What is the best way to get the Solar panels onto the roof?

[mark da spark]

Hi,

Just wondering how most of you get the panels up onto the roof when doing an install?

Cheers,
Mark

 

[goodwilld]

I have used a Jin Wheel, rope and slings, though i have seen special black canvas bags, but not able to find a supplier, maybe some one will come up with an answer here!!!!

 

[Markc]

8mm MDF, 1.1mts wide, 1.8mts high. Side timbers around bottom and both sides, 34mm (Ish) Bottom L shaped timber to stop panel sliding out. Rear cross bracing. Nylon rope to form A frame lifting point. Bunggie or ratchets strap to top of panel/board.

Approximat weight 40Kg!!!

Now to:


Screwfix....Automotive section.....£89.00, 230V electric winch! Lifts 125kg with no pulley or 250kg with pulley, 5 or 10mt line. (or something close to that) Ideal for a house roof and saves the back. Panel is protected by MDF and a guide rope to the bottom for banks man at the bottom of scaffold. Worked a treat. Our scaffolder donated a pole (just don't tell him!) and we then made a arm to come off the top of a pole on the highest lift so it over hangs scaffold by around 600mm.

For Bungalows....We just pass them up by hand.

 

[SolarCity]

PafBag Ltd: Home

Not tried these but we're considering them. Take a look.

 

[JulianC]

We just stand at ground level, holding a panel high in the air and wait for the wind to catch us. With a bit of skill and practice we are able to steer quite well. We are now managing to land on the correct roof 80%+ of the time and cause minimal damage.

When we're not doing that, we use a rope and slings. Not terribly elegant, but we've not dropped one yet!....

 

[Markc]

PafBag Ltd: Home

Not tried these but we're considering them. Take a look.

Considering 500 quid on a bag................Have you meet the wife?

 

[Markc]

We just stand at ground level, holding a panel high in the air and wait for the wind to catch us. With a bit of skill and practice we are able to steer quite well. We are now managing to land on the correct roof 80%+ of the time and cause minimal damage.

When we're not doing that, we use a rope and slings. Not terribly elegant, but we've not dropped one yet!....

You can't beat the hold on and hope approach.

 

[SolarCity]

Considering 500 quid on a bag................Have you meet the wife?

LOL! Nicely put. And agreed, does seem overpriced.

Likewise some of the EasyDec equipment - Can't believe some of their prices....

 

[Markc]

LOL! Nicely put. And agreed, does seem overpriced.

Likewise some of the EasyDec equipment - Can't believe some of their prices....

Agree with that. It's cheaper to buy tube and fitting and do the course!

 

[mark da spark]

Think we'll give it a go by putting them in the air and waiting for the wind! Hope we don't go through too many panels getting them up there lol.
Slings and rope it'll be to start with.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

 

[Mark.W]

I use the strong hooks taken from bungee cords, tie a good quality rope to them, insert the hooks into the holes on the sides of the panels and pull them up with a pulley.

The Pafbag looks like a good investment!

 

[dansk]

I use the strong hooks taken from bungee cords, tie a good quality rope to them, insert the hooks into the holes on the sides of the panels and pull them up with a pulley.

The Pafbag looks like a good investment!

Good one - like it.

 

[SolarCity]

Sounds interesting. Couldn't find any pics on the site - have you got some planned?

 

[Prockie]

Yes for sure, pictures of the solar panel lifting and carrying bag are due soon.

My design (version 2) is on it's way by courier, so I am waiting for a sunny day some time after that and nipping out to one of the installations to get some pictures.

I would love feedback from you guys as well as offering a cheaper deal for you in return for "working" feedback and reviews.

Many thanks for replying "Mr Biggs of the solar fraternity". I have a few interests in solar, as well as our Eco Farm, so if I can show you some more developments here on the forum as they are released this would be great.

"P"

 

[SolarCity]

Look forward to seeing the pictures. We're after a more professional way of lifting the panels so we may be interested.