Understand the Unique Risks when a PV (Solar) System is Involved

  • Pre-Incident Planning

    • Contact building officials to see where PV systems are installed. Request to be notified when new PV is installed
    • PV Panels and Arrays
      • Locate which portion of the roof has the PV system 
      • Follow conduit to locate where PV may be installed and the location of disconnects / inverters 

  • PV Disconnect Types

    • Main Breaker: shuts off AC power to the entire structure, including inverters 
    • PV System Disconnects: shuts off power to the inverter. Does not disconnect any other panel
    • Energy storage systems will have a separate disconnect. Energy storage systems still contain hazardous energy even if they’re shut down and disconnected. 
    • Rapid Disconnect: may reduce to <30 volts DC within 30 seconds. PV array may also have voltage reduced
    • Disconnects are often found in basements, electrical rooms, or on exterior pad mounts. 
    • WARNING: PV SYSTEMS MAY STILL PRODUCE ELECTRICITY AND WIRING FROM PV TO INTERTER MAY BE ENERGIZED DEPENDING ON INSTALLATION TYPES

  • Emergency Response
    Identify, Shutdown, Watch Out 

    • Identify the Issue
      • Identify locations and types of PV installation
      • Look for PV arrays, inverters, and labels & markers
    •  Shutdown
      • Power to the inverter must be shut down to secure power. POWER WILL STILL BE IN WIRING BETWEEN PV AND INVERTER
      • If energy storage systems are installed, additional disconnects must be shut off
      • Disconnects may be found on the inverter, distributed along the array, and at the main electrical panel 
      • If PV is damaged, shut off any disconnects found 
    • Watch Out
      • Older string inverters may not reduce DC from array to inverter
      • All metal parts are connected and connected to ground. If damaged, they can become energized. DO NOT TOUCH SYSTEMS WITH VISIBLE DAMAGE
      • Whole roof PV may introduce additional risks such as hidden wires and slippery roofs

 

ONCE INCIDENT OF FIRE HAS BEEN SECURED, HAVE A QUALIFIED PERSON INSPECT THE PV SYSTEM TO ENSURE IT IS NO LONGER A HAZARD

Additional information may be found at NFPA Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Solar Safety – Safety Training Program