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Clean Energy Associates (CEA) has inspected more than 600 photovoltaic systems in the industrial sector and concludes that there are a high number of significant risks to plant safety, most of them due to poor installation practices, but many of them can be easily identified and corrected. As more companies adopt rooftop solar energy to reduce costs and their carbon footprint, the associated invisible risks have also increased, leading to a rise in rooftop fires. Clean Energy Associates (CEA) has inspected more than 600 photovoltaic systems in the industrial sector and concludes that there are a high number of significant risks to plant safety, which can also imply high costs for the owner. Most of these risks stem from poor installation practices, many of which can be easily identified and corrected. However, if not addressed in a timely manner, the consequences can be serious. pv magazine spoke with Javier Mota, Senior Manager, Engineering Services, and Carlos Acinas, Project Manager, Engineering at CEA, about the most common problems in rooftop photovoltaic installations and their safety implications. Question: What component usually starts fires? Answer: The component that most often starts fires in photovoltaic installations is generally the wiring or electrical connections, whether they are poorly assembled connectors or loosely tightened terminals. Faulty inverters and PV cells can also be points of failure. Dirt accumulation, excessive heat, or short circuits in the system also contribute. What are the most common risks? Electrical hazards: Short circuits, faulty connections or poorly assembled connectors. Thermal risks: Excessive temperatures in modules, cables or inverters due to poor design, installation or ventilation. Mechanical risks: Physical damage to modules due to impacts, such as hail or falling objects. Battery Hazards: Fire or explosion due to overcharging, short circuits, or internal failures in lithium batteries. Is there any way to prevent fires? Can all fires be avoided? To prevent fires in photovoltaic installations, it is essential to ensure professional installation by certified technicians, ensuring that the system meets safety standards. Furthermore, high-quality components must be used, such as cables, connectors, and inverters suitable for the specific site conditions. Regular maintenance is essential, including periodically inspecting connections and wiring to detect potential faults in a timely manner. In the event of a fire, what should the owner of the facility do? In the event of a fire in a photovoltaic installation, the first step is to disconnect power to the system and any related energy sources, such as batteries. Emergency services should then be called, providing details about the type of system (photovoltaic) and the location of critical components. It is crucial to avoid contact with the system, as electrical systems may remain energized even after disconnection, so do not attempt to extinguish the fire without proper training. What should a person consider when installing a photovoltaic system on commercial and industrial roofs to do so as safely as possible? To safely install a photovoltaic system on the roof of an industrial building, it is essential to have certified professionals and use high-quality components adapted to the environmental conditions. Protection systems against overloads and thermal faults must be implemented, and a regular maintenance plan must be established to inspect the system. In the event of a fire detected early and extinguished, can part of the installation be restored, or is it advisable to replace all the components? If a fire is detected early and extinguished quickly, some components of the photovoltaic system may be salvageable. However, a thorough inspection is essential to assess the damage. In many cases, especially if there is damage to cables, connectors, or inverters, it may be advisable to replace the affected components to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the system. |
