SOLAR PANELS

Prepared by
Thomas Bartsch
Chief Fire Inspector (ret)

Past Chief of Department

Valley Stream, NY
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 These are some of the Applicable Codes
and Standards in NY for Solar Panels
National Electric Code (NFPA # 70) for Photovoltaic Systems
Mechanical Code of New York State for Thermal Systems
Plumbing Code of New York State for Thermal Systems
Residential Code of New York State
More restrictive local standards
UL Standard 1703, Flat-plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels
UL Standard 1741, Standard for Static Inverters, Converters and
Controllers for use in Independent Power Systems
IEEE 929-2000, Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (approved in January 2000)

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SOLAR CELLS

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 Solar Cells
What are Solar Cells?

Thin wafers of silicon;

similar to computer chips,
much bigger,
much cheaper.

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 Solar Cells

Silicon is abundant (sand);

non-toxic, safe

Light carries energy into the cell;

cells convert sunlight energy into electric
current, they do not store energy.

Sunlight is the fuel.

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SOLAR MODULES

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 Modules

A group of cells make a module and a group of

modules is called an array,

They generate electricity from sunlight, and have

no moving parts,

Generally rated at between 125 and 200 watts each

and produce between 24 and 48 volts of DC power,

When attached in a series, the voltage increases,

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 Modules
The National Electric Code (NEC) permits;
for one- and two-family dwellings, PV system
voltages up to 600 volts (DC),
for multi-family dwellings and other larger
buildings, the PV system voltage can be even
greater.

Most residences have from 15 to 40 panels,

Residential systems will generate anywhere from

2,000 to 10,000 watts (two to ten kilowatts) in optimal
sunlight conditions, at between 120 and 600 volts DC,
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 Modules
There are different types of PV Modules;

laminate/tempered glass- aluminum frame,

flexible laminate module and,

building integrated PV (takes the place of light

weight concrete tiles),

solar shingles.

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Glass with aluminum frame

Flexible laminate solar panels

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 Building integrated PV panels

Solar shingles

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SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

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 Solar Energy Systems
There are two common types of solar energy
systems;
Thermal systems,
Photovoltaic systems (PV).

Thermal systems heat water for domestic heating

and recreational use (i.e. hot water, pool heating, radiant
heating and air collectors);
typically have smaller solar panels than PV
systems.

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 Solar Energy Systems
Thermal system.

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 Solar Energy Systems
Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert suns rays into
electricity;
some PV systems have batteries to store electricity,
other systems feed unused electric back into the
grid.

Photovoltaic systems have three primary components;

Modules
Inverters
and the Conduit

Panels are roughly 30x50 inches in area and weigh

around 30-35 lbs each, 15
 Solar Energy Systems
Photovoltaic

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 There are two types of PV systems:
Grid-connected and Off-Grid (remote storage).
Grid connected system

Most installed PV systems are grid type.

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 Off Grid
Photovoltaic
System

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 Off Grid Systems
Can have wind-power, water-power and back-up
generators to provide energy at night,

Extinguish battery fires with CO2, foam or dry

chemical extinguishers, Dont cut into the batteries,

Keep in mind that if corrosive fumes come in

contact with certain metals, they will produce toxic
chemicals and explosive gases, wear PPE & SCBA,

Careful with metal tools around batteries.

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MOUNTING OF THE
SYSTEM

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 Primary Concerns
That the mounting is structurally sound,

That the roof is properly weather proofed,

That electrical equipment is correctly installed

according to applicable codes,

And there are Two main types of loads to consider;

Dead Load
Wind Load

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 Mounting of Systems
The roof structure must be capable of supporting the
dead load,

Most modern truss roofs are capable of handling the

extra dead load provided that the roof is not masonry,

Masonry roofs often require a structural analysis or

removing the existing product and replace it with
composite in the area of the PV array,

Attachment method must be capable of keeping the PV

array on the roof or relevant structure.
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 Mounting of Systems
Solar panels are installed either by;
Stand mounting,
Flush mounting or,
Building Integrated arrays.

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 Mounting of Systems
Stand Mounts;
the universal mounting system, used for ground
and rooftop installations,
a grid-like system of supports of aluminum or
steel that are affixed directly to roof joists,
or use non-penetrating concrete blocks,

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 Mounting of Systems
Flush Mounting;
raised several inches to allow air circulation,
brackets are attached to the roof,
may be hard to see during the night,

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 Mounting of Systems
Building Integrated Arrays;
serve as a structural element,
does reduce added weight,
photovoltaic shingles could be subject to high
winds,
very difficult to see during the night or from the
ground, Pre-Planning is very important!

