Increase in UK solar panel fires blamed on poor installations
Loose connections, damaged or faulty wiring among leading causes of solar panel fires, according to new analysis from insurer QBE. Freedom of information requests to UK fire services find increase in number of solar installation fires, with incidents recorded on residential properties.
Weathered PV backsheets have 46% faster flame spread than unweathered counterparts
Researchers in Singapore have accelerated the weathering of PV backsheets and investigated their flame spread behavior at different intervals. After 6 weeks, they found that weathered PV backsheets show 46% faster flame spread than unwearthered ones. They have also highlighted that current safety standards fail to account for long-term degradation.
Home batteries have same probability of catching fire as other appliances
New research from Germany shows that home batteries have much lower chances of being hit by fire than electric vehicles and most home appliances. The researchers warned, however, that fires in residential storage systems can be more dangerous than those of burning tumble dryers.
New fire safety testing procedure for PV systems deployed in flat roofs
The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) has introduced a fire safety test that simulates a fire starting on the roof membrane beneath a PV system. The researchers noted the importance of realistic construction methods, including factors such as anchors, adhesives, membrane welding, and ballast use.
What happens when fire hits PV systems deployed on sloped roofs
An international research team has observed how fire propagates in PV systems installed on flat roofs and has found that a certain amount of energy is needed for a fire to start and propagate in the cavity below the solar panels.
Research shows tilt angles over 30 degrees delay solar module thermal failures
A Chinese-Italian research team has analyzed the influence of different tilt angles on the thermal failure of the photovoltaic façades or roofs in fire conditions, finding that when the tilt angle exceeds 30 degrees, the time to failure increased significantly.
Survey highlights fire-detection, suppression issues in battery storage systems
A new Clean Energy Associates (CEA) survey shows that 26% of battery storage systems have fire-detection and fire-suppression issues, while about 18% face challenges with thermal management systems.
Investigating smoke dispersion in rooftop PV fires
Researchers have conducted a small-scale experiment on the behavior of smoke in PV-related fires. They have found that in homes featuring rooftops with a pitch of less than 45 degrees, residents only have about four minutes to safely evacuate.
AI tech for DC arc detection in PV systems
Scientists from China have developed a novel system that can detect DC arcs in PV installations through a back-propagation neural network. The novel technique reportedly ensures a detection time of less than 200 ms.
US utility’s sagging electricity line sparked 2022 wildfire, media reports
A sagging electricity line managed by major Californian utility Southern California Edison (SCE) is alleged to have caused a 2022 wildfire which led to two deaths, local media reports. An SCE spokesperson tells pv magazine the company cooperated with Californian authorities during its review of the blaze.
