Can a fire department lock out a photovoltaic system?

The fire department must work with the facility personnel or residents to turn off and disconnect any equipment from its energy source before working around it. Here are the lock-out steps for a structure with a photovoltaic system and what to watch for.

How do you protect a solar system from a fire?

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.

Are solar PV systems a fire hazard?

Solar PV systems and battery storage are electrical systems—often high voltage—and like any electrical installation, they can present a risk of fire when damaged, poorly maintained, or incorrectly installed.

Why is a photovoltaic system dangerous?

During a fire or an explosion, the frame of a photovoltaic system can quickly degrade, exposing hazardous chemicals to direct flame and become dissipated in the smoke plume. This can cause inhalation hazards to the firefighters and surrounding people, animals, and the environment.

Can a PV system cause a fire?

Electrical Faults in PV Panels Loose connections, damaged wiring, or faults in inverters (which convert DC to AC power) can cause overheating, arcing, or electrical fires. PV systems are typically mounted on roofs, meaning a fire may spread undetected until it’s already taken hold. 2. Lithium-Ion Battery Storage

Are photovoltaic panels a fire hazard?

Consider the weight of the photovoltaic array on an already weakening roof structure. Because of that additional weight, firefighters may not be able to address the fire from the roof. Also, roof vents, solar thermal panels, and photovoltaic arrays pose a trip hazard for firefighters conducting roof operations.