MARKET I INDUSTRY SAFETY
for an emblem to be placed on buildings where solar panels are attached to warn fire fighters against electrocution.
“An average solar installation will produce several hundred volts between the modules and the inverters. For humans, anything over 120 volts can be deadly. Any contact with a burning system can therefore pose an extreme risk, particularly when the heat makes water pipes in the building burst, conducting the electricity,” said Daniel Heck, Marketing Director at Canadian Solar.
The German solar industry has fostered close relationships between local installers and fire stations, with many installers hosting workshops to educate fire crews about solar installations and offering up contact details for help in the case of an emergency. In turn installers incorporate advice from the fire services when consulting customers on installations. One of our German suppliers for example, recommends to customers that they consider the space needed for the firefighters to enter the room when they plan their system.
As soon as a fire has started it is time for the professionals to take over. The first thing required when extinguishing a fire is to
switch off the system completely if possible. Under no circumstances should owners try to take matters into their own hands, especially if this involves a misguided attempt to extinguish the fire with water.
In order to make sure there is no more voltage in the solar power system, the starting point should be to disconnect the inverter from the grid. This will remove any load from the PV system. Only after this should additional measures be taken.
Installation faux pas Further risk of electric shock can be brought about by loose or dangling wires, damaged during the fire. The fire and extreme heat will also affect the structure of the module. The high temperatures might cause the metal to warp and the modules to come loose from their anchor points. In a worst case scenario, the heat could make the solar modules explode, sending splinters flying into the air, so special protective clothing is required. Proximity to any fire involving photovoltaic system also brings with it an increased risk of inhaling toxic vapors that will clog the respiratory system. Firefighters will therefore have to use an autonomous respirator. All these separate elements show how crucial it is for the local fire
Issue III 2012 I
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