How to Prevent or Reduce Solar Panel Fire Risk

Some of the precautions that you can take include:

Choosing experienced solar PV installers

An experienced solar  installer is likely to have a good reputation in the area. Apart from looking at their reputation and years of experience, the technician should have the required licenses. It ascertains that they know how to do a good job and that they have a trusted business. Additional industry certificates also show they have a well-trained workforce.

Get Quality Solar Panels and Parts

The temptation to buy low-quality solar panels is high because of the low price. But avoid this at all costs. Such panels can malfunction, causing a fire, leading to higher costs in the long run.

Buy quality solar panels to avoid this issue. Manufacturers also provide long-term warranties for solar panels. The same case also applies to all the parts that make up your solar energy system. As such, you should ensure you do not choose flammable frames and solar mounting systems.

Regular System Maintenance

Any electrical system needs regular maintenance. Ensure you regularly check out any damages from pests, rodents, and other small animals. Look for holes in the cables which can lead to problems in the future.

Avoid DIY Solar Installation

Often, people can rely on DIY solar panel installation. If you want to ensure safety, you should avoid this. Though you may reduce installation costs, it can lead to more problems in the future. Solar panel systems are complex. For this reason, you should not attempt DIY installation if you are not a trained electrician or solar PV installation expert. Doing this can increase the risk of solar panels catching fire.

Solar Panels Impact on Firefighters

The fire department takes various precautions in the event of a fire in a building with a solar panel system. Since the system contains live wires, they are a potential risk to firefighters. Informing the fire department that you have solar panels installed on-site is important. You can clearly label your building or call them, allowing them to come prepared. One of the main things they will do is switch off the system and later determine the cause of the fire.

Owning solar panels is safe and reliable. It can help reduce your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint. However, it is vital to ensure you follow the precautions indicated to prevent solar panel fires.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many fires are caused by solar panels?

Solar panel fires are rare. Previous industry reports indicate lower than 1 incident per 10,000 installations.

2. What causes solar panels to catch fire?

Solar panels can catch fire due to poor designs, defects with the components, faulty installations, high voltage among others. Employing professional installers reduces these risks significantly. 

3. How can I prevent solar system fires?

The main way to prevent this issue is having professional solar panel installers. Routine and regular maintenance of the system also helps pin-point problems before they cause major issues.