the constant thermal contraction or expansion on the surface which will lead to the separation of surrounding materials. The cost and the time spent in the installation and maintenance on the roof are just too much to risk damaging the solar panel.

Will You Break Solar Panels if You Walk on Them?

Yes, there are chances that you break them if you are walking on solar panels or you plan to stand on them for long. The body weight of the person walking on the solar panels clubbed with the material quality can determine how bad the effect can be on the solar cells. It will most definitely lead them to be less efficient.

It is bound to be a tragedy if you wear footwear while walking on the solar panel. The dirt from the soles such as shards or the rock debris like a pebble stuck in there can easily cause damage to your panel’s surface and thereby deactivate the solar cells.

Natural calamities are another reason behind the breakage of your solar panels’ surfaces. Hail or snow is responsible for causing microcracks in the solar panels. This crack is pretty tiny so you might not be able to see them but when they accumulate, the damage could be real!

Temperature changes that are pretty extreme from high heat to snow can break the solar panels as well. Additionally, solar panels also have a shelf life even though they are quite durable. This means that after a period of about 25 to 30 years, you can expect that your solar system will wear off, not produce power and break down.

Can You Get Electrocuted when You Walk on Solar Panels?

Well, there is no simple answer to the question.

Solar panels and the entire solar articles’ set up in the house, in general, are created keeping human safety in mind. They are grounded just like other electrical installations to prevent any shock hazard or electrocution.

In case the solar panel is broken, it might certainly lead to adverse effects. You can get electrocuted in case the panel is exposed to moisture or rain. Additionally, if the solar system isn’t earthed properly, it will allow some electricity leakage which can creep into your body in wet conditions.

Can a Broken Solar Panel Work?

Firstly, it’s best to take precautions and avoid your solar panels getting broken. If they do, their working, power, and energy will vary according to the damage caused.

If only one of the cells is broken, you would just need to replace the broken cell(s), which will be quite cost-effective. Plus, the power loss will not be that huge.

On the other hand, if you stepped on a solar panel with heavy weight and the damage is a lot, the house owner’s insurance should cover the expense. Moreover, if you have enough technical expertise in solar panels, you may be able to repair the solar array yourself.

With a single crack or some scratches and tempered glass, your roof panel will work but with reduced output, say, with a reduction of about 10 per cent to 20 per cent. You can also check the voltage measure to get an estimate of the damage to your solar panels.

How to Fix a Broken Solar Panel?

If the solar panel has broken glass but the solar cells are intact, you can easily repair the solar panel and continue using it.

You should use an epoxy resin, a mixing bowl plus something to help in pushing the resin on this glass.

It is recommended that you ensure that the epoxy used is waterproof and isn’t responsible for fading in the direct sunlight. You should then take the panel off the frame and keep it on a flat surface. Once this is done, you can start cleaning the glass before beginning to repair the solar panel.

Additionally, you should check the solar panel before the repair process starts and also repeat the same once the repair is done.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips that You Should Know

If you have a solar panel, it is best to take good care of the solar panel system to avoid any issues. Following are some of the essential tips you should keep in mind while treating your solar cells:

• You should keep the solar panels away from any shade. They should be far from trees and the sun should face the solar cells directly.
• It is best to constantly monitor the solar panel system to keep a check of the voltage delivered and whether or not, it is working at its full potential.
• We would strongly recommend you to look into the solar panels’ maintenance regularly. They will ensure that no dust or dirt is getting collected on them. Ensure that the edges do not corrode and rust with time; this might lead to a weakening of the system.
• You should take the help of a soft sponge brush along with soapy water to clean the solar panel. This will make the surface completely open to the sunlight and ready to work with the best efficiency.
• You can also opt to install an automatic cleaning system for your solar panels. This is a great option if you don’t have time for regular cleaning. Robotic cleaners or the automatic cleaners use automatic wipers and water sprinklers to ensure complete cleanliness.

Case Study Walking on Solar Panels: Risks and Realities

Background

Solar Panels Network USA was contacted by a residential client who had experienced a significant drop in their solar panel efficiency. Upon investigation, it was found that the homeowner had occasionally walked on the panels to clean them, unaware of the potential damage this could cause.

Initial Assessment

Our team performed a thorough inspection of the solar panel system. Using thermal imaging and voltage measurements, we identified several microcracks and areas of reduced performance across the array.

Project Overview

The primary goal was to restore the efficiency of the solar panel system and educate the homeowner on proper maintenance practices to avoid future damage. This involved repairing the existing panels and implementing safer cleaning methods.

Implementation

Repair and Replacement
We replaced the most severely damaged panels and repaired minor cracks using specialized resin. This process ensured that the system could return to near-original efficiency levels.

Installation of Protective Measures
To prevent future incidents, we installed a protective walkway alongside the solar panels. This walkway allowed for safe access to the roof without stepping directly on the panels.

Maintenance Training
Our team provided the homeowner with detailed instructions on maintaining the solar panels. This included the use of telescopic cleaning tools and recommendations for professional cleaning services.

Monitoring System Installation
We installed a monitoring system to track the performance of the solar panels in real-time. This allowed the homeowner to immediately detect any drops in efficiency and address potential issues before they became severe.

Results

Restored Efficiency
Post-repair, the solar panels’ efficiency improved significantly, nearly matching the output recorded before the damage occurred. This restoration ensured that the homeowner could continue to rely on solar energy for their power needs.

Increased Awareness
The homeowner became well-informed about the risks of walking on solar panels and adopted the recommended maintenance practices. This proactive approach helped in maintaining the system’s longevity and performance.

Enhanced Safety
The installation of a protective walkway provided a safe means of accessing the roof, reducing the risk of accidental damage to the solar panels in the future.

Summary

This case study highlights the importance of proper maintenance and the risks associated with walking on solar panels. By addressing the damage and educating the homeowner, Solar Panels Network USA ensured the long-term efficiency and reliability of the solar energy system. Preventative measures and regular professional maintenance are key to preserving the integrity and performance of solar panels.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Walking on Solar Panels

Walking on solar panels is generally not advisable as it can lead to microcracks and physical damage, significantly reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Ensuring the panels remain intact and undisturbed is crucial for optimal performance.

Senior Solar Technician

While solar panels are designed to withstand various environmental factors, human weight can create pressure points that cause irreversible damage. It’s best to avoid stepping on them to maintain their structural integrity.

Lead Solar Engineer

Damage from walking on solar panels isn’t always immediately visible. Microcracks can form and worsen over time, leading to efficiency drops and increased repair costs. Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to maintaining solar panels.

Solar Installation Specialist

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Conclusion

Well, this is your answer to whether or not you can walk on solar panels and what to do with a broken panel. Please keep all the repercussions in mind before taking such a step. Pun Intended!

Furthermore, the tips and tricks listed in the article will go a long way if you follow them properly and regularly. We hope we were able to clear your doubt and inform you regarding all things walking on solar panels.