Avoid Fire Hazards When Going Solar

Though there is nothing that proves solar panels are more at risk for fires than traditional electrical systems, it is common for there to be more widespread media attention each time a solar system does have a solar fire. This is because of how new solar energy is in the mainstream, making it very eye-catching to put media attention on it every time a solar fire breaks out. While it’s true that they seem to happen just as often as any other electrical fire, there are still some steps you can take to avoid a fire breaking out on your system.

Get a Certified Installer and Avoid Cost Cutting

Step number one is getting a certified installer to set up your system. While it may be tempting to try to do it yourself or get a cheaper installer to do it to save money, you’ll be less assured that everything is set up properly, and that could mean fire danger in the future. You’ll also want to avoid cutting costs in general. Not buying a cheap system is another way you can avoid dealing with fire hazards in the future. This is especially true when it comes to getting your inverter, as that is where a majority of solar fires start. Making sure you invest in a quality inverter and don’t cut costs on this important piece of equipment is perhaps the most important place where the quality will greatly outweigh going cheap.

Fires Can Always Happen

Even if you do everything right, the risk of fires is always present when it comes to electricity. Especially on a spot like a rooftop, which is constantly exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. You should always keep yourself fully prepared for a fire no matter what type of electrical system you have, and you should always have a prepared emergency evacuation plan in place. Still, there are more steps you can take to keep yourself safe.

Causes of Fires in Solar Systems

Solar systems have their own unique problems when it comes to fire safety, just like traditional electrical systems do. The main problem is usually the inverter. Or, more uncommonly, a voltage fluctuation that occurs because excess electricity is sent to the grid. Sometimes, DC arcs occur, which sends electricity directly into the air and can cause a fire if any flammable materials are nearby. Usually, all of these are caused by installing a system incorrectly or cutting costs on your solar system, which is why it’s so important to not do those things.

More Steps You Can Take

There are more steps you can take to avoid a fire breaking out in your solar system. One of these steps is doing a thorough inspection of your roof before installing any new solar system onto it. This is because if your roof is even slightly damaged, it can pose potential fire hazards the second you put electrical currents onto it. Things like leaky or rotting roofs are asking for fires to break out.

You might also consider contacting your local fire department and asking them if they know what specifically should be done if your solar energy system catches on fire. While it’s likely they do know what to do if you live somewhere like Los Angeles, a large city in California, it’s less likely they will if you live in an urban city in the middle of Ohio with 200 people in the town.

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