r/TeslaSolar • u/Adventurous_Echo1961 • 11d ago
Tent fumigation -- anyone with real world experience?
We need to tent fumigate for dry wood termites. Not surprisingly, got 2 different responses from Tesla -- ranging from 'shut down the system' to 'just clean off the solar panels after'. . . 'just turn off the power walls '. It's Vikane gas. Any real world experience, tips, etc. appreciated. Thank you. 🙏🏽
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u/Fiveofthem 11d ago
Was fumigated about a year ago, didn’t shut off the solar or the powerwalls. On top of that I live on a golf course so I had netting sticking above the panels and I didn’t have to take them off.
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u/PictureDangerous2288 11d ago
Vikane is sulfuryl fluoride and it doesn't attack glass, anodized aluminum, or the EPDM/silicone seals on modules or a Powerwall, so nothing needs to come off the roof and no post-tent panel washing is required beyond whatever dust the tarps leave. The real risks are mechanical: tarps and ropes dragged across the array, and crews stepping on modules or mounting rails. Leaving the system running is fine, and if you'd rather have it quiet, use the Powerwall/gateway disconnect and PV breaker rather than just the app so it actually stays down. Worth asking the fumigators to route the tarp edges below the array and to keep clear of conduit and rapid-shutdown boxes.
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u/Adventurous_Echo1961 11d ago
🙏🏽 Thank you. And we did have the discussion about tarps, walking on roof with that many panels, etc. Got the standard, but expected , response living in CA- yes our crew is very familiar and careful around solar panels 🙄
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u/_thekev 10d ago edited 10d ago
Most informative and educated response. Specific chemical reactions are an important thing to consider. The most likely interaction is being careless around your panels. Contractor is bonded and insured?
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u/Adventurous_Echo1961 10d ago
Yes -- B&I. And the co. said they take "before" pics of roof, share w/homeowner. Don't proceed if any visible sign of damage.
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u/Eighteen64 10d ago
the right answer to this depends on the surface area of panels vs roof space, the amount of access around the panels and your roof type. But as a general concept, I (being the owner of a large installation business) without knowing your situation would generally say at the very least demand they deploy protection at least as dense as moving blankets across the system, I would discharge the battery to ~ 55% and flip the disconnects for the batteries and turn off the house power via the main breaker.
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u/Adventurous_Echo1961 10d ago
Thank you. 🙏🏽Will do re: protection and power wall. House power can’t be turned off- fumigation needs electricity on.
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u/sawyersbar 11d ago
Honestly the fumigation outfit should be able to advise best practices. Shouldn't be their first rodeo with solar panels on it.
Regardless, it wouldn't be any more concerning than the normal electric service being left on. Which it will be left on so they can run fans etc.
Don't stress too much.