Fire Suppression Challenges - Solar Panels

As homeowners look to save money and use more eco-friendly forms of energy, solar panels become ever more popular. While these systems can be a energy-efficient and provide a cost-effective solution, they are also resulting in some challenges, particularly in terms of fire safety.


An article by fire protection engineer Greg Jakubowski published in FireRescue magazine discussed how solar panels are impacting firefighters’ fire suppression efforts in emergencies and how firefighters can be ready to face this challenge. Actually, the article informed about information published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on firefighters’ emergency response with solar power systems.

The Challenges.

The primary challenge, the FireRescue article mentioned, was that they present electrical hazards because they cannot be shut down very easily. They also could potentially act as an ignition source and prevent firefighters from implementing techniques such as vertical ventilation, using or making openings in the roof of a structure to allow heat and smoke to escape. Another potential danger, the article noted, is that the additional weight of the solar panels (that may not have been anticipated in the original building design) could cause the roof of the structure to collapse faster during a fire.

“Probably the main concern is the ability to “de-energize” the solar panels when they are exposed to sunlight,” Jakubowski said. “You can shut down these disconnects provided to the home or business itself (you should insist that these be installed in all systems), but you can’t shut down the panels themselves or the wiring coming from them.”

It also may not be easy to cover the solar panels. “The NFPA’s report mentions that wind and hose streams are two things that could inhibit the possibility of covering the panels, besides the fact that the paneled area could easily be large enough that it can’t be covered with available salvage covers,” Jakubowski noted. Even at night, scene lighting could still cause the panels to present a shock hazard.
Jakubowski noted that every possible disconnect must be shut down in the solar power system, everything from street, generator, battery, and other forms of power that could keep the system live.

For the ventilation challenge, Jakubowski said the NFPA suggested firefighters consider using positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Often, solar panels are installed on the south-facing side of a roof, so Jakubowski said, it’s possible that the other half of the roof can be used for ventilation. And with the challenge of additional weight, the NFPA indicated that this load is usually spread across a relatively wide area, decreasing the impact, Jakubowski noted. All of these challenges, however, present additional fire hazards and concerns for firefighters and homeowners.

What Solar Panel Owners Can Do.

“To effectively work around these systems, firefighters must first and foremost know that they are there,” Jakubowski said.

Home or business owners need to ensure that the local fire department and city know about their solar power system - how it’s designed, where the panels, batteries, and generator are located, and provide a process for safely disconnecting the power in the event of a fire.

Firefighters may not be easily able to see solar panels when they approach a building in the event of a fire. Thus, with all the details of the system, the fire department can formulate a “preplan program” on how to safely “de-energize” the solar power system.

And as was noted earlier, home or business owners should make sure there are sufficient disconnects installed in the entire system, including the batteries and generator.

One homeowner, Jakubowski said, also provided an “emergency transfer switch that directs utility power to the house or backup power to the house from the battery-based solar system.” The switch was accessible to the fire department and has an “off” position that can be locked in position in order to disconnect the house from either system. Jakubowski said this is not normally required with solar power systems, but it’s a great aid for the fire department.

Having an automatic fire sprinkler system in your business or home can also help to effectively control or eliminate a fire.

Also, be diligent when installing a do-it-yourself solar panel kits. Make sure all the necessary safety precautions are taken and the system is in line with all city and fire codes.

For help in designing or installing a Tulsa or OKC fire alarm or fire suppression system, contact the fire protection specialists at Mac Systems, Inc.