FIRE SAFETY OF PV SYSTEMS
In fact, PV systems are of a very high safety level when it comes to preventative fire protection as well as operational safety and security in the case of fires.
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In 2015, TÜV Rheinland in cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) published a report about fire incidents involving building related PV systems until 2013 and their causes. This detailed analysis showed that 430 instances of fire/heat damage were officially reported, whereof 210 were triggered by the PV system itself.
On the surface, the process seems simple, however, there are many steps required to ensure safety. Firefighters arrive at the scene of a fire, and then identify the solar system on the structure, shut it down, watch for hazards as they extinguish the flames, and make sure the scene is safe when they leave.
The higher the probability, the higher the risk that a fire occurs. This risk describes the probability that a firefighter or other emergency personnel is injured during a rescue or fire- fighting mission. These two categories are both important when talking about increasing the safety of PV systems.
As solar energy systems become more common, firefighters need to be equipped with the knowledge to safely respond to fires involving PV-equipped structures. SETO awardee, IREC, developed free, self-paced, interactive online training and live workshops designed specifically for firefighters.
In fact, PV systems are of a very high safety level when it comes to preventative fire protection as well as operational safety and security in the case of fires.
Commercial and industrial buildings worldwide powered by solar electric systems operating with no fire hazards are impressive proof. Fires can happen, though, independent of solar.
Effective firefighting on the site of solar installations requires two things. First, the fire department must know that there is a solar system on the property, either through communication
As a general rule, apply powerline safety precautions to PV systems. All PV system components encountered in the fire ground should be considered “hot” and conducting live current.
If a fire protection system is determined to be accepted as a risk mitigation tool, the literature offers additional guidance for design and installation of an offshore substation fire suppression system.
PV systems can pose several hazards during firefighting efforts, including the risk of electrical shock from live system components, especially due to electrical current flowing through water.
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