Photovoltaic power station energy storage fire fighting equipment

As PV deployments have become commonplace around the world, codes and standards bodies have worked with the fire services and the PV industry to develop guidelines to address the potential hazards to firefighters working near energized PV systems.

As main activities to improve firefighters' safety, the German guidelines explain the importance of recognizing PV systems, installation methods of DC wires to lower electric shock risks for firefighters, and a specific firefighting operation flow for fires involving PV systems.

To improve the electrical safety of PV systems, guidance is given for system design, selection of system components, and an outline of operation and maintenance procedures on a site. The Tokyo Fire Department released “Directive standards for fire safety measurement regarding PV systems” to ensure the safety of firefighters in July 201424.

The presence of a PV system near a fire may produce hazards such as heightened potential for falls, electrical shock, and collapse of roof structures. Due to these perceived hazards, there have been cases where firefighters limited their operations and the fire was allowed to expand.

PV systems can pose several hazards during firefighting efforts, including the risk of electrical shock from live system components, especially due to electrical current flowing through water. Firefighters are also at risk from mechanical and thermal stress on the glass of PV modules.

The fire department must work with the facility personnel or residents to turn off and disconnect any equipment from its energy source before working around it. Here are the lock-out steps for a structure with a photovoltaic system and what to watch for.