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 Mounting of System

Examples of Building
Integrated Systems

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 SOLAR PANEL
INVERTERS,
DISCONNECTS & LABELS

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 Inverters and Disconnects
Modules are wired to an inverter, which converts
the DC voltage to AC voltage and then feeds the
electricity back into the main power distribution panel,

The inverter requires AC from the power company,

shutting off the main electrical breakers also shuts
down the inverter,

On new construction, inverters will most likely be

installed within the building,

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 Inverters and Disconnects
Inverter can be mounted inside or outside of the
building,
On Grid systems, inverter typically located near
main electrical panel,
Off-Grid system, inverter either inside or outside
of building,

Inverter may be found in a separate building that

contains a generator or battery storage,

Also the inverter may be near devices or appliances

the panels provide power to,
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 Inverters and Disconnects
Disconnects are often mounted on the inverter to
shut off DC entering and AC leaving it,

These disconnects are primarily used by techs to

service the inverter,

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 Inverters and Disconnects

DC disconnect does not shut off power in the DC

conduit, it just keeps it from entering the inverter,

DC conduit is still live between the array and the

inverter DC disconnect,

There is no rooftop disconnect to kill the DC power

in the conduit.

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 Solar Inverter
PV arrays use an inverter to
convert the DC power
produced by the modules into
AC,

For safety reasons a circuit

breaker is provided both on
the AC and DC side to enable
maintenance.

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Micro Inverter is connected at each module
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 Labels
Labels on the main service panel will indicate the PV
system presence,

Labeling may be outside or inside of the main panel,

Look for the dedicated breaker for the inverter, it

may be labeled Solar Disconnect or some variation
thereof,

This breaker may be in a sub-panel, but there will

always be a label on the main electrical panel stating
presence of a second generating source on site,
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 Labels

Labels may be the only identifiers you might see, as

the array may not be visible and the inverter may be in
the fire.

LOOK FOR LABELS!!!!!!

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LOOK FOR LABELS

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 FIRE DEPARTMENT
OPERATIONS AT SOLAR
ARRAYS

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 Fire Operations
PV systems can impact our FD operations and may
also be part of the fire problem,

There is no single point of disconnect unlike

standard electrical or gas service installations,

Severely damaged PV arrays are capable of

hazardous conditions up to electrocution and can
create unexpected electric paths, (i.e., metal roofs,
gutters and array components),

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 Fire Operations
The black cable connecting each panel carries
voltage and increases as it goes from panel to panel,
DONT CUT THE CABLE OR REMOVE PANELS,

Do not cut into or walk across the PV modules or

arrays,

Breaking protective glass could release all inherent

energy in entire PV system,

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 Fire Operations
Always wear PPE and SCBA,

FF gloves and boots offer limited protection and are

not be equal to electrical PPE,

Size-up;
locate if panels are present,
get system information,
what type of system (Thermal or Photovoltaic),
locate electrical disconnects,

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Size Up
This array can be
seen from the
street upon
arrival

This light
source
might help
you see
the array
at night

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Size Up
You might
see this
What one while
about this doing your
one at 360
night?

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 Think you Size Up
will see this
one at night
while doing
your 360?

Conduit coming
from the roof
could be a clue,
look for it.
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 Fire Operations
Inform the IC that a system is present, the IC must
relay this info to the responding units,

Use a STAY CLEAR approach;

shut down as much as possible, Lock-out- Tag-Out
disconnect at the inverter, battery controller, and
the battery bank as an extra measure of safety,

Remember PV Panels are 120 volts - 600 volts DC,

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 USAGE OF TARPS TO
COVER THE SOLAR PANELS

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 Tarps
If operations require attempting to block light to the
PV to protect FF, a tarp might be used,

Effectiveness of tarps to interrupt power generation

varies with the type of tarp material,

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) research,1 have

shown heavy, densely woven fabric & dark black 4 mil
plastic reduce the power to near zero,

1 Firefighter Safety and Photovoltaic Installations Research Project, Issue date 11/29/2011

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 Tarps
Research conducted by UL1, using only a single tarp layer,
to block illumination to the panels, has shown:

Green Canvas Salvage Cover, (test

results were 3.2 open circuit volts and 0
short circuit amps) were SAFE to use,

Heavy Duty Red Vinyl Salvage Cover,

(test results were 124 open circuit volts
and 1.8 short circuit amps) was an
electrocution hazard,
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 Tarps
Blue plastic 5.1 mil all purpose tarp,
(test results were 126 open circuit volts
and 2.1 short circuit amps) was an
electrocution hazard,

Black 4 mil plastic film, (test results

were 33 open circuit volts and 0 short
circuit amps) was deemed SAFE to use.

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 Tarps
If light can be seen through the tarp, it should NOT be
used,

A WET tarp may become energized if it contacts

damaged PV equipment and conduct dangerous current,

The tarp must be secured down on all sides,

RISK vs REWARD, is it worth the risk to cover

arrays, especially damaged arrays, to accomplish venting,
overhaul, etc.???

