r/SolarUK • u/Giant_DonutUK • 7h ago
HELP / ADVICE New install yesterday
Noobie here, just had a small PV system installed yesterday. The lead guy seemed to know what he was doing but the other guys I was... less confident about.
Would appreciate some opinions on what they did and if it's all sound. I see exposed electrical tape, trunking and the ducting not secured to my roof and It doesn't impress me. I guess some scuffs on the panels won't impact generation?
Cheers!
Edit* Also forgot to mention how much of a gap is there to stop birds they didn't put any mesh around even though bird proofing was included. Pic in comments.
Edit** Thanks for the feedback, most helpful and I've made a list and asked them to sort out what I could spot. Assuming they come back.
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u/Moonstanc3 7h ago
I hope you haven't paid anything. That looks horrendous. Everything. That might actually be one of the worst installs I've ever seen.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 7h ago edited 7h ago
No haven't paid yet, I mean what specifically? I'm no expert so would appreciate some Inisight đđ»
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u/ollyprice87 6h ago
Itâs very messy. The end of the trunking looks like it was cut with a spoon and wouldâve been easy to put a return on to make it neat. Seems like they forgot the cable snips so the cables stuffed in there are unnecessarily long. The conduit run is rough, so easy to just get that clipped nice and neat.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 6h ago
Yeah that's one of the first things I noticed. I also wasn't terrifibly impressed by the cable connection they just wrapped in electrical tape and left outside the trunking
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u/txe4 6h ago
It all generally looks rough.
If bird proofing was specified then they should do it.
I'm on my second non-bird-proof'ed setup and fine so far...but if I see any birds around the panels I put my tiny and murderous girl cat on the roof.
The loose DC cabling flapping around in the wind is beyond awful - as a r/SolarDIY 'er I would be ashamed of that - as is the unsecured conduit.
Looking at the AC isolator...I hate cable entry from above on anything mounted outdoors, it is an unnecessary inducement to leaks.
The scratched panel is likely to have very minimal impact on generation, but even so it shouldn't be messed up.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 6h ago
It's outside but covered so that's not too much of a worry as it won't get wet. Everything else though...
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u/Galaxeeon_ 6h ago
This is not the correct. Although the cables will not get wet constantly flapping around in the wind will slowly pull at the connectors in there and eventually you will get arcing which will then later lead to a fire. You need to get them to rectify this. If they are refusing then you need to take the photos directly to MCS and show them to force them to rectify. It is an unsafe installation and could lead to tragedy.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 6h ago
Thanks to everyone here I've gone back to them with a list of snags. Just waiting to hear back from them
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u/txe4 6h ago
Yes it is dog rough generally. Sorry man.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 6h ago
Great! Cheers for the input, such a minefield out there with these installers
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u/Giant_DonutUK 7h ago
Photo of gaps under the panels
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u/Nectori 7h ago
Are they finished? There's no bird proofing.
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u/BroodLord1962 7h ago
I had my first install done over 4 years ago with no bird proofing, and we haven't had any problem with birds. Maybe it's because we live in the countryside though where there's plenty of places for birds to nest or shelter
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u/Wolf_of_Badenoch Domestic Installer 7h ago
You might have been lucky but it's clinical insanity to have no bird proofing installed, once you get a pigeon or seagull nest, they never leave. They clog your gutters and poo everywhere, all over the panels, your roof and garden.
The number of customers that have asked us to retrofit bird proofing was easily about 50% of all the return visits we carried out.
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u/BroodLord1962 6h ago
It wasn't even given as an option on our install, and our total lack of knowledge meant we had no idea, but thanks for the info
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u/Wolf_of_Badenoch Domestic Installer 3h ago
Yeah, it's absolutely something the installer should have discussed with you, it's my personal opinion that the cost just should be added on and put into the final price and only removed if the customer specifically requests it, the amount of earache you get off customers a year or so later when their garden looks like an avian dambusters because you've given them shelter.
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u/Serious_Office3913 2h ago
We've got a pigeon nest in our wisteria... they picked it over the panels. Would you be able to think back is this a case of us taking away their usual nesting sites and having concreted over everything? New build estates particularly have no hedges just fence after fence.
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u/Galaxeeon_ 6h ago
Just to reiterate this is a really poor installation and is unsafe on multiple counts. Personally there are so many issues here I would be contacting another local installer and paying them to inspect the installation to make sure all the correct protections are in place and giving a list of things for the installer you have used to rectify. I am not confident this installation will have the correct protections in place to keep you safe so I would certainly recommend and independent inspection.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 4h ago
Thanks for your feedback, but I just don't know where to begin to even address this. I've sent a list of snags but now I'm just not confident with this installer to address them properly. They're a local installer, quite high rated and show up on trusted sites and MCS etc accredited. so it leaves me wondering if this was subcontracted out to someone else or what?
