The Rise of Solar PV Installations and Associated Risks
The rise of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in South Africa has significantly
reshaped our energy landscape. As these installations proliferate, so do the associated
risks, with fire safety emerging as a prominent concern. Municipalities are confronting
challenges in effectively combating fires involving PV installations, highlighting the need
for proactive measures.
The Challenge: Fire Safety and PV Installations
A critical issue facing our communities is the capacity of municipalities to combat fires
involving PV installations effectively. The absence of specialized training and equipment
makes firefighting in properties with solar panels a complex task. Firefighters often
grapple with safely de-energizing solar panels, amplifying the risk of live electricity and
potential secondary fires.
Additionally, combating these fires necessitates significant water usage. While water is
vital for fire control, excessive amounts can result in substantial property water damage,
impacting roofing structures and causing interior damage.
Solar panels’ persistent nature further complicates firefighting efforts. Damaged solar
panels continue to produce energy when exposed to sunlight, posing risks of secondary
fires. This risk escalates, especially the morning after a fire incident when sunlight
triggers damaged cabling to arc again.
A Solution: Introducing PVStop
To address these challenges, we present PVStop, a premium product engineered to
safely de-energize PV systems. This innovative solution provides a simple and effective
means to mitigate risks associated with PV installations during fire emergencies.
Case Study: An Incident with a 150kW High Voltage Hybrid System
We recently collaborated with an insurance assessor on a concerning incident involving
a newly installed 150kW 3-phase high voltage hybrid system. Despite its compliance
with regulations, and protocols, and having received a Certificate of Compliance (COC),
the system faced a potentially catastrophic fault.
Early detection was crucial. A fault below or within the PV combiner box triggered efforts to
extinguish the ensuing electrical fire. While standard carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
were used, the persistent arcing of DC current thwarted these efforts.
The remote location of the installer, situated 200km away, presented logistical
challenges. The recommended immediate solution was to de-energize the solar panels.
However, lacking a disconnect between the PV array and the combiner box, the only
viable action was to cut the PV cables close to the panel—a risky decision that
contravened occupational health and labour laws.
Despite the inherent dangers, this intervention successfully disconnected the current
to the PV combiner box, enabling effforts to manage the fire in the inverter room,
where lithium batteries—known fire accelerants—were housed.
For educational purposes see the following : Check out this video depicting another scenario where DC cables had to be cut. Witness the creation of a DC arc and grasp the perilous nature of such efforts. This serves purely for informational purposes. The other video showcases how combiner boxes ignite and swiftly obliterate when arcing occurs. Prevention within PV combiner boxes is crucial, with Thermarestor offering a viable solution.
Root Cause Analysis
The investigation into the exact cause is ongoing. Potential causes range from damaged
cables within the conduit, human error with loose connections in the PV combiner box,
rodent damage, to cable overheating. Implementing early detection methods, such as
thermal inspections and monitoring technologies, could pre-emptively identify these
issues.
Responsibility and Liability
Determining responsibility in emergencies involving PV installations remains a
contentious issue. Whether it’s the homeowner, body corporate, building owner, or
installer, the question of liability is often unclear. This ambiguity can lead to challenges
in addressing risks and implementing preventive measures effectively.
Conclusion
The incidents involving solar panel installations in South Africa underscore the urgent
need for action in fire safety. PVStop emerges as a practical solution to significantly
enhance safety during fire emergencies involving PV systems.
For Managing Agents, trustees, committees, and service providers, staying informed
and proactive is paramount. Embracing innovations like PVStop and advocating for
clear guidelines on responsibility during emergencies can foster safer communities and
sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector.
Let’s prioritize safety, collaboration, and innovation to navigate the evolving landscape
of renewable energy in South Africa, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all.