I'm a roofing contractor looking to expand into the solar installation industry. My dad used to install solar panels decades ago before moving on to larger commercial projects. Given that my crew consists of experienced roofers, I'm curious about how challenging it would be to teach them to install solar panels correctly. We're planning to just handle the installation on the roof, while having an electrician connect everything. Does anyone have tips or resources for getting started? Since we can install solar shingles, I believe panel installation shouldn't be too hard. I can reach out to my dad and uncle for advice, but they might not have the latest knowledge. Any guidance would be much appreciated!
2 Answers
Transitioning to solar shouldn’t be too tough for your crew, especially since they’re already skilled roofers. From my experience, it helps to get familiar with different solar panel systems and their specific quirks. I’d recommend hiring a couple of former solar installers to guide your team through the initial setups. That way, they can get a feel for the common issues that might come up across various racking and equipment systems. They can also help with any training you need to get your team up to speed quickly!
Consider getting NABCEP certified training for your crew. It’s great for ensuring smooth installs, and it covers essential code basics and waterproofing techniques, which are crucial. And yes, definitely keep your electrician in the loop from the beginning; collaboration makes everything easier! You'll find that your roofing skills will translate well into solar installation.
That's a smart move! Getting someone with experience right away can save you a lot of trial and error down the line. Plus, they can help reinforce safety protocols.