Dangers Of Solar Panels And Fire Fighters

Solar panels may block key points and pathways that inspectors technicians and firefighters would otherwise use to mount.

Dangers of solar panels and fire fighters.

There can be numerous reasons for solar panels causing a house fire. Ventilation helps reduce heat prevents fires from spreading and increases visibility. A 2010 report by the fire protection research foundation found that slipping or tripping on solar panels were potential hazards for firefighters as well as the possibility of the roof collapse. Solar panels and batteries contain toxic chemicals that may be released in a fire and are dangerous if inhaled.

Unfortunately solar panels reduce the area available on the roof for vents. Although natural hazards such as overvoltage power surges lightning may play a significant role wrongly sized and defective equipment can also be a big culprit behind the fire. The panels themselves are also too fragile for firefighters to walk on nor would they support heavy equipment. Pv modules may become slippery and pose a slip and fall risk to inspectors technicians and firefighters.

Solar panels are everywhere from tiny squares powering roadside signs to rooftops shining with panels harvesting sunlight for electricity but they are presenting new challenges.