Author: Jim Foran

Dozens of firefighters responded to a fire Tuesday morning at an Ikea distribution center in Joliet, Illinois.

Around 10:15 a.m., Joliet firefighters responded to the Ikea warehouse at 650 Emerald Drive for a report of heavy smoke coming from the roof.

When crews arrived, approximately one-third of the roof was on fire. A total of 81 firefighters responded to the fire, and it took them about two hours to put the fire out.

The fire caused significant damage to the roof, including dozens of solar panels which appeared to be destroyed.

One firefighter received treatment at the hospital for exhaustion.

All employees managed to get out of the building without any injuries. 

On the occasion of marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Cemex Croatia organized a series of activities aimed at strengthening the safety of employees and the local community.

The central event was a firefighting exercise simulating a solar system fire at the Administrative Building of the Sv. Juraj factory, during which the evacuation of employees was successfully carried out. Cemex employees, Securitas security guards and members of the Mladost Fire Brigade from Kaštel Sućurac participated in the exercise, and it included testing the readiness and cooperation of all participants in conditions of real danger. After the exercise, a training for firefighters of the Mladost Fire Department was organized with a focus on the specifics of extinguishing fires with solar panels, which is an increasingly significant challenge in modern industrial plants.

In order to further help improve security capacities, Cemex purchased PVSTOP fire extinguishers for its own needs and for the needs of DVD Mladost, the only known solution for quick and efficient ‘shutdown’ of solar panels in the event of fire, flood or other emergency incidents. PVSTOP acts as a liquid coating that blocks the flow of light and stops electricity generation, allowing firefighters safer access and more effective intervention.

“The safety of our employees, partners and community is always our priority. By marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we want to further emphasize the importance of education, preparedness and mutual cooperation in crisis situations,” said Fabjan Ruščić, Head of Occupational Safety and Health at Cemex Croatia.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said Joint Fire Control mobilised four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to the scene on Tuesday afternoon (March 18).

“We were called at 1.33pm to reports of a fire involving solar panels on a home in Dunnock Square, Yapton,” a fire service spokesperson said.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus carried out an inspection of the building’s smoke-logged roof space using a thermal imaging camera, before using a specialist extinguisher PVSTOP on the solar panels.”

By Antonio Molina

The growth of photovoltaic installations poses challenges in fire safety. A very serious mistake is not to recognise panels as an installation or accessible roofs as work areas, which prevents the adoption of mandatory measures and, therefore, generates non-compliance and problems for all actors in the sector. In addition, the lack of protection affects the sustainability and image of the sector.

The 10 breaches and tips to take into account

These are the common non-compliances in fire protection when installing a photovoltaic system:

1. Failure to assess and determine the new level of risk

Problem:

Installing solar panels on industrial roofs can increase the risk of fire due to combustible materials and direct current (DC) generation. If the new level of risk is not properly assessed, the installation could fall outside the required safety parameters.

Regulations:

• RSCIEI (Royal Decree 2267/2004) – Article 3 and Article 6: Requires an assessment of the level of risk in modifications of industrial establishments.
• CTE DB-SI: Requires that any changes to the structure or facilities of a building be evaluated in terms of safety.

Key actions:

Prior to installation, it is key to conduct a risk study to adapt existing fire safety systems. This includes a standardised initial assessment, documentation of ignition hotspots, analysis of the impact on existing safety, development of a mitigation strategy and planning of periodic reviews.

2. External propagation and protection

Problem:

Photovoltaic systems can spread fires from the roof to the interior of the building due to improper wiring, electric arcs, openings such as skylights, and heat build-up on the roof or supporting structure.

Regulations:

• CTE DB-SI, RSCIEI Annex II, section 5.4: Requires the installation of protective barriers to prevent spread.
• UNE-EN 13501-2: Fire resistance regulation of construction materials.
• UNE-HD 605: Requirements for fire-resistant electrical cables.

Applicable requirements:

To reduce the development and spread of fire, fire-resistant cables and conduits should be used, cable passages should be sealed, safety distances should be maintained with roof edges and skylights, and fireproof mounting materials should be used.

3. Impact on sectorisation

Problem:

An inadequate installation of photovoltaic panels can affect or compromise the sectorization of the building and the compartmentalization of fire, facilitating its spread.

Regulations:

• RSCIEI – Art. 13 and Annex II: Requires that fire sectors be independent and not affected by new installations.
• CTE DB-SI: Requires that sectorization is not compromised with additional installations.

Essential Measures:

Separations must be left, strips and fire barriers must be implemented, as well as fire-resistant seals must be used between sectors.

