Solar panel adoption is becoming more commonplace despite fire safety concerns for builders. Nations like Australia are setting global records for rooftop panel installations, making it one of the planet’s most approachable renewable energy sources.
Every phone call to a solar panel provider means builders in manufacturing plants and installer offices are working double time to meet the demand for solar panels and energy storage systems (ESSs). Those entering or already in the architecture, construction or renewable energy sector should know the concerns around solar panels and fire safety.
Why solar technology causes fires
It’s not common for solar panels to be a fire starter, but it’s frequent enough to cause customer and builder concerns. There are a few reasons this occurs, some related to the panels themselves or associated influences, including:
- improper installation, grounding or spacing;
- design defects;
- mechanical flaws;
- inadequate third-party safety testing; and
- home electrical system failures, overloads or overheating.
Each cause is preventable and reviewable by solar panel builders. They can always serve as checks and balances, even after the panel is entirely constructed and operational. They can inspect its build during the supply chain and manufacturing process to encourage customers to schedule professional maintenance reviews yearly. The latter is primarily vital because heating equipment causes 15 per cent of all home fires, including solar panels.
How builders minimise fire risk
Organisations and businesses like the Interstate Renewable Energy Council in the U.S. are upgrading education for firefighters and solar panel installers. Their methods now include special codes, more explicit labels and more comprehensive procedures for solar panel-related fires, where that was previously an oversight. Instead of immediately hosing the fire, responders now know how to cut the panels’ power before acting to ensure additional safety.
Builders have to know more than solar panel installation instructions. They have to understand codes and permits for:
- building;
- fire;
- structural and engineering; and
- electrical.
These encompass necessary safety precautions like loadbearing considerations and how solar panels impact the fire classification of existing roof structures. Can responders and maintenance workers have access to fire exits? Are grounding materials non-current carrying? If builders or responders encounter a fire, here are some measures they should take:
- Contact appropriate fire-eradication professionals.
- Shut off power to the solar panels and ESSs.
- Navigate ventilation intelligently.
- Leverage battery fire intelligence to help the situation.
How collaboration helps panel safety
Builders have to talk to regulatory bodies to expedite panel safety standards. REA Global, Australia’s largest solar panel provider, seeks more up-to-date measures to minimise fire risk.
The most prominent is the nation’s mandate to include solar panel isolators during installation.
These devices are a safety precaution, but after repeated use, they corrode and lead to half of the solar fires. Water ingress is an influence that exacerbates this occurrence, and enclosures exist to protect from it. Installers must invest in R&D to investigate alternative safety devices to replace isolators.
Collaboration also comes in the form of education. Solar panel installers and manufacturers can strengthen builders’ skills by explaining how even the most minor oversight can lead to an increased fire risk, including:
- inadequate sealing for screws in isolators;
- checking conduits for gaps and glue;
- drill holes that are too large or askew;
- too-tight screws or parts that cause microcracks in modules;
- walking on the panels during installation; or
- neglecting maintenance and cleaning recommendations.
Other solar panel peripherals like backup generators and isolated battery storage are rarely a source for concern, but this doesn’t mean inspectors and consumers shouldn’t review them with the same urgency as the rest of the system.
Increasing solar buy-in with safety
It could be in danger if fire safety continues negatively impacting solar’s reputation. Builders can change it back to a positive, helpful energy source that doesn’t pose risks to residential or commercial clients. Careful installation and stricter regulations can make solar panels less of a fire risk as solar adoption increases in intensity.
