Can a roof-mounted photovoltaic system cause a fire?

Fires on roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems are rare. When they do happen, however, a combination of electrical hazards, combustible components and limited access can result in significant losses. As the technology becomes more common, this paper discusses how building owners and occupiers should approach and minimise the risks of PV systems.

Can a PV system be installed on a combustible roof?

Example: The installation of a PV system on a combustible roof can create a 'combustible void’'between the system and the roof, increasing the risk of fire spread as well as shielding the roof from fire water (if applied). The risk of both ignition and fire spread is increased.

What causes a roof-mounted PV system to fire?

Incorrectly installed or defective system components have been the cause for several PV fires as well. In addition, numerous fires have started in roof-mounted PV installations due to DC arcs caused by inadequate ground fault protection. Several fire incidents involving rooftop PV systems are discussed below.

Are rooftop PV systems a fire hazard?

Fire safety concerns include electrical ignition sources, combustible loading, and challenges for manual firefighting. Numerous fire incidents have occurred involving industrial and commercial building rooftop PV systems.

What is the fire behaviour of a roof with a PV system?

fire behaviour of roofs with PV systems is not adequately understood today. A typical recommendation for existing ro fs is to limit fire spread by using a non-combustible layer below PV modules.The key objective is to have the

How to minimise fire risk from solar PV systems?

The solar industry welcomes clarity on how to minimise fire risk from solar PV systems, which in absolute terms is extremely low. “The core way to mitigate any risk is to ensure the highest possible quality in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar systems.