Tag PV Safety webinar

LTV Technologies Hosts Virtual Industry Webinar on Solar PV Safety and Compliance

Online Webinar Hosted from LTV Technologies and Supplies, Heilbron — April 24, 2025 — In a landmark virtual event, LTV Technologies & Supplies brought together top industry minds and safety advocates to explore urgent risks and overlooked regulations surrounding solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The webinar, titled “Understanding PV Safety and Risks”, aimed to raise awareness and inspire action around fire safety, electrical risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance within the fast-growing solar sector.

The event was streamed live from Heilbron and recordings were made available to key industry invitees who could not attend. Participants joined from across a wide range of disciplines, including:

Emergency Services, Municipal Fire Departments, Engineers, PV System Installers, Battery Suppression Technology Providers, Professional Cleaning Services, Construction, Energy Specialists, and Technical Consultants.

Powerful Presentations from Global and Local Experts

The session featured two keynote presentations:

Alex Keene of PVStop International (UK) introduced the concept of the “DC Danger Zone”, explaining how solar panels continue producing high-voltage direct current (DC) even during damage or fire. Alex demonstrated how PVStop’s innovative spray-on fire-retardant coating is used globally by fire brigades to instantly make solar panels safe—from a safe distance of up to 10 meters.

Willem Beukes, a leading South African Structural and Fire Engineer from WIAM Consulting, outlined the current state of compliance with SANS 10400 regulations, detailing how most fixed PV installations are implemented without professional sign-off, risking fire propagation, structural overload, and dangerous live systems during emergencies.

A Clear Message: Solar Must Be Safe to Be Sustainable

“PV safety cannot be an afterthought. As South Africa moves toward energy independence, we must balance growth with responsibility,” said Johan Bosman, PV Safety Advocate and CEO of LTV Technologies. “This webinar was about educating and empowering every stakeholder—from the engineer to the cleaner to the end user.”

To honor their participation and commitment to safety, attendees received a ‘PV Safety Shield Award’, while the presenters were recognized with a ‘PV Safety Award for Presentation’. Though not officially accredited, these awards reflect LTV’s commitment to recognizing shared learning and community engagement.

Next Steps: PV Safety Conference Announced

In light of the overwhelming response to the webinar, LTV Technologies is proud to announce its next initiative: a PV Safety, Risks & Maintenance Conference to be held in August 2025. The conference will include sponsor exhibitions, practical demonstrations, and panel discussions, with a strong focus on technical accuracy and safety innovation.

🗓️ Venue: To be confirmed — planned for Midrand or Johannesburg
💡 Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities Available
🎫 Limited Seating — Details to Follow

Supporting Material

  • Full recording of the webinar is available upon request.
  • Presentation content is included in the recording and will be made available to registered attendees.
  • Certificates: PV Safety Shield Awards for attendance and presenter contributions were issued by LTV Technologies.

About LTV Technologies & Supplies

LTV Technologies is a South African safety innovation company delivering cutting-edge solutions for renewable energy risk management, emergency response technologies, and AI-enhanced safety platforms. As a passionate advocate for safety in the solar energy sector, LTV leads initiatives to bridge the gap between installation growth and regulatory compliance.

Media Contact:

Johan Bosman (PV Safety Advocate)
Managing Director LTV Technologies & Supplies
📧 johan@ltvtech.co.za
🌐 www.ltvtech.co.za
📞 +27 083 469 6127

Relevant Tags:
#SolarSafety #PVRiskManagement #PVCompliance #SANS10400 #PVStop #LTVTech #FireRiskMitigation #EmergencyServices #SouthAfrica #SafetyFirst #EnergyFuture

PVSTOP CEO Jim Foran Highlights Critical Role in Fire Safety

January 26, 2024, Brisbane residents faced a harrowing situation as a house fire, fueled by toxic smoke, prompted warnings to stay indoors. The culprit? An electric e-scooter. CEO of PVStop International, Jim Foran, sheds light on the incident in a recent LinkedIn post, emphasizing a recurring global concern faced by Fire Service Agencies. [News Report]

Read Jim Foran’s insightful post on LinkedIn: PVStop LinkedIn Post

The incident not only underscored the dangers associated with e-scooters but also brought attention to the often overlooked electrical risks posed by solar panels during firefighting operations. The fire, which infiltrated the property’s roof and damaged solar panels, presented an ongoing electrical and secondary fire hazard.

Recognizing the potential risks, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) firefighters called upon PVSTOP to coat the solar panels, block light, and ensure the property’s electrical safety. This incident marked the 30th time QFES partnered with PVSTOP during operational incidents, showcasing the tool’s effectiveness in real-time safety management.

PVSTOP, initially designed for use by fire departments during operational incidents, is proving to be a crucial safety tool. While collaboration with electrical contractors remains essential for post-incident applications, PVSTOP’s unique design emphasizes its immediate and proactive role in ensuring safety during emergencies.

As incidents involving solar PV systems escalate worldwide, Jim Foran urges Australian Fire and Emergency Services Agencies, including QFES, to invest in education, training, and equipment. This strategic approach aims not only to address incidents involving Lithium-ion Batteries but also to enhance preparedness for solar PV systems, ultimately ensuring the safety of firefighters and communities alike. Stay informed, stay safe.

#PVSafety #FireSafety #PVSTOP #QFES 🔥

PV Safety Webinar Recap and Access to Recording! December 2023

We’re delighted to share some highlights and resources from our recent webinar, “PV Safety – Risk and Solutions for First Responders,” hosted by PVStop International in collaboration with esteemed presenters, Jim Foran, Director (Australia), and Alex Keene, European Sales & Marketing Manager.

Key Takeaways:

  • The webinar shed light on the critical importance of safety in the fast-growing PV industry.
  • Emphasis on adherence to regulations and standards for secure PV system installations.
  • Identification and mitigation of potential risks, both in direct fire scenarios and situations indirectly involving solar panels.
  • Insightful discussions on the role of first responders in addressing incidents related to PV systems swiftly and safely.

Special Thanks: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jim Foran and Alex Keene for their valuable insights and expertise. Their contributions made the webinar both informative and engaging.

Access to Recorded Webinar: For those who couldn’t join us live or wish to revisit the valuable content, we’ve made the recorded webinar available. Simply follow this YouTube link to access the full session at your convenience.

Acknowledgment to Attendees: A sincere thank you to all attendees who actively participated in the webinar. Your commitment to safety and engagement in this critical dialogue is essential for creating a safer environment within the PV industry.
We look forward to your continued interest and participation in future webinars. If you have any questions or suggestions for topics you’d like us to cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and advancements in the world of PV technology!