Fire protection design scheme for photovoltaic inverters

How to minimise fire risk from solar PV systems?

The solar industry welcomes clarity on how to minimise fire risk from solar PV systems, which in absolute terms is extremely low. “The core way to mitigate any risk is to ensure the highest possible quality in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar systems.

Can PV systems be used to fight fires in the UK?

Notwithstanding these regimes for installers and products, there is currently no national UK guidance specific to fighting fires involving PV systems, despite PV systems presenting new risks to firefighters, especially from the risk of electric shock and electrocution.

How many fires are involving PV systems in the UK?

According to this report (BRE 2017a), 58 fire incidents involving building related PV systems were reported since 2010 compared to a total of around 1 million PV systems installed in the UK. This is equivalent to 0.0058% of all installed PV systems in the UK.

Are roof-integrated PV systems a fire risk?

Thus, roof-integrated PV systems had a fire risk which is 20 times higher as for regular stand-off mounted PV generators. This can easily be explained by the fact that buildings with stand-off system are typically covered by a “hard roof” (i.e. tiles), which shields the building from external fires.

Are photovoltaic power systems causing fires?

Over the past few years, there have been a number of media reports linking photovoltaic power systems (PV) with fire. With the prevalence of PV systems now in the UK, an increase in incident reports is to be expected.

What are rc62 recommendations for fire safety with PV panels?

Alongside the above standards, the FPA has recently published RC62 Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations. Developed as a Joint Code of Practice by RISCAuthority and the MCS, with the support of Solar Energy UK, the primary focus of this document is the prevention and mitigation of fires involving PV systems.