4. Emergency plan or self-protection

Problem analysis:

The installation of a photovoltaic system changes the conditions for evacuation and firefighting, which makes it necessary to update emergency and self-protection plans.

Regulations:

• Royal Decree 393/2007 (Regulations on Self-Protection Plans).
• Regional and local fire protection regulations.

Required Measures:
Update the Emergency Plan with procedures for roof fires; new evacuation routes and periodic drills. Implement measures for the intervention of firefighters, signpost access routes, install emergency stop systems and guarantee the availability of documentation at entry points.

5. Training

Problem:

Maintenance and intervention personnel must be trained to work safely in environments with a risk of fire and electrocution.

Regulations:

• Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks and RD 1215/1997: Requires training to be provided on the specific risks of the workplace.

Recommendation:

Implement specific training on risks in photovoltaic systems, work at height with electrical risk, firefighting and emergency response, in addition to the use of extinguishing equipment.

6. Provision of means of protection

Problem:

On roofs accessible with photovoltaic systems, it is necessary to have additional means of protection, such as fire extinguishers or others.

Regulations:

• RIPCI (RD 513/2017): Requires that the facilities have adequate fire protection measures.
• UNE 192005: Specifications for the review and maintenance of fire protection systems.

Required Equipment:

Specific fire extinguishers for electrical fires, fire and arc fault detection systems, emergency stop mechanisms and personal protective equipment.

7. Personal Protective Equipment

Problem:

Workers and emergency equipment must have specific personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risks of burns and those of a damaged photovoltaic installation (electrocution and/or arcing).

Regulations:

• RD 614/2001: Regulation of protection against electrical risk.

Essential points:

Provide complete personal protective equipment, including face shields, insulating gloves, fireproof clothing, and harnesses. Implement safe disconnection procedures and use specific products such as PVSTOP, which eliminates arcs (not possible with fire extinguishers) and hazard factors for safe and effective interventions.

8. Compliance with specific regulations of the site or activity

Regulations:

• REBT ITC-BT-40: Establishes the electrical requirements for low-voltage generating installations.
• Regional and local fire protection regulations.

Recommendation:

Ensure compliance with PCI and electrical regulations, as well as site-specific regulations such as special hazard premises, ATEX, etc.

9. Notification to the insurance of the aggravation of the risk

Problem:

Insurance companies must be informed about the installation of photovoltaic systems, as it can affect the conditions and coverage of the insurance.

Regulations:

• Insurance Contract Law: Requires the insurer to be informed of any change that increases the insured risk.

Recommendation:

• Inform the insurance company and review if it is necessary to adjust the insurance policies.
• Verification of coverage.
• Claims management protocols.

10. Arc Risk Assessment

Problem:

Photovoltaic systems pose an arc flash hazard, dangerous to people and with the potential to cause fires if not properly controlled

Regulations:

• REBT ITC-BT-24 and UNE 50110: Regulations on the risk of electric arc.
• UL1699B and IEC 63027 standards for the detection and mitigation of arc faults.

Recommendation:

Implement arc fault detectors, minimize connection points, install remote/rapid shutdown systems, use predictive maintenance software, and employ specific products – such as PVSTOP – for added safety.

Real sustainability of photovoltaic systems

In short, it is crucial that all actors in the photovoltaic sector know and implement these measures to avoid legal, business and security problems. Fire protection is essential to achieve the real sustainability of the facility.

Its priority application guarantees the safety of personnel, property and the environment, while also preserving the good image of the sector.

Antonio Molina

I am an Industrial Chemist and Chemical Engineer from the University of Murcia. In addition, I have several master’s degrees in disciplines or topics, such as Quality, Environment and Sustainability, I am a Senior Technician in ORP (Safety, Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomics).

A large part of my professional career has been developed in the product manufacturing sector, where I have been lucky enough to collaborate in the research and development of some innovative products or solutions. Currently, I hold the position of Technical and Product Development Director of Extinction Against Fire and Safety SL (Extinction).

I am also a member or collaborator in important associations in the sector and director of the Innovation project ‘Novel devices for specific applications’, awarded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

I have been lucky enough to patent some devices (photovoltaic, fire, etc.) and to be part of groups or companies that promote innovation. I am passionate about security as well as technological advancements. My goal is to disseminate all these developments and transfer them to the sector, in order to improve safety and the environment.

Solar energy continues to gain popularity as a sustainable and efficient solution to reduce carbon emissions. However, with its expansion have also increased the risks associated with the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems . In this context, an Australian startup called PVStop has launched an innovative solution: a temporary coating that quickly turns off solar panels , eliminating the risk of electrocution.

