Rooftop solar panels are becoming a familiar sight on Irish offices, warehouses, farms and schools. They are a sensible way to cut energy costs, but like any electrical installation, they bring some new things to think about for fire safety. The good news is that a well-installed, well-maintained system is a manageable risk, and your fire risk assessment should simply take it into account.
Where the risks come from
- DC cabling. Solar panels produce electricity whenever there is daylight, so parts of the system stay live even when the mains is switched off.
- Inverters. These convert the panels’ output for use in the building. They generate heat and need ventilation.
- Battery storage. Many systems now include batteries, often lithium-ion. These need a suitable location and the manufacturer’s installation guidance followed. Our post on lithium batteries and charging covers the wider battery risks.
- Poor installation or damage. Loose connections, damaged cables and water ingress are typical causes of faults.
Practical steps for building owners
- Use a competent installer and keep the installation and commissioning paperwork.
- Keep inverters and batteries in a suitable place: well ventilated, away from escape routes and clear of stored materials.
- Label the system. Clear labels at the main electrical panel and inverter tell anyone working on the building, including firefighters, that solar is present.
- Know where the isolators are and make sure the right people know too.
- Maintain it. Periodic inspection by a competent person helps catch damaged cables or loose connections.
- Keep the roof tidy. Leaves and debris gathering under panels can add fuel.
- Record it. Note the system, its location and maintenance in your fire safety register.
Tell your fire risk assessor
If you have added solar panels since your last fire risk assessment, that is a good reason to have it reviewed. A significant new electrical installation is exactly the kind of change that should prompt a fresh look. See how often a fire risk assessment should be reviewed.
The legal background
Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 requires the person in control of premises to take all reasonable measures to guard against fire and to protect people if one occurs. Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to assess workplace risks. New electrical systems are part of that picture.
Get a fire risk assessment that keeps up
Safer Solutions can review your fire risk assessment to take account of solar panels, batteries and other changes to your building. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or get in touch here.