Roof-top solar panels causing problems with fire gas ventilation during house fires
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".. even if they appear de-energized, they can still store energy, posing a risk of electrocution if tampered with".
Solar panels have become a significant concern for firefighters, primarily due to electrical and ventilation challenges, as reported by ABC6.com.
North Providence Fire Chief John Silva emphasized the difficulty of cutting through solar panels, noting that even if they appear de-energized, they can still store energy, posing a risk of electrocution if tampered with.
Officials stress the importance of vertical ventilation to expel gases, hot air, and heat during fires. However, solar panels can obstruct this method, making it unsafe and less effective.
“[Solar panels] make a problem for firefighters because they store energy and electricity,” Silva explained at the scene of a fire in January. “So when [crews] went on the roof for normal operations…and they discovered the solar panels, we evacuated the roof right away and worked from the inside so no one got electrocuted”, he says to ABC6.com.
Chief Silva highlighted the danger posed by solar panels, recounting an incident where firefighters evacuated a roof upon discovering them to avoid potential electrocution.
While horizontal ventilation is an alternative in emergencies, it is not as efficient.
Departments across Rhode Island frequently encounter issues related to solar panels. Recently, a home in Warwick experienced a reignition due to electrical components in solar panels.
Safe as long as panels don´t cover the entire roof
Despite these hazards, Central Falls Fire Chief Scott Mello assures homeowners that solar panels can be used safely if they do not cover the entire roof. He encourages their use, acknowledging the desire to save on energy costs amidst rising expenses.
Photo Credit:
Workers installing photovoltaic panels on the roof at the Research Support Facility (RSF). NREL works on panels that DOE is using leverage a Power Purchase Agreement with SunEdison and Xcel Energy to absorb the upfront installation costs. Original public domain image from Flickr
Public DomainFree CCO U.S. Government image for Personal and Business use. Image provided by RawPixel.com.