Fire protection risk from solar systems: Between fear and reality in Schildow!

Fire protection risk from solar systems: Between fear and reality in Schildow!

Schildow, Deutschland - Last week a fire in the “Spatzenhaus” daycare center in Schildow caused excitement when a fire that was due to a solar system was affected by the roof structure. Fortunately, the fire brigade, which led the large -scale operation, remained without injuries. The district fire chief of Oberhavel, Gerd Ritter, made it clear that solar systems generally do not represent any particular fire and do not burn them more often than conventional electrical appliances, such as refrigerators. MAZ-Online reported on the situation and the measures taken for fire fighting.

The fire brigade had to maintain a safety distance of at least one meter when the PV system was extinguished in order to avoid the risk of an electric shock. Ritter emphasized that it still makes sense to have private solar system owners obliged every four years to have their facilities checked, since frequent defects such as loose contact points and grated cable insulation can be a risk of fire. Commercial systems are already subject to regular checks.

fire protection measures for solar systems

With the increasing use of photovoltaic systems, the responsibility for their security also increases. Fire protection for PV systems includes structural, technical and organizational measures to avoid fires. According to SW Projektentwicklung , the fire risk is extremely low in properly installed systems, with less than 0.01 percent of the PV systems. Fire protection measures are therefore necessary to avoid assembly errors, inferior components and lack of maintenance. In particular, light sheets that arise from loose contacts or material fatigue are dangerous.

An important aspect is to comply with safety distances when installing solar systems that are prescribed in many federal states. The TÜV Nord points out that companies and operators should pay attention to quality specifications in order to ensure a high level of protection and take preventive measures. A brochure for fire protection-friendly planning and maintenance of PV systems, supported by various associations, shows the standards that should be observed. TÜV Nord provides additional information on the installation and maintenance as well as for the responsibility of the operator.

practical tips for avoiding fire risks

The regular cleaning of the solar modules of dust and dirt as well as the use of high-quality components with test seals are further essential measures to ensure the functionality and safety of PV systems. In order to better manage risks, clear communication channels between planning, installation and maintenance are required. Clarification regarding the responsibility for maintenance improves the organizational fire protection measures.

In the event of a fire, quick action is required. Firefighters must be able to quickly recognize the PV system, since the modules are under power even in daylight. Special fire protection measures must be observed when using photovoltaic systems in combination with other technologies such as heat pumps. A distance between the solar modules and combustible materials of at least 0.5 to 1 meter should also be observed. So if you want to own or install a solar system, be sure to think of these important safety precautions so that the green energy concept does not become a security risk.