With an increasing number of solar energy installed across Taiwan, awareness of PV system safety is increasing. In general, PV systems are safe and do not inherently pose a threat to people or property.
However, as long as the sun is up, PV panels and wires are energized with high DC voltages. These high DC voltages can present electrocution risks to installers, maintenance personnel, and firefighters. With this in mind, safety needs to be taken into account during installation, maintenance, and in the event of a fire. Therefore, certain safety measures should be considered during design and installation.
Understand Fire Risk of PV Systems
The chance of getting PV system fire is small, and fires in the commercial infrastructures buildings where PV systems are installed generally do not originate from the PV system itself. However, fire risk still exists, and most common cause is arc.
Arc faults, which are caused by faulty or improperly connected cables or connectors, corrosion, failed DC isolators, or overheating of PV system components, can create a shock or fire hazard.
Superior Safety Mechanism
SafeDCTM is a built-in safety feature that minimizes electrocution risk. Power Optimizers are designed to automatically decrease DC voltage to a 1V safe level whenever AC power is off, which ensures the safety of property, installers, maintenance personnel, and firefighters.
A Safer Working Environment for Firefighters
According to the fire extinguishing principles of Taiwan’s National Fire Agency, firefighters are not recommended to extinguish fire with water if the building has a PV system due to the risk of electrocution. Firefighters are directed to use foam as an alternative or let the facility burn until it extinguishes itself, which may result in property damage and financial losses.
SolarEdge inverters provide optional rapid shutdown functionality that allows fast discharge of conductors to safe voltage levels, within 30 seconds, enabling a safe environment for firefighting operations.
Peace of Mind with SolarEdge
SolarEdge offers additional advanced safety features, such as a firefighter gateway, which enable central safety management for the PV system, including automatic and manual DC system DC shutdown, real time indication of system DC voltage for safety assurance, and an emergency stop button for the entire PV system.
The Full SolarEdge Safety Suite
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