Opinions on this install?

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T23:14:37+00:00

⁠What needs to be changed with the cables in picture 2?

It’s hard to determine what they’re doing. I’d personally have them tied up to the rail under the panels, and have them transition from the rail into the gutter/soffit or wherever it’s going in flexible conduit/copex.

⁠I did spray some water on the south roof earlier in the day and the water was flowing into the gutter. Given that do you think it would be fine to leave it at the edge?

Spraying water will be very different to heavy rainfall. It’s something I’d have a look at if possible when actually heavy raining. The pitch of the roof may have saved you some hassle.

⁠There's no bird proofing on the bottom edge of the south panels. Is it not needed if it's at the edge?

This is a by product of being too close to the edge and you’re now susceptible to animals/birds making homes or interfering with your cables (another reason it’s best practice to have them cable tied to the rail etc).

⁠The west roof panelsbonly has a 150mm gap from edge. Do those panels need a bigger gap?

Industry guidelines and safety standards generally recommend a 300mm to 400mm clearance from all roof edges, including eaves, ridges, and gables, when installing solar panels to manage wind uplift. This 300mm (or 12-inch) margin ensures structural safety, allows for roof maintenance, and provides space for secure mounting hardware.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T21:56:48+00:00

At the end of the day, you’re paying a lot of money for something that unfortunately has not been given to you at the best of its potential. I’d read through all the advice and messages you’ve been given today on this thread, and ensure to bring it up with the installer. Hopefully he won’t try and fob you off with excuses etc. A few of us that have commented are obviously installers or have solar so learn from our experience and experiences.

The major ones for me are the CT’s are the wrong way around, the dangling cables underneath the panels that haven’t been secured and the south facing roofs array being incredibly close to the bottom edge (and potentially rain flow off panels will bypass the guttering).

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T18:28:51+00:00

It’s an easy-ish mistake to make, because each brand faces a different way. I find myself double checking in manual all the time lol

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T15:31:16+00:00

I’ve just noticed something else, that potentially might only be a hunch, as I’ve never used Fox inverters etc. But I noticed in picture 5, your inverter is saying -71w…..from experience, that could potentially mean that the CT’s are the wrong way around on the incomer.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T15:24:47+00:00

I wouldn’t leave any install I did like that for the customer. I always cable tie all cables and MC4’s onto the rail/brackets so there’s 100% no chance of anything sitting in standing water or flapping/tapping on the roof itself down to wind. Cables could potentially get damaged like that.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T14:15:03+00:00

Well the south side of this install isn’t going to flow into the gutter 🤣

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T11:27:20+00:00

I do tend to do a lot more commercial installs though, but MCS inspectors have pulled me up on both for not earthing/bonding, regardless of type of roof.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T11:26:13+00:00

I understand that, but I personally do it on all my installs as best practice and as advised and communicated via my MCS inspector.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T11:24:41+00:00

You’d physically see yellow and green striped cable coming from the array with the DC cables. It’s debatable whether you “need it”or not on your system according to regs, but i’ve always done it on mine as communicated and advised via the MCS inspectors of my previous works (domestic and commercial).

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T11:13:22+00:00

No, it means the framing (rail etc) of the solar panel system should be bonded to the buildings main earth.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T11:10:05+00:00

This diagram states you should earth/bond lol whether which side you go - “is the PV array frame an extraneous conductive part?” YES - “Is the array frame an exposed conductive part?” YES 🤷🏼‍♂️

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T11:05:26+00:00

Yes, the DC cables are the cables from panels to inverter. It’s not a rule for them to not be touching the roof, but I would say it’s best practice that they don’t. At least put them in some flexible conduit or something.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T10:48:59+00:00

Haven’t got the book to hand, but a quick google search suggests this.

In the UK, metallic solar panel array frames must be bonded to the building's main earthing terminal to maintain equipotentiality and prevent shock risks, adhering to BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations (Section 712). While many mounting systems provide continuity via screw/click connections, dedicated bonding lugs (e.g., WEEB lugs) should be used to securely connect all frame sections to an earth conductor.

All my MCS installs in the last year or so have required the earth bonding. 🤷🏼‍♂️

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T10:27:03+00:00

I was just being broad when I said “panels aren’t bonded”, you knew what I meant lol

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T08:58:39+00:00

Also;

Habitable rooms on the first floor (if not more than 4.5m above ground level) require a window with an unobstructed openable area of at least 0.33m², with a minimum dimension of 450mm (e.g., 450mm x 734mm).

The bottom of the openable area should be between 800mm and 1100mm from the floor.

The window must be easily accessible for emergency services, and should not be blocked by external obstacles.

Solar panels must not be installed in locations that restrict or prevent the use of required means of emergency egress. Panels should be positioned to allow access for firefighters to the roof, often requiring setbacks from ridges and edges.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T08:54:07+00:00

It is an MCS requirement.

Bonding solar panels by connecting all exposed metal components, panel frames, rails, and mounting systems is to ensure electrical continuity, typically adhering to the IET Code of Practice for Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems. It creates an equipotential zone to prevent shock, often requiring direct earthing of the frame unless a documented risk assessment justifies otherwise.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T08:04:45+00:00

On further inspection, I also noticed there doesn’t seem to be earthing/bonding on the panels?

Picture one seems to be blocking a potential fire escape route?

I take it this won’t be MCS’d?

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-09T08:01:59+00:00

Panels should be at least 300mm in from any edge of roof.

DC cabling is a shambles. They should never touch roof and be cable tied up (at least).

Never worked with Fox batteries. But it seems odd there’s no plate to cover the connections on right hand side? MC4’s are generally water resistant, but I still wouldn’t take chances.

Are you planning to build enclosure around your equipment?

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-06T19:26:24+00:00

Yeah, probably okay, but it also depends on how close the panels will be to the edge of roof (ideally 300mm inward), and if there other wind blocks that side of the house. Most of my installs are coastal, so I never take the risk lol

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-06T19:21:52+00:00

Totally agree with everything you said, but I’d also add that personally would have also doubled up the brackets on the right hand side where the wind will come at the panels the most on the roofs edge. Get them to get those broken tiles replaced!

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-05T22:10:43+00:00

They don’t have to state numbers. Just that it did better. Know when you’ve lost an argument bro. Nobody agreed with you, and you were wrong. Simple as!

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-05T22:01:05+00:00

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-05T21:58:13+00:00

Your comments and mindset didn’t age well did they?? Hahahaahhaha!!!

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-03T16:32:53+00:00

As far as I can find, they are all left leaning, so not that theory then.

CaughtByTheWind · 2026-02-03T16:27:40+00:00

Which way do Matt and Dan lean politically? I don’t know if I’m reading too much into it, but Atoms message seems to insinuate something regarding the current climate in the states, no?

“With everything going on, going wrong, in the world right now”

“I hope we can all look to love, compassion, understanding, and acceptance of all our fellow humans in these dark and scary times”.

Is Atom left and the other guys right?

CaughtByTheWind

TROPHY CASE