Solar panel fires!

[Spiffy Solar]

Education will help those making decisions and discussions about solar installations, electrical safety, fire prevention, or anything else that they do not understand.

Thanks for your input, as a professional in the field. From what I read, the need for education does seem to be the consensus on this subject. What's unique about solar is merely that it is new. There are many other dangers in the the firefighting profession, such as power lines, dangerous chemicals, and much more. These hazards have been integrated into the training regimen. The same will happen for solar. In time.

[donald]

I came across an article saying NEC 2017 has a proposed module shutdown requirement. That would certainly improve firefighting safety.

[Naptown]

Both Enphase and solar edge are currently compliant with the 2017 NEC.

[donald]

Both Enphase and solar edge are currently compliant with the 2017 NEC.

Does the code change mean all inverter manufacturers will implement optimizers?

[Naptown]

Hard to say
2104 code says all conductors more than 10 feet from the array have to be below 30 volts within 10 seconds once the rapid shut down is initiated.
I haven't read the 2017 yet but am pretty sure in that version it is all conductors.

[max2k]

As a professional firefighter, I never cause or allow any unnecessary damage caused by uneducated or inexperienced firefighters. I have been a firefighter since 1978. Although solar is rare in Arkansas, measures are always taken to investigate and gather information on new products and ideas. Then we are prepared to accurately address the situation. One thing many forget, solar panels add a weight load to roofs. I am worried about a roof collapse more than an electrical issue from a properly installed solar array. More firefighters are killed/injured from structural collapse than from electrocution.

Many fires occur to improperly installed systems. Once a solar panel starts to burn, it is quickly consumed by flame. Wires overheat due to inadequate sizing, improper type for conditions, loose connections, broken insulation, nail/screw causing a short. Life is dangerous. Danger cannot be completely prevented.

Education will help those making decisions and discussions about solar installations, electrical safety, fire prevention, or anything else that they do not understand. After all, we are all born knowing very little. People not involved with firefighting or procedures used to fight fires do not understand why fires are not always extinguished. Safety of people is always number one. Material things can be replaced, but not the life. If anyone thinks they can do it better, try joining a fire department and try it out in person. I guarantee they will get a new perspective on fires.

Sorry for the rant. Now,,,back to our normally scheduled forum.

Thank you for bringing back some common sense into discussion. It actually crossed my mind that being on the roof in firefighter gear I'd probably be more worried about collapsing roof and getting killed inside the burning house below than some 400- 500V present nearby.

[emartin00]

Does the code change mean all inverter manufacturers will implement optimizers?

More likely it will persuade module manufacturers to include circuitry in the modules like the Trina Smart panels.
At this point the 2017 NEC is still just a proposal, so it may not pass anyway. Personally, I think it would be overkill.

[peakbagger]

In my area solar is still rare. When I installed my system, I supplied the local fire chief a link to an excellent presentation that was developed by solar expert that was a firefighter (unfortunately I cant locate it). I believe they went through the slide show during one of their monthly meetings.

[gimmi80]

kind of scary