Exploring the burning mystery
Why do photovoltaic panels catch fire?
Photovoltaic panels adorning the roofs of Polish homes have become an increasingly familiar sight. However, as the number of installations increases, so does the frequency of their failures. Recently, reports of fires involving these panels have increased. What is behind this pressing problem? What are the causes of these burning panels and how can they be prevented? Renewable energy sources are gaining popularity in Poland. The latest Opinia24 survey for Euros Energy shows that more than 90 percent of the Poles support the development of renewable energy, considering it a priority for the nation.
Burning dilemma. Exploring the burning mystery
According to ARE data, photovoltaics account for as much as 55 percent. RES installations in Poland. Their popularity is not waning, whether among photovoltaic farms, businesses and prosumers. Among retail RES power producers, electricity generation to the DSO grid increased year-on-year by 32.9 percent. (as of April 2023). Substantial government funding, along with a growing boom in PV installations, has led to an influx of “experts” from other fields. Unskilled and uncertified crews, driven by high demand, quickly found their way into the industry. Unfortunately, often with negative consequences. Many installations are eligible for dismantling, and worse, they are the cause of failures and fires.
Recently, there have been alarming cases of photovoltaic panels igniting. Particularly noteworthy are the cases in Sosnowiec, Nowa Biała and Osiek, which caused significant property damage. According to media reports, the most common causes of these fires were errors during system installation or inadequate maintenance.
Should photovoltaic owners be worried?
Although incidents of photovoltaic panel fires are rare, they are serious. Fires are most often caused by installation errors. Among them are, improper connection of cables or improper selection of equipment. Sometimes arc faults – sudden discharges of electricity that can cause a fire – can be the culprit.
The key component of the electrical system is the original MC4 connector, through which all generated power passes. Proper installation of MC4 connectors with dedicated tools ensures safety. It is not true that connectors from different manufacturers are compatible. Mixing components from different manufacturers leads to loss of warranty. As a result, it also leads to energy loss and contributes significantly to fire danger. Homeowners with PV systems nearby may be concerned about fires and the potential spread of fire to their property.
In reality, however, it is worth keeping calm. The number of fires resulting from faulty photovoltaic panel installations is much smaller than fires caused by other causes. Following safety rules can minimize risks.
Fire protection. Exploring the burning mystery.
Some rules can prevent photovoltaic panel fires. First and foremost, proper installation by an experienced and certified installer is important. A photovoltaic plant is a miniature power plant designed and built to last for decades. Equipment and mounting components must withstand variable weather conditions. For example, cold winters, hot summers, and increasingly frequent spring or autumn storms. The use of original and certified components guarantees reliability and safety. However, even top-of-the-line equipment and components are no substitute for a skilled installation team.
Panel owners should monitor the condition of the installation on an ongoing basis and watch out for irregularities in its operation. In addition, it is equally important to keep the panels clean – removing leaves or other debris that obstruct airflow and cause overheating.
Certainly, photovoltaic maintenance is the key to safe operation.
These are tasks that homeowners can handle independently. On the other hand, the examination of the electrical side of the installation, the insulation of the wires, the condition of the structure and fastening requires specialized knowledge. Such tasks are recommended to be performed at least once a year.
As photovoltaic technology advances, safety and control mechanisms are evolving. Modern systems incorporate intelligent solutions to control the efficiency of the installation (so-called peak shaving). Fire protection is key – installing smoke detectors and rapid firefighting equipment is wise. Equally important is education about safety rules and understanding how the system works.
Although photovoltaic panel fires remain rare, it is important to remember that any electrical device carries inherent risks. Therefore, meticulous preparation and adherence to safety protocols is paramount. Photovoltaic panels are essential for the energy transition. They undoubtedly contribute to reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and, above all, to lowering household bills for the benefit of the environment.
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