Fire protection design specifications for photovoltaic inverters

Are fire safety practices included in PV installation guidelines?

Assessed elements in PV installation guidelines. In general, all publications mention fire safety practices during installing PV systems either directly or indirectly.

What are the IEC standards for photovoltaic systems?

The IEC also manages global conformity assessment systems that certify whether equipment, systems, or components conform to its international standards. In 2016 and 2020, IEC published two key associated standards: BS EN IEC 62446-1:2016 Photovoltaic (PV) systems – Requirements for testing, documentation and maintenance.

Does PV system installation have a fire risk?

Poor installation practices of PV system by installers have resulted in PV fires. Collation of best fire safety practices for rooftop PV system installation. A systematic review to scrutinize aspects of fire safety in PV system installation. Fire safety checklist is suggested to be part of PV system installation guidelines.

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.

Does building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) meet fire safety requirements?

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems need to meet both fire safety requirements as PV systems as well as the building fire codes requirements as building structural components (e.g. facades, roofing and glazing). However, the current building codes do not provide provisions that cover various applications of BIPV.

What are the safety requirements for PV products?

As detailed by the National Building Specification (NBS), the current safety requirements include several standards that PV products should comply with (BS EN 61730-1, BS EN 61215, BS EN 61646, MCS 0065), and include – amongst other factors – requirements that address fire hazards.