Fafco backing panels?

[SilverJill]

We have dealer-installed Fafco solar pool heating panels, on a steep (45 degree) roof. Today we noticed what looks like a corrugated plastic 'backing panel' slipping down from behind one of the panels. Picture is attached.

We have spoken to the installers. They want to charge us big bucks just to drive here to fix this, even though it looks like their fault in the first place. Unfortunately, they are the only installers around since we are in the boonies.

So we'd like to fix this ourselves but we don't know what this is.

Any experience with this 'backing panel' or whatever this is? Is it somehow part of the panel itself? You can see it sticking out the bottom of the panel.

Ideas?

 

[1poolman1]

Not sure how old your system is, but those panels were required many years ago to keep the main panels from being damaged from the roofing material or mounting hardware. It also allowed drainage below the the panels (not really needed on a roof that steep). Your locale may have a requirement that they be installed if there was a permit pulled on the system install. Haven't seen it in many years.

Based on page 2 and 3 of the following manual and what looks like the make-up of your roof, unless required by code, they don't seem to be needed:

http://www.ecosystemssolar.com/PDF%20documents/Panel%20installation.pdf

A roof that steep is very dangerous to work on without some sort of fall protection. If you can reach it from below, it can be pushed back into place, perhaps with a piece of PVC pipe or large "stick," but will probably drop again. It is, essentially, corrugated plastic roofing material, just wider that what is usually available.

 

[SilverJill]

Thank you for the clarification. After we poke it back up under the solar panel, should we tie it/glue it/secure it somehow to the roof so it doesn't slip down again?

 

[1poolman1]

Thank you for the clarification. After we poke it back up under the solar panel, should we tie it/glue it/secure it somehow to the roof so it doesn't slip down again?

Not sure how it was supported the first time. Are you comfortable on a roof that steep? A single screw, well sealed after installation, should hold it. On "normal" pitched roofs (4/12) they were held in place along with the panel by the tie-down straps alone.