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Solar panels at home - things to take into consideration
By: Ilse de Klerk
Our 'loadshedding' is assisting us to think of 'getting by' without Eskom. There are actually a variety of options as alternative energy sources. With a bit of out-of-the-box thinking and really thinking with some research, you can make a plan.
In this article, I am only talking about solar panels.
The most obvious place to install your solar panels is on a roof.
To mention some factors:
Birds
You share your living space with nature. Birds could find your installation as a safe home for raising their offspring. You would need to think of protecting your wires and hardware. You could incorporate the species' nesting habits and install it in such a manner that their nest is part of the setup and cover your wires and hardware.
Rodents
Those 'pestie' little food sources for so many animals can destroy your wires and hardware. Get an Owl box. No fake owl statues, get the real deal.
Roof structure
I hope you know how much weight your roof structure can hold. Your house plans would provide you with some indication and if not a decent builder, draughtsman, or architect should be able to assist you.
Wall construction
Same as with the roof structure, do you know how your walls were constructed? Was it maxi or normal bricks, single or double? The intervals of the brick force? How much weight can your walls carry?
Linking these thoughts with your non-life insurance (short-term)
Please read your contract. You can not be in violation of any law, if you are, your insurance company that is taking on your liability can refuse to pay the claim of damages incurred because you did not follow the rules.
There are building rules that need to be followed, South African National Standards (SANS). Google it.
There is also the clause that stipulates that you did implement precautions to protect the assets from any damages.
So, please, when you want to install solar panels, do your research and the credentials of the installers. Your insurance company will have a list of service providers you can start off with.
Happy solar journey for you!!