In the US, there are more than 2 million distributed solar panels. Many people are becoming more concerned about fire safety. Solar panel system fires are very rare. Many home and business owners want to know all the potential risks, including solar panel system fires.
You should also keep in mind that even though solar panels can be installed correctly following the latest safety codes, solar fires can occur. To ensure safety, there are several safety procedures. Let’s get started.
Solar Panels and the Risk They Pose
The risk of solar panels setting themselves ablaze is low, as we have already stated. According to a German roofing firm, although there isn’t an official percentage, it is approximately 0.006%. This is a low percentage, so your chances of your PV setting fire to it are negligible.
Solar panels have been used in the US for many decades. We can only link a handful of fires to the PV modules during that time. Solar panels, like all electrical systems, have the potential to cause fires. You can avoid fires if you know what causes them.
What Can Solar Panels Catch Fire?
Solar panels can set off house fires for many reasons. These include:
- Poorly designed system
- Incorrectly installed electrical equipment
- Faulty products
- Over-voltage
- Power surges
- Lightning
Any one of these causes can cause hot spots in the system that can become flammable. They can also cause arcs between the ground and the conductor, which could be a fire hazard.
Every home and business owner should be aware of the fact that solar PV systems can produce electricity through live wires. When connecting the solar PV system to a home or business, it is important to use the correct connections. It is also important to choose the right wires for the job. To avoid problems, all wires must have adequate insulation. This can lead to short circuits, reverse currents, and arc faults. These are the same issues that can be encountered when you install electricity from the grid to your home.
This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is the top choice for solar company Tampa FL! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!
