Dangers Of Solar Panels And Fire Fighters

Solar panels are everywhere from tiny squares powering roadside signs to rooftops shining with panels harvesting sunlight for electricity but they are presenting new challenges.

Dangers of solar panels and fire fighters.

There can be numerous reasons for solar panels causing a house fire. Unfortunately solar panels reduce the area available on the roof for vents. Solar panels and batteries contain toxic chemicals that may be released in a fire and are dangerous if inhaled. A 2010 report by the fire protection research foundation found that slipping or tripping on solar panels were potential hazards for firefighters as well as the possibility of the roof collapse.

Ventilation helps reduce heat prevents fires from spreading and increases visibility. Pv modules may become slippery and pose a slip and fall risk to inspectors technicians and firefighters. The panels themselves are also too fragile for firefighters to walk on nor would they support heavy equipment. Much inaccurate information about pv and firefighter safety has been published on the internet recently even to the point of recommendations to let it burn if solar panels are spotted on a roof.

Solar panels may block key points and pathways that inspectors technicians and firefighters would otherwise use to mount.