Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Alarming Incidents of Photovoltaic Fires
- Causes of Photovoltaic Fires
- Prevention and Response Measures for Photovoltaic Users
- Conclusion
Introduction
Photovoltaic power generation is a clean, safe, and environmentally friendly method of producing electricity that has grown rapidly and gained widespread use in recent years. However, similar to other electrical equipment, photovoltaic power stations are not without fire hazards. These potential risks can arise from equipment malfunctions, electrical wiring issues, adverse weather conditions, or improper handling. When a fire breaks out, it can result in equipment damage and pose serious threats to life and property, significantly disrupting the stable operation of PV power generation systems. Hence, the timely identification and effective management of fire hazards are crucial to ensuring the safe operation of PV power plants.
Alarming Incidents of Photovoltaic Fires
In April 2024, a fire erupted in a container housing lithium-ion batteries in Neermoor. According to reports, when firefighters arrived, they observed only light smoke. However, upon opening the storage container, an explosion occurred with a flash of flame. It took nearly ten hours for the fire department and police to extinguish the blaze, and the neighboring highway was closed for several hours. Initial police estimates put the damage at around 500,000 euros. Although the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, it is speculated that thermal runaway may have been a trigger. This phenomenon involves physical and chemical reactions within the battery that produce excessive heat and gases, potentially leading to a fire or explosion once the stabilized temperature region is surpassed.
In February 2024, a £70 million commercial warehouse in Peterborough, UK, experienced a fire in its roof-mounted PV modules. The fire was attributed to an electrical fault that caused the roof solar panels to ignite.
In August 2023, a fire broke out at a photovoltaic egg farm in Italy, resulting in the death of over 20,000 laying hens in the shed. The local fire department suggested that the fire was likely caused by the photovoltaic system. The blaze consumed more than 1,500 square meters of heat shields, generating a large amount of smoke that led to the asphyxiation of tens of thousands of hens.
In October 2022, a pharmaceutical plant in western Sydney, Australia, suffered extensive property damage when solar panels on the roof caught fire, destroying millions of dollars' worth of equipment.
Causes of Photovoltaic Fires
Photovoltaic fires not only cause property damage but also pose risks to human safety and the environment. Thus, understanding the causes of these fires is critical.
1.Equipment Malfunctions
The core components of PV systems include solar panels, inverters, and cables. Over extended periods of operation, these elements may suffer from damage, aging, or loosening, potentially leading to circuit shorts, arcs, and other faults that can result in fires. Statistical data indicates that over 80% of PV system fires originate from faults on the direct current side. Ensuring the proper functioning of PV system equipment is vital, as it affects the system's efficiency, reliability, and safety.
2.Electrical Line Loose Connection, Overload, or Short Circuit
Excessive loads, loose connections, or short circuits within the PV system can cause excessive current, leading to fires. Improperly designed components or circuits, such as those failing to account for load variations, poor wiring, or material defects, may result in overcurrent during operation, abnormal heating, reduced insulation strength, and potential self-ignition, ultimately causing fires.
3.Improper Installation
Improper installation is another major factor in photovoltaic fires. Installers lacking professional knowledge or proper operation may cause issues like incorrect component connections, overstretched wires, or poor grounding, leading to abnormal system operation and fires. Design flaws, such as improper installation locations, unstable support structures, or unreasonable distribution system designs, can also lead to electrical faults and increase fire risks. Therefore, professional design, construction, and installation are essential to minimize safety hazards and ensure the safe operation of PV systems.
4.External Factors
Photovoltaic power stations are built outdoors, making them vulnerable to weather and natural disasters. Extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or hail can damage the power station's equipment. For instance, strong winds can cause structural loosening, heavy rain can lead to equipment dampness, and hail can damage equipment casings. These damages can not only degrade equipment performance but also, in severe cases, cause equipment failures and fires. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly identify and respond to the impacts of these natural factors to ensure the safe operation of photovoltaic power stations.
5.Hot Spot Effect
During the operation of photovoltaic panels, obstructions like bird droppings, mud, leaves, or heavy dust can block sunlight, causing localized areas to heat up more than others. This phenomenon, known as the "hot spot effect," results in significantly higher temperatures in the obstructed areas compared to the rest of the panel. This localized heating exerts excessive stress on the affected part of the photovoltaic panel, which can decrease its power generation efficiency and create safety hazards. In extreme cases, the high temperatures in these localized areas can even cause fire accidents, posing serious risks to both personnel and property. Therefore, regularly cleaning the surface of photovoltaic panels to keep them free of obstructions is an essential measure to prevent the "hot spot effect" and reduce fire risks.
Prevention and Response Measures for Photovoltaic Users
1.Proper and Professional Installation of Photovoltaic Modules
Ensuring the proper and professional installation of photovoltaic modules is the first step in fire prevention. Installation plans should be tailored to the specific environment to optimize the use of solar energy resources while minimizing fire risks due to improper installation. Correctly connecting modules with batteries, inverters, and other electrical components is also crucial. Precise electrical wiring can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by poor contact or short circuits.
2.Regular Inspection and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Modules
Regular inspections of the appearance and operational status of photovoltaic modules are essential for identifying and addressing potential safety hazards in a timely manner. This includes checking for damaged components, loose connectors, or accumulated dirt and promptly replacing or cleaning them as necessary. Additionally, the grounding system should be regularly inspected to ensure it is intact and effective. Maintaining photovoltaic modules in optimal working condition helps minimize the risk of fires. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance are effective measures for preventing photovoltaic fires, providing essential protection for the safety and reliability of renewable energy sources.
3.Equipped with Complete Fire Fighting Systems
Establishing fire belts around photovoltaic systems, installing fire-fighting equipment (such as fire extinguishers and fire pumps), and setting up safety passages for easy access and exit of fire trucks and rescue personnel can effectively reduce the probability of photovoltaic system fires. It is also important to regularly check the status of fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working order.
Conclusion
In addition to standardizing system design and installation and strictly controlling product quality, certain technical means and equipment can greatly reduce the probability of PV power plant fires. Selecting the right products can further decrease the risk of PV fires.
Maysun Solar's HJT solar panels not only offer excellent cell efficiency and stability but also have superior fire resistance, certified by the German TUV, providing a more comprehensive guarantee for your PV project.
Since 2008, Maysun Solar has been specializing in the production of high quality photovoltaic modules. Our wide range of solar panels such as IBC, HJT, TOPCon soalr panels and Balcony solar power station, utilizes advanced technology for superior performance and guaranteed quality. Maysun Solar has successfully established offices, warehouses and long-term relationships with excellent installers in many countries! For the latest solar panel quotes or any PV-related inquiries, please contact us. We will be happy to serve you, Our products can provide you with a secure guarantee.
Reference：
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sfpe europe digital issue 21 - investigation of the effects of photovoltaic (pv) system component aging on fire properties for residential rooftop applications. (n.d.). higher logic, llc. https://www.sfpe.org/publications/periodicals/sfpeeuropedigital/sfpeeurope21/europeissue21feature5
enkhardt, s. (2024, may 8). ursache für großbrand von batterien in neermoor noch unklar. pv magazine deutschland. https://www.pv-magazine.de/2024/05/08/ursache-fuer-grossbrand-von-batterien-in-neermoor-noch-unklar/
brandgefahr durch solaranlagen? (2023, october 26). solaranlage ratgeber. https://www.solaranlage-ratgeber.de/photovoltaik/photovoltaik-installation/brandgefahr
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