First rooftop solar service call....

J.C.A._3

I got to troubleshoot my first rooftop solar system today....and got the surprise of my life.

I saw the wire leading to the panel mounted thermister. I saw the twin panels. I saw the insulation between the 2 panels, and coming from the attic to the panels at both ends.

What I couldn't see was the attic vent that the space between the panels was hiding about 4/5ths of the way up.

Let me tell you that when the wasps started flying out of said vent, as I approached the top of the panels, and the wire leading back to the basement....I may have wet myself a little.

I dropped my tool bucket behind the far panel, lying against the roof line as the swarm started to move out of the hive.

Needless to say, the tool bucket was left on the back of the panel...whilst I beat a hasty BUT safe retreat from the top O' the house.

I decided that there was a better attack point from the other side, where there were 2 roof lines and some better footing, before committing my own personal genocide.( I HAD to get my tools and meter back!)

Lessons LEARNED....and now passed on to my fellow Technician friends. Get some binoculars...and look close at the roof top panels you are about to encounter. The "little wetness I saved....COULD be YOURS!


Learn, Learn, Learn. IF YOU KNOW....TEACH! JCA

Leo_13

No handicap

Having a fear of heights isn't a handicap in circumstances such as this. I would never have been in that situation.

Leo

Paul Fredricks_9

I hate bees!

I know they are necessary, but they scare the crap out of me. I've been through more than my fair share of bee killer as I used to do a lot of rooftop package work.

I hope you were able to battle the bees and gravity successfully.

Bob Vennerbeck

wildlife identification

In my humble (bumble?) opinion,

bees are to wasps, as boilers are to furnaces...

That aside, if you're allergic, either is no joke, but you know that already and carry an epi-pen.

Right now, bees need all the help they can get, but are very unlikely to be living in attic or roof spaces -

Wasps, on the other hand, need all the hell we can give them, and just love those hot hidey holes at the top of a ladder...and they bring out dangerous behavior in us, too - I've hit myself in the head with a framing hammer while trying to swat a yellowjacket...

Ain't high summer grand?

Vbob

Unknown

BeeBopper

Hi, Chris. Head to your friendly supply house and get a spray can of "BeeBopper" or equivalent. If your HVAC guy doesn't have it try an electrical supply house that is primarily commercial-oriented, or a safety equipment supply house. That stuff stops them cold.

Steve Ebels_3

From this time of year

Until the first hard frost, I carry a can of Wasp and hornet spray right in my tool bag.

Raid Wasp and Hornet...........don't leave home without it.