Using solar energy and its risks

In Australia, more than 3.3 million households have already adopted solar energy . Despite the benefits of this technology, solar systems do present certain risks, especially when not installed or maintained properly. Solar hazards, such as electrical faults that can lead to fires, are becoming more common as panels age . Growing concern about these incidents has led the community to seek effective solutions to ensure the electrical safety of photovoltaic systems.

To address these issues, New South Wales-based startup PVStop has developed a first-of-its-kind temporary coating. This product enables photovoltaic systems to be disabled in seconds by blocking the light received by the solar panels.

Its operation is simple: just cover between 40% and 100% of the surface of the panels with the coating , which prevents the generation of dangerous energy. The process is quick and easy, and can be carried out from a safe distance of up to 10 metres, making it an essential tool in emergency situations.

Key benefits of temporary coating

The PVStop coating is distinguished by several features that make it a unique and safe option:

• ISO Certification: The product is backed by certifications that guarantee its reliability and effectiveness in sun protection.
• Immediate safety: Instantly deactivates solar systems, preventing accidents and electrocution risks.
• Non-conductive and fire retardant properties: Increases safety both during installation and in case of emergency.
• Easy removal: The coating can be removed without damaging the solar panels, allowing them to be reactivated once the emergency situation has been controlled.

Application in emergency situations

One of the key advantages of PVStop is its ability to be used in critical situations. According to Alex Keane, PVStop’s EMEA sales and marketing manager, the product can be applied at a number of different times – before a fault turns into a fire, during an incident, or after the fire has been controlled, preventing it from reigniting. This significantly reduces property damage and improves the safety of emergency workers and solar system owners.

The startup also plans to incorporate an innovative drone delivery solution. This technology, which is already used in the agricultural sector, is adapted to be used in hard-to-reach areas or in high-rise buildings. The incorporation of artificial intelligence will allow emergency services to apply the coating autonomously , further increasing the effectiveness of the product in critical situations.

Use and characteristics of the coating

The coating is applied easily using a sprayer, similar to a fire extinguisher. The product is available in 9 and 4.5 litre versions, which discharge in 70 and 35 seconds respectively. Once applied, it dries quickly, forming a latex film that can be easily removed from smooth surfaces.

In short, PVStop is an indispensable tool for those looking to enhance security in the installation and maintenance of solar systems. Its effectiveness in disabling photovoltaic systems and its ability to protect both people and property make it a key ally for those who rely on solar energy.

This coating can shut off power from PV installations in a matter of seconds

Spotted: Particularly in sunny climates, solar cells can be a convenient and low-impact way for buildings to lower their emissions, with over 3.3 million homes across Australia now using PV panels. However, solar doesn’t come without risks, especially when it isn’t correctly installed or maintained, and instances of fires caused by solar panel malfunctions are on the rise. As more homes switch to solar – and existing installations age and deteriorate – this fire risk will continue to grow.

To help protect the lives of inhabitants and first responders, as well as limit fire damage to property and business operations, New South Wales startup PVStop created a solution: a temporary coating that can deactivate entire PV systems in seconds and remove the risk of electrocution. The initial inspiration came when company Founder Luke Williams, who was an experienced renewable energy system designer and installer, was exposed to a severe electrical shock during an off-grid PV installation.

As long as solar panels are exposed to light, they create potentially dangerous Direct Current (DC) electricity, and historically, there’s been no practical and safe way to quickly shut off this uncontrolled electricity. PVStop makes it possible to quickly ‘switch off’ panels by removing their energy source: sunlight. Users evenly apply the light-blocking ‘liquid tarpaulin’ to the centre of a set of panels in a similar way to spray-painting a house, and once at least 40 per cent is covered, power generation stops. For maximum safety, users can coat the full surface of the panels.

According to EMEA Sales & Marketing Manager Alex Keane, “PVStop can be applied before an electrical event escalates into a fire incident, during an incident, or after an incident to mitigate the risk of a secondary fire developing.” Shutting off the solar power source in this way ensures the safety of emergency workers, PV system owners, and fire investigators, as well as minimises property damage. Once it’s safe to do so, the coating can be easily peeled off without causing damage to the panels.

Keane told Springwise that the company is now developing a large-capacity, drone-based delivery solution, which will help global safety agencies address growing concerns and risks around dangerous or hard-to-access PV systems. By adapting agricultural drone technology, detection solutions, and AI software, PVStop aims to achieve “autonomous delivery of the light-blocking coating for both Building Applied and Building Integrated PV systems”.