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WATER AND FIREFIGHTING
FOAM USE ON SOLAR
ARRAYS

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 Water & Foam
Water conductivity, voltage, distance and spray
pattern effects electrical shock hazard,

UL1 research has shown that the use a fog pattern

with a min of 10 degree cone angle, with a distance of 5
ft from a 1000 vDC, detected no current leakage,

A smooth bore nozzle required a 20 ft distance with

the same 1000 vDC,

Because of its high conductivity, salt water should

NOT be used on live electrical equipment,
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 Water & Foam
Firefighting foams should NOT be relied on to block
light on solar panels, as they proved to be ineffective,

Outdoor solar electric boxes are not water resistant to

fire streams, they will collect water and present an
electric shock,

No matter what the system, REMEMBER, applying

water directly to any energized electrical equipment
endangers FF to shock, turn off the main breaker at the
electric panel.

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SCENE LIGHTING

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 Scene Lighting
FD flood light trucks ARE bright enough to generate
electricity, (UL research1)

Light from a fire, as far away as 75 feet was able to

produce current, (UL research1)

Light from a full moon will not energize the PV cells,

Lightning is bright enough to create a temporary

surge,

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Scene Lighting

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 Scene Lighting
At night, apparatus roof rack lighting does not produce
enough light to generate an electrical hazard,

If your department carries non-contact voltage

detectors, they only detect AC voltage, not DC voltage.

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GET THE ROOF!!

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 Get The Roof
General:

Remember, solar panels can impact our firefighting

operations, especially PV systems,

Proximity to any fire involving photovoltaic system

also brings with it an increased risk of inhaling toxic
vapors, use your SCBA,

Should array become involved in a roof fire, use fog

pattern, min 10 degrees,

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Safety: Get The Roof
Shock is the PRIMARY firefighter danger,

Momentary contact with low DC voltages may

produce:
Continuous Shock,
Thermal Injury,
Ventricular Fibrillation,
Tripping and/or falling over raceway, etc.,

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Safety: Get The Roof
Possible earlier roof collapse due to extra weight,
especially under a heavy fire load,

Arrays can accumulate snow & debris, added weight,

Hot water scalds with the Thermal system,

Electric shock, due to intentionally or inadvertently

cutting into or through PV conductors, or raceways
containing live PV conductors,
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Safety: Get The Roof
The NEC permits;
single conductor PV wire to be exposed in non-
accessible outdoor locations, such as rooftops and
ground mounted arrays,
when PV circuits are run inside a building, the
conductors must be contained in a metal raceway,
when PV wires are run beneath a roof, they shall
not be installed within 10 inches of the roof
decking or sheathing, except where directly below
the roof surface covered by PV modules and
associated equipment,
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Safety: Get The Roof
The 10 inch requirement is to prevent accidental
damage from saws used by firefighters during roof
ventilation,

It is important to also note that this requirement is

new in the 2011 version of the NEC, and older
installations may not have complied with this new
requirement,

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Safety: Get The Roof
Inhalation exposure, the manufacturing process
includes the use of many hazardous chemicals,

Access for ventilation,

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Operations:
Get The Roof
Ventilate at the highest point over the fire without
cutting through the PV array,

Flat roofs with complete PV coverage;

horizontal ventilation with fog spray and/or
Positive Pressure fan ventilation,

Fire and extreme heat will also affect the structure

of the module. The high temperatures might cause
the metal to warp and the modules to come loose
from their anchor points, dangle or fall,

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Operations:
Get The Roof

Fire could cause damage to the wiring insulation

and melt the aluminum mounting rail, resulting in
possible loss of ground continuity, energizing the
module frame and mounting rail,

Leave the scene in a safe condition, i.e., system

damaged during a night fire, when exposed to
sunlight, it begins to generate electric,

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Get The Roof Now add metal
roofing to the
hazard

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Get The Roof Cut a hole, dont trip
and dont
inadvertently pierce
the panels, OK!

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Get The Roof There is no venting
this roof with this
installation!

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Get The Roof SCBA

Use a minimum 10
degree fog pattern
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Get The Roof Not much room
to vertical vent
here!

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Get The Roof Skylights,
scuttles, smokes
vents?

Positive pressure fans

and/or fog nozzle to
vent?
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Get The Roof
Where are you
going to perform
roof ventilation on
this installation?
Hope
the other
side is
clear!

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 Summary
Pre-Planning is essential,

If a system is present, notify IC and responding units,

When a sufficient light source is present, panels are

energized,

Scene flood lighting can create dangerous levels of

electricity,

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 Summary
Dont try to unplug or walk on the panels,

Dont intentionally break the panels or cut the conduit,

Contact with damaged systems are dangerous, even if

the fire is out - stay away,

PV systems are the only electrical system that cannot be

turned off by untrained personnel.

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THANK YOU

QUESTIONS?

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