Ensuring rooftop solar power projects operate safely during the rainy and stormy season

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In the context of continuously increasing electricity prices, rooftop solar power is increasingly becoming the choice of many households and businesses in Thanh Hoa as well as the whole country. Not only does it help save costs and proactively source energy, it is also a green solution, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, along with economic and environmental benefits, safety issues in installation and operation are mandatory requirements that need to be given due attention.

Roof structure, equipment quality, and installation techniques are factors that customers need to pay special attention to in order to safely use rooftop solar power systems. In the photo: Viettel Construction Thanh Hoa constructing and installing the project.

Thanh Hoa is currently one of the provinces and cities with a rapidly developing rooftop solar power system in recent years. Many households and businesses choose experienced contractors who install the system properly, so the system not only brings economic efficiency but also operates stably, even in stormy conditions. Ms. Le Thi Diep (Dong Quang ward) shared: “My family saved about 2/3 of the electricity bill after installation. In particular, through the two recent storms No. 3 and No. 5, the system was still safe, without any incidents, making us more confident in our investment decision.”

According to experts, for the rooftop solar power system to operate safely, surveying the roof's load-bearing capacity and designing the truss frame is a mandatory step. Weak, degraded or substandard roofs are at risk of collapse and leakage when installing additional solar panel loads. The truss frame is made of standard, corrosion-resistant materials, tightly connected to withstand storms. Conductors and cables must be specialized, heat-resistant, UV-resistant, and equipped with protective devices such as circuit breakers, grounding, and lightning protection. After installation, the system must be inspected, measured, and periodically maintained.

Present in the market in 2020, Viettel Construction Thanh Hoa Branch - Viettel Construction Joint Stock Corporation (Viettel Construction Thanh Hoa) has installed rooftop solar power systems for more than 100 corporate customers and about 1,000 household customers. Mr. Trinh Huu Quang, Director of Viettel Construction Thanh Hoa, shared: “Rooftop solar power projects are a long-term investment, with a usage value of 20 - 30 years; therefore, customers need to pay special attention to important issues in installation, such as: The bearing capacity of the roof structure, equipment quality, installation techniques, warranty and maintenance policies and safe use instructions”.

Mr. Quang emphasized that for the project to operate safely, each project must have a thorough survey of the roof structure and reinforcement when necessary. The equipment used must meet international standards, have a clear origin and be under genuine warranty. The installation process is carried out methodically from survey, design to connection, safety inspection, with mandatory steps such as measuring current - voltage, tightening the frame, checking grounding, circuit breakers and ensuring fire safety. After handover, the system needs to be periodically maintained, the panels cleaned, and the power output monitored to promptly detect abnormalities. "In particular, before the rainy season, the unit has information reminding customers to pay attention to safety measures. Currently, more than 1,000 projects constructed by the unit are operating stably, with no incidents recorded," Mr. Quang emphasized.

According to research, solar panels are currently designed to withstand negative pressure of 2,400 Pa, equivalent to wind speeds of up to 225 km/h (level 17 on the international storm scale). However, the durability of the entire system depends largely on the brand, quality of the panels, frame materials and especially the installation technique. Some recorded incidents mostly come from people choosing inexperienced contractors or using poor quality materials. In reality, for small customers, the cost factor is often the top priority. However, according to the recommendations of construction units, customers should not choose equipment that is too cheap because there may be risks of recycled batteries and poor quality inverters. Although these products are initially economical, they pose a risk of explosion and reduced efficiency. Priority should be given to installing systems with standard equipment, reputable brands and clear, long-term warranty policies to ensure safety and effective use.

Vietnam suffers an average of 5-6 storms and 2-3 tropical depressions each year, concentrated in the months of August - October. This climate requires rooftop solar power users to take proactive precautions. Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Deputy Director of New Era Technology Company Limited - LE SMART, said: “In addition to proper installation from the beginning, during the rainy season, users need to pay special attention to additional reinforcement for the rooftop solar power system. Some simple but effective measures can be applied such as placing small water bags on the surface of the battery to increase stability, limit the impact of strong winds. At the same time, it is necessary to periodically check and tighten all bolts, screws, joints and clamps holding the frame, maintaining the safety and operational efficiency of the project”.

According to the adjusted Power Plan VIII and Decree No. 58/2025/ND-CP, the goal is that by 2030, 50% of office buildings and 50% of households will use self-generated and self-consumed rooftop solar power. The Government is also studying credit policies and cost support to encourage people and businesses to invest. Along with that effort, the authorities need to strengthen quality control of equipment circulating on the market, while promoting propaganda and technical guidance to raise awareness among the community and use the system properly and safely.

Article and photos: Tung Lam

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bao-dam-cong-trinh-dien-mat-troi-mai-nha-nbsp-van-hanh-an-toan-trong-mua-mua-bao-260236.htm