A video of a Nigerian solar installer has gone viral after an unfortunate incident during a solar panel installation, in which the installer accidentally broke a client’s roof and fell into the toilet. The clip, shared on TikTok by @solidelectricalcompany, has generated widespread attention and reactions across social media platforms, with many users expressing shock, amusement, and concern over safety practices in the solar installation industry.
Roof Accident During Installation
According to the installer, the incident occurred while installing monofacial solar panels on a residential roof. He explained that his apprentice, tasked with assisting in the installation, stepped on the wrong section of the roof. Instead of walking along the wooden supports designed to hold the asbestos sheets, the apprentice inadvertently stepped directly on the center of a slate tile, which could not support his weight. The misstep caused the slate to crack instantly, leading to the subsequent fall.
The installer recounted that the collapse happened so quickly that there was little time to react, highlighting how fragile certain roofing materials can be if proper care is not taken during installations.
Fall Into Toilet
Tragically, the broken slate resulted in the apprentice falling straight into the apartment’s toilet below. Despite the dramatic nature of the fall, fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported. The incident, however, served as a stark reminder of the risks installers face when working on rooftops, particularly when safety precautions are not fully observed or when less experienced personnel are involved.
The TikTok post by @solidelectricalcompany clearly highlighted the exact spot where the roof collapsed, sparking discussions among viewers about safety protocols and the importance of training apprentices thoroughly before allowing them to work on elevated surfaces.
Apprentice Pays for Repairs
In the aftermath, the apprentice reportedly took responsibility for the accident. He purchased a new roofing sheet to replace the damaged one, demonstrating accountability and a willingness to rectify mistakes promptly. The gesture was noted by viewers as a responsible and professional approach to mitigating the damage caused during the installation.
Challenges Solar Installers Face
Several experienced Nigerian solar installers who commented on the video noted that roof damage is a relatively common risk during solar panel installations. They emphasized that moving carefully across rooftops, confirming that the structure can support the weight of the installers and equipment, and using appropriate personal protective equipment are crucial measures to prevent accidents. Proper training, especially for apprentices and new installers, was highlighted as a key factor in reducing workplace hazards.
Industry insiders also pointed out that working with fragile or aged roofing materials increases the likelihood of accidental damage, reinforcing the need for pre-installation assessments and careful planning before initiating any work on residential roofs.
Concerns About Installation Method
Another concern raised by experts after viewing the viral video was the installation method used. The solar panels in question were mounted directly on the roof without racks that would normally allow airflow beneath the panels. This technique, while sometimes used for cost-saving purposes, can lead to heat buildup over time. Excessive heat can not only reduce the efficiency of the solar panels but also potentially compromise the integrity of the roofing materials, leading to long-term maintenance issues or accelerated wear and tear.
As such, the video has reignited discussions among solar installation professionals and homeowners about best practices, the importance of using proper mounting systems, and prioritizing both installer safety and the durability of the roof when undertaking solar projects.
See the video below;
@solidelectricalcompany
#safety #solarinstallation
♬ original sound – 𝕊𝕆𝕃𝕀𝔻𝕋𝔼ℂℍ🇳🇬𝕃𝕋𝔻