Solar photovoltaic systems have been gaining popularity as a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy. However, like all electrical systems, they can pose a fire risk if proper safety protocols are not implemented.
“In recent years, fires in these facilities have become more common than people realize. They are mainly caused by external factors and electrical system failures. Among the former are lightning and hail, animal bites or droppings. They can also be due to poor or inadequate design, or incorrect installation or maintenance,” explains expert Yuliana Torrealba.
Torrealba, a civil engineer from the University of Carabobo (Venezuela), with more than 13 years of experience in the sector, recalls that the advancement of so-called clean energies also implies a better understanding of their operation, in order to avoid dangerous fires.
Yuliana Torrealba. (External source).
“Fire protection in photovoltaic installations has advanced significantly. Numerous products have been adopted, including devices for the predictive identification of anomalies, drones and robots with thermal cameras for inspection, microcrack analysis, and software that transforms conventional cameras into smoke, flame, and temperature detection systems,” the engineer explains.
Torrealba has given numerous talks to the Venezuelan Fire Department on fire prevention.
In the case of photovoltaic solar energy systems, the first step is to ensure proper installation. This includes guaranteeing a ground connection, that the solar panels have a manual de-energization system, regular maintenance, keeping the system free of debris and vegetation, using waterproofing systems, increasing the distance between the roof and the solar panels, and having appropriate firefighting tools available.
“Let it be clear that photovoltaic solar systems are a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy, but they can pose a fire risk if proper safety protocols are not followed. They are a positive addition to our communities' infrastructure, provided that appropriate safety measures are taken,” says Yuliana Torrealba, former Engineering Director at Axxis CA (Valencia).
Solar photovoltaic energy is renewable, obtained directly from sunlight. This type of technology is defined as active, since it produces a clean and efficient energy conversion (specifically, it transforms solar energy into electrical energy) using photovoltaic cells.
Photovoltaic systems in buildings of all types, whether residential or industrial, are a modern and sustainable way to produce electricity at the point of consumption, and their contribution is considered key to achieving the goal of nearly zero-energy buildings.
