I'm considering installing 6-8 solar panels, each around 400-500 watts, on the side of my home since my roof isn't suitable for solar panels. My primary concern is safety, especially since I have children. I've read that it's recommended to keep solar panels at least 10 feet away from areas where people frequently walk. To mitigate risks, I was planning to build a brick wall to block access to the rear of the panels. Is this approach risky? I'm also planning to hire a qualified electrician to handle all wiring properly.
3 Answers
You should be fine! Solar panels are made of tough glass, and even if they do break, they won’t shatter like regular glass. I'm curious, though—what do you mean your roof doesn’t qualify for solar? Is it a weight issue because of the flat roof or something else like shade from trees?
What do you mean by keeping panels 10 feet away from human traffic? Also, have you considered ground mounts as an option?
Putting solar panels on the side of your house shouldn’t be any more dangerous than having a piece of plywood there with some wires. If they’re installed securely and properly, you can rest assured they're safe.
Thanks for the input! I have a flat roof and I live in the Chicago area, so the weight of the panels plus snowfall from a big storm would be too much, according to an engineer I trust.