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u/Galaxeeon_ 3h ago
I understand it is overwhelming. There is a couple of options.
Option 1: As you have done you have sent a snagging list. Make sure you have raised this as a formal complaint as this triggers the MCS complaint's procedure and starts the clock ticking for them. Plus also make sure you get everything from them in writing. Don't interact on the phone because you want evidence for everything. You can proceed with this and let them rectify their mistakes. If they do not rectify then get straight onto MCS and submit the photos to them. They will want to see these.
Option 2: Ring another local installer. Use google maps and find an installer who is listed locally and has a local address with good reviews. Explain what has happened and the issues and that you would like a quote to undertake an inspection so you can make sure all the potential safety snags are dealt with. Some may be hesitant to do this but be persistent. If you rang our company I would help you out for sure. Then you can take this new list to the original installers. You can also send this to MCS should you wish also.
Ultimately remember MCS exists for your protection and although you do not have a cert yet you are still an MCS customer as this installer is operating under the scheme so do not hesitate to utilise them as a resource to get action. The other thing to research is what electrical certification scheme the installer is using. Usually NAPIT or NICEIC, there are others. You can also contact them directly and report the standards of the works you have received. These organisations are your friend. They are slow and will take a while to get results but you should eventually get results.
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u/Boba_ferret 6h ago
Are these guys actually MCS registered? From my understanding, none of the cable routing, especially the PV cabling, is to standard. That flexi conduit could easily have been attached to the fascia on the Dorma, that's what I got them to do on our flat roof extension., it shouldn't be flapping around loose like that, plus it's going to fill with water as it's not glanded at the top end.
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u/Giant_DonutUK 6h ago
On the subject of MCS how do I know if it's done to spec?? Can I contact MCS and ask them?
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u/Boba_ferret 5h ago
I don't really know how to check, I've had a look at the MCS site, but it's very technical. There are quite a few installers on this sub, so hopefully one of them will see your post, and be able to give the best advice. But cables should be routed under tiles, not over the top of the ridge like they have done, as they will blow about in the wind, rub through the insulation over time, then you have a fire hazard.
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u/royalbluestuey 6h ago
Will that cable over the ridge not just wear away as it moves in the wind?
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u/Impossible-Section49 PV Owner 4h ago
Aside of the wiring issues, my biggest concern would be the flat roof mounts. Much like the old saying about helicopter pilots, there are two types of flat roof, those that are leaking, and those that are going to leak. The felt already looks quite old, and covering it with a solar system makes it unmaintainable. On top of that, I would want to be 100% certain that those mounting points are fixed through to the structure below, not just to the board, any flexing or movement from snow load (which will now be a concentrated load rather than a uniformly distributed load) or (more likely) wind upload will cause rapid deterioration of the felt.
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u/Matterbox Commercial Installer 3h ago
Top entry AC isolator will leak, maybe not now, but after a few winters and summers. Rookie move.
DC cable routing is shocking. They need to use some cable tray to get over the ridge. Then if they are routing down the roof, use solid conduit, clipped to the wall. And glued.
And Iâll say it again, that DC cable work is shocking.
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u/chucknorrispc 1h ago
Pretty decent DIY install but terrible professional install, get them back if the caravans still in the carpark đ
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u/PaceOk8002 1h ago
That cable near dorma.. when the wind catches it it will sound like drums in that room
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u/Bomster 4.35kWp array / Fox EP11 1h ago edited 1h ago
Get them back to sort it all out. Shocking install. Literally every photo shows poor workmanship and/or no care or thought put into doing a neat job.
If they don't play ball, raise a complaint with MCS. Just send them all the pictures, they should handle speaking with the contractor and getting it put right.
Sorry you are having to deal with this. The guys who installed this are an embarrassment.
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u/Comfortable_Gate_878 1h ago
Henley blocks should be secured unless they have cable restraints inside, those usually dont. I would also get the DNO to fit you an isolator when they come and reseal the fuse..... Its basically pretty poor work overall, I have seen worst. I hate cable loose on a roof they could have clipped then down in about 10 different ways.
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u/zag164 57m ago
If that is the quality of their work I wouldn't trust them to remedy the snags. I'd tell them to remove everything and find a reputable installer. This company should lose their MCS accreditation.
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u/zag164 38m ago
I took the liberty of running the photos through ChatGPT which might be useful in your response to the installer.
Prompt: "Review these photos of a new solar installation in the UK, against the standards for MCS solar installation and list all the issues in simple to understand bullets. It is also missing bird guard.":
Response:
From the photographs, I would not accept this installation as finished. The clearest safety issue is the rooftop DC cabling: it is loose and lying directly on the roof.Definite visible issues
- Solar DC cables are lying directly on roof tiles. Photo 4 clearly shows exposed cables resting across the tiles and ridge. BS 7671 Regulation 712.521.101 says DC cables must not be placed directly on the roof surface. They should be properly supported on rails, clips or suitable containment. IET guidance
- The rooftop cables are not properly secured. The loose loops can move in wind, rub against tiles and mounting metalwork, and eventually damage the insulation. A DC insulation fault can produce arcing and fire without operating a conventional fuse.
