Category: Solar Regulations & Compliance

Regulators Address Hazards in Solar PV Systems and Safety Compliance

Regulators worldwide are taking action on hazards in solar PV systems improving solar safety and compliance standards.

When Florida’s firefighter unions raised concerns about rooftop solar installations, they weren’t opposing renewable energy — they were sounding an alarm about safety. Their message was simple: solar panels can’t be switched off during emergencies, creating serious hazards for firefighters and anyone working near a live system.

The debate, first reported by Florida Politics, has since become part of a growing global conversation about how to make solar PV systems safer — not only for homeowners, but also for the professionals who protect them.

A safety gap in the solar revolution

Solar power has revolutionised how we generate energy, but it’s also introduced a new kind of risk. When light hits a solar panel, it instantly begins producing direct current (DC) electricity. Even when disconnected from the grid, the panels remain live — a phenomenon known among first responders as the DC Danger Zone.

Jim Tolley, then-President of the Florida Professional Firefighters, warned that “there would be serious fire safety risks if solar panels failed to meet safety standards or are not properly installed.” That warning resonated far beyond Florida. Across the world, emergency services have encountered the same issue: during fires, storms or structural collapses, solar PV systems continue to generate electricity, placing crews and building occupants at risk.

Why existing standards weren’t enough

Firefighters and safety regulators have long pushed for better guidelines — such as rooftop access pathways and disconnect switches — but these measures don’t eliminate the source of the hazard. Panels powered by sunlight cannot be turned off. Even when isolated from inverters, damaged panels and live cabling can continue to energise, sparking or arcing when struck by debris or water.

In short, the world’s safety standards improved on paper, but the underlying danger remained: you can’t switch off the sun.

A call for real-world solutions

When first responders advocated for improved solar safety standards, they were asking for more than policy. They needed technology that could:

• De-energise power at its source – stopping energy generation at the panels themselves.
• Deploy rapidly – operable within seconds during an emergency.
• Work reliably – effective even if the system has been damaged or partially destroyed.

Traditional stopgaps like tarpaulins and firefighting foam proved unreliable. They often failed to block enough light or created additional hazards. What was needed was innovation, not improvisation.

Making solar energy safe to manage

That innovation arrived in the form of PVSTOP — an Australian-developed liquid polymer coating that isolates live panels by blocking light at its source. When sprayed onto panels, it reduces DC voltage to zero within seconds, making solar PV systems electrically safe for firefighters, technicians, and maintenance crews.

The product acts like a liquid tarpaulin that can be applied from a safe distance, remains effective for up to twelve months, and can later be peeled or rinsed off without damaging the equipment. Used by emergency services worldwide — including the London Fire Brigade and fire departments across Australia and the United States — PVSTOP has become a practical answer to a complex problem.

More details about its design and use can be found in PVStop’s Portable Pressure Vessel – Practicality section, or by visiting the FAQ page.

Safety and compliance catching up

Facility managers, insurers, and building owners are now examining not just whether systems meet standards, but how they behave during emergencies. Proven technologies that achieve source-level de-energisation are fast becoming the new benchmark.

Setting the real standard

Firefighters’ early calls for better safety weren’t about regulation for its own sake — they were about protection that works when seconds matter. Today, the question is no longer “Are solar PV systems installed to code?” but rather, “Can they be safely de-energised when it counts?”

With solutions like PVSTOP demonstrating that it’s possible to shut down solar panels at the source, regulators worldwide are beginning to close the gap between renewable energy and responder safety.

Short summary:
The UAE’s revised Fire and Life Safety Code will include new standards for marina fires and solar power systems, marking a major step toward improving building safety and firefighter readiness across the Emirates.

As the UAE continues its rapid shift toward renewable energy, safety authorities are working to ensure the country’s regulations keep pace. The new edition of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (2016) is set for release by the end of the year and will introduce updated standards covering solar installations, marina fire prevention, and modern firefighting techniques.

The announcement was made by Brigadier Ahmad Obaid Al Sayegh, Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defence, at the Seventh Annual Middle East FireSafe Summit, as reported by Gulf News.

Addressing new types of fire risk

Brigadier Al Sayegh explained that the inclusion of marina fire regulations follows two major yacht fires in Ajman and Abu Dhabi. “Every two years, the committee responsible for the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code meets to renew and amend the document,” he said. “We take into account the most recent incidents to ensure people remain safe in similar situations in the future.”

Tackling the cladding challenge

The update will also reinforce restrictions on flammable cladding materials, following several serious incidents in high-rise buildings. A dedicated committee was formed after the Address Downtown fire in Dubai to inspect buildings across the UAE and identify non-compliant materials.

“The materials have now been specified and will be announced when the new code is released,” said Brigadier Al Sayegh. “We are applying the new regulations to buildings that were previously approved, finding a middle ground that protects lives while recognising the costs involved for developers.”

Solar energy and firefighter safety

With Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) expanding solar energy adoption across the region, the Civil Defence is introducing a new chapter on solar power standards and firefighting techniques for photovoltaic systems.

Parmod Challa, Senior Engineer at the Safety Department of Dubai Civil Defence, said that as solar infrastructure grows, so does the need for clear standards that protect people and property.

“The standards for materials used in solar panels are key. Previously, some components were flammable and released toxic gases when on fire. These have now been refined, and international standards have been revised to address the issue,” he said.

Challa added that fighting solar-related fires requires new skills and tools. “Techniques to tackle fires involving solar panels are different, and continuous training is essential,” he explained.

For context on this global safety concern, see how PVSTOP technology helps emergency services safely de-energise solar panels at the source, preventing arc flash, electrical shock, and fire spread.

Clearer guidance and accountability

The new code will feature improved 3D diagrams to replace older 2D visuals, offering clearer guidance for installers, inspectors, and safety professionals. It will also define roles and responsibilities more precisely in the event of a fire.

On the topic of building inspections, Challa revealed that Dubai Civil Defence plans to adopt a new “remote inspection” system. Under this model, a certified private agency will film the inspection process, providing video evidence for Civil Defence approval.

“The footage can be used for engineer training or to support building certifications,” Challa said. “Consultants will guide videographers during inspections, but Civil Defence will retain authority for final approval.”

He added that all consultants will soon be required to complete specific training and certification to continue working on Civil Defence projects.

A regional model for safety innovation

By adding detailed sections on solar power safety and marina fire response, the updated UAE Fire and Life Safety Code sets a strong example for other regions balancing rapid renewable energy growth with the realities of modern fire risk.

For more on solutions supporting global fire compliance and solar safety, visit PVSTOP’s product range or explore how its portable pressure vessel system enhances first responder capability in critical incidents at PVSTOP Portable Pressure Vessel Practicality.

Source: Gulf News – New Fire Code to Address Marina, Solar Power Incidents

For a while now we have been talking about the battery storage revolution and the potential issues with Lithium-ion Battery Storage, its seems the regulators are starting to wake up to the potential dangers!