Written By: Matilda Cox

6th November 2024

Email: info@pvstop.com.au

Website: pvstop.com.au

Contact: pvstop.com.au/contact-us

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – The Ann Arbor Fire Department has acquired a new product to disable solar panels during structural fires. 

It’s called PVStop, and it acts as a liquid blanket to instantly shut down solar panels. Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said the product will help firefighters safely contain blazes.  

“When we have a fire in a building, we want to turn off the power,” said Kennedy. “And so, we can turn off the power from DTE, but the solar power will continue to energize the house. This gives us an ability to completely shut off any electrical generation from that solar array.”  

When solar power remains on during a fire, arcs can still occur, which could cause additional fires. 

Developed in Australia, PVStop is currently used in countries across Europe and Asia, including England and Singapore, but it’s relatively new to the U.S. market.  

Kennedy said the product costs $450 per canister, which is equivalent to a single use. AAFD acquired two canisters of PVStop two weeks ago.  

“We believe we’re one of the first, if not the first, department in Michigan that has it,’ said Kennedy. “And with the amount of solar that’s in the city of Ann Arbor, if anyone has it, it would make sense for us too.”  

According to the manufacturer, PVStop does not damage solar arrays. Instead, it can be peeled off solar panels after it’s used.   

Until now, the Ann Arbor Fire Department had to layer large tarps over solar panels to try and cut power during fires, which were prone to sliding off the panels and therefore posed more danger to firefighters on rooftops.  

Still, Kennedy said fires involving solar aren’t very common. 

“Fortunately, we don’t have a lot of issues involving solar,” he said. “It’s one of those (instances) that are pretty rare, but when we have them, they’re a big deal.”  

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a house fire on Garth Road in Cricklewood. 

A small part of the ground floor and the roof of an end-of-terrace house was damaged by fire. A detached outbuilding was destroyed by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries.

Station Commander Steve Pringle, who was at the scene, said: “Firefighters used one of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders to deploy PV Stop on to solar panels on the roof of the property.”

Incidents involving solar panels are especially dangerous as it’s difficult to isolate the electrical current they generate if they are damaged or involved in a fire. When tackling fire involving solar panels, crews run the risk of receiving electric shocks as the current can travel down water jets and hoses. PVStop works by blocking the sunlight that powers solar panels, so the process of converting light into electricity is stopped. The panels are then de-energised and the risk of electrocution is greatly reduced so crews can get closer and prevent fire spreading from a roof to the rest of the building.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 16 calls to the blaze.

The Brigade was called at 1317 and the fire was under control by 1507. Fire crews from West Hampstead, Mill Hill, Park Royal and Holloway fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by resistive heating in an extension lead. 

Firefighters’ top tips for electrical device safety

• Try to keep to one plug per socket, especially for high powered appliances like washing machines.
• Always check that you’re using the right fuse.
• Be lead safety savvy – cable drum extension leads should always be completely unwound to avoid overheating, and be careful not to overload extension leads.
• Always make sure electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
• Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order.
• Don’t buy cheap counterfeit chargers for items that use lithium batteries, and never leave phones or laptops plugged in to charge overnight

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a house fire on Ferrymead Avenue in Greenford on 9th August.

Part of the roof of a semi-detached house was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries. London Fire Brigade confirmed that they rescued a pet snake from a first-floor bedroom.

A spokesperson from London Fire Brigade (LFB) said via their website: “PVStop, which is a black liquid polymer coating designed to cover solar panels like a liquid tarpaulin, was used to isolate power to ten solar panels.”

“It works by blocking the sunlight that powers solar panels, so the process of converting light into electricity is stopped. The panels are then de-energised, and the risk of electrocution is greatly reduced so crews can get closer and prevent fire spreading from a roof to the rest of the building.”

The Brigade was called at 4:25pm and the fire was under control by 6:58pm. Fire crews from Southall, Northolt, Ealing and Wembley fire stations attended the scene.

LFB added, “The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental and involved a solar panel.”

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Kilburn Park Road.

Four solar panels on the roof of a residential block were damaged by fire. Around 20 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 10 calls to the blaze.

PVStop, which is a black liquid polymer coating designed to cover solar panels like a liquid tarpaulin, was used. It works by blocking the sunlight that powers solar panels, so the process of converting light into electricity is stopped.  The panels are then de-energised, and the risk of electrocution is greatly reduced so crews can get closer and prevent fire spreading from a roof to the rest of the building.

The Brigade was called at 1100 and the fire was under control by 1139. Fire crews from North Kensington, West Hampstead, Paddington and Soho fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is believed to have been caused by electrical resistive heating.