Solar energy, a green source of energy, has transformed the way electricity is produced and used. The saved electricity cost, no greenhouse gas emissions, and minimal maintenance have increased the adoption of solar panels worldwide. Not just in residential areas in cities but solar energy is being adopted by Indian villages.
Before adopting solar panels, it is equally important to consider the safety concerns associated with solar energy. Solar panel fires happen rarely but should not be taken lightly for the safety of the building and people. Whether installing a solar system for residential flats, homes, commercial buildings, or any other property, first, get valuable insights about solar system fire risks.
In this blog, you’ll learn the frequency, causes, preventive tips, and safety measures for solar panel fire risks.
Can Solar Panels Cause Fire Risk?
Yes, solar panels can cause fire but under some conditions. According to solar industry experts, solar system fire is caused by problems in installation and not complying with standard safety guidelines. The possibility of malfunctions that cause a fire could be reduced if proper installation is done with correct electrical connections and following other important instructions.
Potential Causes of Solar Panel Fires
To prevent any issue, it is always recommended to understand the cause. So, before learning how to prevent and control solar panels’ fire risk, let’s understand the causes associated with them.
- Problems in Solar Panel Design
Mistakes in the solar panel’s design can lead to fire risk. For example, improper electrical wiring, poor ventilation, or incorrect insulation. Any design element error can result in the formation of excessive heat which may eventually cause fire. So, when purchasing solar panels, it is important to buy them from a recognized and trustworthy manufacturer that pays attention to safety and industry standards.
- Faulty Components
Flaws in solar components like wiring, isolators, and inverters can also become the reason for fire hazards. Defective components can produce excessive heat and cause short circuits or electrical arcing. That’s a reason regular inspection and rooftop solar system maintenance are recommended for early identification and repair of any occurring defects that increase fire risks.
- Inadequate Installation
Another reason that can increase the possibility of solar panel fire hazards is improper installation. Loose connections at terminals, insufficient grounding, and water access into DC isolators are some common installation flaws that can cause electrical failures, excessive heating, and possible fire hazards. So, don’t perform DIY installation if you are not well-versed about it. Instead, contact experienced, knowledgeable, and certified installers who strictly follow the safety guidelines.
- Climatic Conditions
Alongside problems caused due to human errors or carelessness, climatic conditions like lightning strikes, hailstorms, excessive heat, or fire due to other reasons can also become the cause of solar panel fires. Unfortunately, these environmental factors are not under human control, but regular inspection and maintenance can help recognize and repair any damage caused by these factors.
Preventive Tips for Solar Panel Fire Hazards
Now that you understand the possible causes of solar panel fire risk, it is important to prevent these causes and take the necessary safety steps. To get the most out of your solar panels, give the necessary care and maintenance to protect the systems.
- Quality Components
Designing solar panels using advanced and high-quality components is essential for the utmost safety of solar panels. So, when purchasing solar panels, look for damaged or counterfeit equipment. Choose a well-known solar manufacturer who is certified to follow industry standards and perform precise testing to guarantee maximum safety and reliability.
- Proper Installation
Be attentive while finding an installer for your residential or commercial solar panels. Certified installers follow industry standards, safety guidelines, and correct installation methods to ensure proper mounting and right wiring.
By preventing installation flaws, you can avoid shortcuts and reduce the possibility of fire hazards. The top solar installers offer different types of solar warranties like product warranty, performance warranty, etc. along with annual maintenance contract service.
- Regular Inspection
Just like all other devices, solar panels also need regular cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. Do thorough and regular inspections to find damaged cables, signs of wear and tear, and loose connections. This way, you can identify and resolve any issues, preventing them from causing fire hazards.
When your installers are providing AMC (annual maintenance contract), you don’t have to worry about inspection and maintenance as they will visit your site and do a complete routine assessment of the entire panels’ safety.
- Monitor System Performance
Track the performance of your solar system by implementing a monitoring system. It will notify you of any potential abnormalities by sending alerts. It will allow you to find any glitches like abnormal electrical activity, overheating, and others that can lead to fire hazards. When you receive an alert, prompt action can be taken to get rid of the problem and avoid fire accidents.
Read this guide to know the steps to follow during a solar panel fire accident.
Impact of Solar Panel Fire on Firefighters
Solar panel fire accidents can be dangerous not just for people inside the building but firefighters also. Solar panels don’t stop operating and producing electricity even during a fire. So, taking necessary caution becomes very important. The current passing through the solar panels has a risk of electric shock. Thus, it is significant to isolate and disconnect the solar panels from the main power source.
Emergency responders must also understand the location and arrangement of installed solar panels. Since India’s villages are opting for the solar energy, they should also be aware of solar panel installation.The reason is that solar panels can obstruct access to the building or roof and restrict fire-controlling strategies. This makes controlling fire harder.
Conclusion
During solar panel fire accidents, thermal and structural damage can happen to the panels. It can destroy the panel and the property. Moreover, it is dangerous for the people living in the building. The risk can be higher for firefighters and emergency responders if the fire is caused during the daytime when there is enough sunlight. This is because solar panels will keep on producing direct current electricity. Hopefully, this post will help you in acquiring helpful insights about solar panel fire hazards.