Establishing a Solar Panel Training Program – Firefighter Safety

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems-power systems that convert solar energy into direct current, which then supplies usable power-and their respective technologies are here to stay. The components of these systems are ever-changing and evolving as a result of continued research and development. Often, when creating safety mandates, building codes are sometimes slow to react or, conversely, too far in advance of these technological developments. As such, firefighter awareness on these issues and the knowledge of the basic operation of these systems are key in effectively mitigating a fire event involving solar PV systems. Departments must establish mitigation techniques, which include maintaining firefighter safety.

The foundation for firefighter solar PV system safety and awareness lies in having a basic understanding of the system’s principles as well as the configuration and operation of the system’s components. You cannot expect a firefighter to be an electrical engineer. However, you should expect that fire department line, safety, and training officers will provide firefighters with the proper solar PV system awareness training “toolbox” they need to deal with a solar PV system fire incident. The key is finding a curriculum that has accurate and reliable information to effectively deal with these systems. In addition to the explanation of the basic electrical design and operations of a solar PV system, fire service training should also include awareness related to the structural design philosophy of the system.

I have attended a number of solar PV training courses and have found that they were taught by instructors who were not totally familiar with a solar PV system’s installation or operation. As a result, much misinformation has been presented or relevant information has been left out from these instructional sessions. To provide accurate and meaningful information, find instructors with solar PV knowledge and an electrical background. Just as valuable are fire service members who have had practical experience in dealing with a solar PV fire incident.