Whats involved with replacing damaged solar panels/inverter.

We do a fair bit of work for insurance companies repairing/re-wiring flood and fire damaged properties. the one I looked at today has solar panels on the roof and an inverter in the loft, the house has had a fire. The panels and the sort that fasten directly to the roof laths with a flashing kit so they are quite literally toast now. The inverter has seen better days also.




We are obviously re-wiring the place but what's the score with the solar side, can I replace everything or will it be classed as a new installation, its 4 panels on the roof and they were just connected together and then into the inverter with a piece of 2.5 down to the consumer unit. Inside the CU was a 16A rcbo and a mini kWhr meter next to it. Not got a clue as to who owns what at the minute.

The manager that met me there said maybe bung the cost of the solar course onto the job but I've just had a quick look at the MAPIT site and its all gobbledygook to be honest.



Your not telling me its hundreds and hundreds of pounds and months/years at college again just to fit solar panels is it? I thought it would be a one day course for about £150 like a pat testing one.

oscar21 said:

We do a fair bit of work for insurance companies repairing/re-wiring flood and fire damaged properties. the one I looked at today has solar panels on the roof and an inverter in the loft, the house has had a fire. The panels and the sort that fasten directly to the roof laths with a flashing kit so they are quite literally toast now. The inverter has seen better days also.

View attachment 116723


We are obviously re-wiring the place but what's the score with the solar side, can I replace everything or will it be classed as a new installation, its 4 panels on the roof and they were just connected together and then into the inverter with a piece of 2.5 down to the consumer unit. Inside the CU was a 16A rcbo and a mini kWhr meter next to it. Not got a clue as to who owns what at the minute.

The manager that met me there said maybe bung the cost of the solar course onto the job but I've just had a quick look at the MAPIT site and its all gobbledygook to be honest.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme | NAPIT

Microgeneration Scheme - Quality assurance in the installation of small scale renewables that will allow your customers access to key Government incentives

www.napit.org.uk

Click to expand...

MCS is the scheme you need to belong to to install PV, well it is not a legal requirement but if the PV array isn't installed by a MCS accredited installer then it may cause the home owner problems with regards to such things as selling to the grid applying for government incentives and also potentially if they sell their house later, amongst other things.

oscar21 said:

Your not telling me its hundreds and hundreds of pounds and months/years at college again just to fit solar panels is it? I thought it would be a one day course for about £150 like a pat testing one.

Click to expand...

2 or 3 or 4 day course depending on the provider. NICEIC one is 4 days for instance.

Are you likely to install a lot of Solar in the future? or want to add it to your services? If so then it might be worth investing in the course and the MCS accreditation.

@oscar21 is not interested in any sort of CPD or improving his knowledge.

Install an isolator in a convenient location for the solar installers to connect to.
Solar is not difficult BUT like anything, if you are installing it for a job, you should at the very least be able to prove that you are competent.

oscar21 said:

We do a fair bit of work for insurance companies repairing/re-wiring flood and fire damaged properties. the one I looked at today has solar panels on the roof and an inverter in the loft, the house has had a fire. The panels and the sort that fasten directly to the roof laths with a flashing kit so they are quite literally toast now. The inverter has seen better days also.

View attachment 116723


We are obviously re-wiring the place but what's the score with the solar side, can I replace everything or will it be classed as a new installation, its 4 panels on the roof and they were just connected together and then into the inverter with a piece of 2.5 down to the consumer unit. Inside the CU was a 16A rcbo and a mini kWhr meter next to it. Not got a clue as to who owns what at the minute.

The manager that met me there said maybe bung the cost of the solar course onto the job but I've just had a quick look at the MAPIT site and its all gobbledygook to be honest.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme | NAPIT

Microgeneration Scheme - Quality assurance in the installation of small scale renewables that will allow your customers access to key Government incentives

www.napit.org.uk

Your not telling me its hundreds and hundreds of pounds and months/years at college again just to fit solar panels is it? I thought it would be a one day course for about £150 like a pat testing one.

Click to expand...

You need to pass the job on to someone who is competent and up to speed with solar installs and regulations .