Can photovoltaic systems cause a new fire safety challenge?

They can, however, cause a new intractable challenge, i.e., fire safety. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the increasing number of scientific studies on photovoltaic system fire safety.

Are photovoltaic systems fire prone?

Real fire incidents and faults in PV systems are briefly discussed, more particularly, original fire scenarios and victim fire scenarios. Moreover, studies on fire characteristics of photovoltaic systems and the suggested mitigation strategies are summarized.

Are solar PV systems a fire risk hazard?

These findings suggest that there is a need for supplementing nationally accepted guidance and additional training for FRS crew to be able to properly assess the risks that a solar PV system may introduce (whether as a cause to the fire, or being present at a fire incident site) and how to reduce the risks safely, quickly and effectively.

Does PV panel system fire safety increase pre-existing fire risk?

This paper set out to review peer reviewed studies and reports on PV system fire safety to identify real fires in PV panel systems and to notice possible errors within PV panel system elements which could increase the pre-existing fire risk. The fire incidents in PV panel systems were classified based on fire origin.

How serious are PV fires?

The severity of the fires varied. 17 of the incidents that were caused by PV systems were classified as ‘serious’ (i.e. difficult to extinguish and spreading beyond the PV system). 25 incidents were localised fires (affecting only PV components and the immediate area) or ‘thermal events’ (smoking or smouldering that did not develop into a fire).

Are PV panels a fire hazard?

All electrical installations, by their nature, will carry some degree of fire risk. Although fires caused by PV panels are rare, any fire involving a building with a PV array can present an increased risk to occupants and fire-fighters.