Feature
These types of safety advancements offer benefits to all stakeholders. Firefighters are able to approach the roof without the risk of electrocution. Maintenance personnel are able to perform physical inspections on the PV system. When safety technology is embedded into module-level electronics that also provide module-level monitoring, then an additional benefit for maintenance personnel is that they can perform remote troubleshooting to limit the amount of work with high voltages on the roof. Lastly, system owners receive peace of mind and improved ROI as a result of the safety technology being embedded into the solution without additional costs and a possible decrease in insurance rates.
Although uncommon, a fire outbreak on a building with a PV system can occur, this is when enhanced safety solutions can prove even more crucial. When a fire broke out at a Tasmanian complex that had a PV system, DMS Energy’s Adrian Luke was able to reassure the fire crew that despite the system having been damaged by the fire, exposing copper wires, all the cables had automatically de-energised and were touch- safe. This was due to the built-in SafeDC safety feature, which automatically reduces DC voltage to a safe level as soon as the grid power or inverter is turned off.
©Gadi Sierra Photography
While fires that include PV systems are infrequent and even less frequent are fires caused by PV systems, the further advancement of safety functionality within the industry is important for the continued proliferation of PV. As industry bodies are focused on writing new standards, suppliers remain committed to leading the industry by developing advanced safety solutions, such as SafeDC and arc detection technology. The combination of evolving regulations and technological innovation, as well as consumer awareness, continues to drive safety forward.
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