Photovoltaic (PV) installations are becoming increasingly popular in Poland. This is a very good solution because using renewable energy sources is a relief for the planet and... your wallet. Electricity prices are still rising, so an investment in photovoltaic panels will pay for itself after just a few years. And you will benefit from virtually free energy for decades to come. The prerequisite for this is a safe, trouble-free installation. Therefore, already at the design stage, ensure that it is in line with fire safety regulations.

Fire safety of photovoltaic installation

Photovoltaic installations in themselves are safe i do not increase the risk of fire. Research by the German Solar Energy Systems Institute and the UK's BRE National Solar Centre shows that the most common cause of fires in buildings with PV installations is external factors such as lightning.

It follows that the most relevant from a fire safety point of view are overvoltage protectionwhich protect against electrical discharges. An important role is also played by use of the best quality components i professional installation.

Fire safety regulations for PV installations

Although photovoltaic installations do not pose a fire risk, their additional safety is taken care of by legal regulations on fire protection issues.

They are defined by Building Act of 7 July 1994 and its modification of 13 February 2020.

In accordance with  Article 29(4)(3c), "a building permit decision and notification are not required for construction works consisting in: installation of heat pumps, free-standing solar collectors, photovoltaic devices with an installed electrical power of not more than 50 kW, with the proviso that for photovoltaic devices with an installed electrical power of more than 6.5 kW, the obligation to agree with a fire protection expert with regard to compliance with fire protection requirements (...) the design of these devices and to notify the authorities of the State Fire Service shall apply." 

How to design PV well for fire safety?

During the planning and installation phase of a photovoltaic installation, you yourself must ensure that it is safe and complies with fire safety requirements.

It is worth following Decalogue of Good Practicepublished by Polish Photovoltaic Industry Association. It recommends that:

  • the use of top-quality materials;
  • installing system components (especially the inverter) away from flammable materials;
  • using as few DC connections as possible;
  • maintaining adequate distances between the individual components of the PV installation;
  • use of DC disconnectors;
  • the use of arc fault interrupters (AFCI), arc fault detectors (AFD) and interruption devices (ID);
  • installation of a powder extinguisher near the inverter;
  • the use of heat- and water-resistant cables in the installation. They should be routed along fire-separated routes.

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