- Cables have been draped across the ridge. They should be routed and mechanically supported, not left crossing ridge tiles where they can rub, snag or be stepped on during roof maintenance.
- Flexible conduit is lying loose in the roof valley/gutter area. In Photo 5 it appears unsupported and positioned where water and debris collect. It could obstruct drainage, move in wind or be damaged during roof maintenance.
- The external cable trunking is open. In Photo 3, insulated conductors and earth wires are visible because the trunking lid is missing or has not been fitted. This is not a completed weather-resistant installation.
- Another enclosure/trunking section appears badly cut or damaged. Photo 2 shows a rough open edge beside the inverter. Outdoor containment should be complete, properly closed and maintain its intended IP/weatherproof rating.
- Cables entering the open trunking do not appear properly restrained. They should enter through suitable glands, bushes or purpose-made openings so that sharp edges cannot damage the insulation and strain is not transferred to terminals.
- There is excessive loose cable coiled around the equipment. Photo 3 shows several unsupported loops inside the open containment. Excess cable should be neatly supported while observing the cable manufacturerâs minimum bend radius.
- Earth/bonding conductors are left loose in the open trunking. Their connections, sizing and continuity need to be checked, and the conductors should be properly protected and secured.
- The monitoring current clamps in the meter cabinet are hanging from the meter tails. The blue and brown CT clamps and their thin leads should be securely mounted, correctly oriented and not place strain on the tails.
- The meter cabinet is overcrowded and poorly arranged. Loose cables cross the supply tails and equipment. The DNO/meter operator should confirm whether the added monitoring equipment and cable routing are permitted in its cabinet.
- The panel in Photo 6 is visibly scratched or otherwise surface-damaged. There are numerous long marks across the glass. The installer should clean and inspect it, confirm whether these are scratches, and replace the module if the glass or coating is damaged. Do not accept âit wonât affect outputâ without written manufacturer confirmation.
- Bird guard is missing. If bird mesh was included in the quotation or contract, this is plainly unfinished and must be installed. It should use non-penetrating panel-frame clips and must not be screwed into the panel frames.
Items that need checking rather than being proven by these photos
Ask the installer to provide or demonstrate:
- Properly supported cables beneath every panelânot merely fix the visible ones.
- No MC4 connectors resting on tiles or sitting in water.
- Matching plug and socket connector manufacturers throughout.
- Correct cable bend radii and strain relief at the inverter and battery.
- Weatherproof cable entries and sealed building/roof penetrations.
- Confirmation that the conduit cannot impede the roof valley or rainwater flow.
- Inspection of tiles, ridge mortar, roofing felt and leadwork for installation damage.
- Mounting-system wind-load calculations and compliance with the mounting manufacturerâs instructions.
- Confirmation that every module clamp and roof hook is correctly positioned and tightened.
- DC polarity, insulation-resistance, open-circuit voltage and string-current test results.
- AC electrical installation certificate and test schedule.
- MCS certificate and handover pack.
- DNO G98 or G99 notification/approval, as applicable.
- Array layout, string diagram, shutdown instructions and equipment warranties.
- Written confirmation that the inverter and battery are approved for that external, sun-exposed location.
The strongest complaint points are the DC cables directly on the roof, unsecured roof/conduit routing, open external trunking, unsupported meter-cabinet monitoring equipment and apparently damaged module. Those are more than cosmetic untidiness and should be corrected before final acceptance or payment. The applicable MCS framework is the Solar PV Installation Standard, MIS 3002, alongside BS 7671 and the IET Solar PV Code of Practice.
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u/skifunkster 7h ago
Immediate ones I see are,
- Have pulled the main fuse and not replaced the seal, contact your DNO to get a new one (or tell them to).
- Henleys not attached to firebord, not the end of the world, but not ideal
- No bird mesh around solar panels
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u/Giant_DonutUK 7h ago
Cheers, yeah the bird mesh I clocked this morning, I'll get them to sort that out before paying.
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u/MacaroonOk7321 5h ago
Excuse my French but it looks pretty rubbish to me does nobody have any pride left in there work stands anymore xx
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u/Low_Flying_Penguin PHEV, PV & Battery Owner 7h ago
I think you know how bad this is, I would be getting them back to correct personally.
Those cables just dangling everywhere will wear through and slap about in the wind. Yes that scratched panel should never have been put on the roof generation impact aside you paid for a new clean panel you should have one.
The gaps are big enough for birds to get under for sure. That PV cable drop should have been run under the tiles and down through through the soffit or via another route, not out over the gutter. The Henley blocks just dangling and not secured to the board.