Green  Energy

Any responsible person would agree that we need to be good stewards of the environment.  Safe renewable energy is a reasonable and responsible goal.  To that end electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and solar panels have become an increasingly common feature in our world. As the saying goes: It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.

In the event of a structure fire the presence of solar panels make an already hazardous situation even more complex.  Much depends on their location, configuration and distribution. In Hampton the most common location for solar panels is on the roof.  In the event of a structure fire firefighters frequently need access to the roof.  In most cases it is possible to disconnect the solar feed running into the house but so long as there is light hitting the panels, be it sunlight, light from the fire, or from engine spotlights, the panels and lines feeding to the breaker will remain energized.

Water and electricity are not a good mix and without taking additional precautions a firefighter can be in for a really bad day. This is not to say the situation is hopeless – just more challenging. The fire must be attacked safely and from a safe distance. House fires often require venting from the roof.  Cutting through solar panels presents risk of electric shock, even electrocution.

Why do fire fighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire (venting)?  Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. It is impossible for firefighters to see in this environment.  When a hole is made in the roof, smoke and gasses escape.  Venting the roof makes it easier for firefighters to locate the source of the fire and reduces the possibility of back draft and flashover.

Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest routes through which a fire progresses is the attic.  Heat and smoke rise to the attic where the fire can spread quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire and cut holes in the roof to release heat and slow/stop the fire from spreading through the attic.  Solar panels limit where a firefighter may safely and effectively vent the roof.

In and of themselves solar panels do not present a significant risk of fire. Their presence simply adds to the challenge of extinguishing fire when it has started.  One possible cause of fire is critters. Critters may nest under the panels and idle away their time gnawing wires until a short arcs and ignites debris or nests. (Critters present a similar hazard when they get inside the walls of a structure.) Some parts of the panel may combust but the panel itself can force the fire down into the structure.  To extinguish the fire water must be concentrated between the panel and the roof.  Putting water on the panel is of little use.  Fire coming up from inside the house presents the same sort of problem.

There are a number of hazardous and toxic materials included in the construction of solar panels.  When solar panels  ignite they  produce toxic smoke, adding one more piece to the puzzle the firefighter must deal with and protect himself/herself from.

That being said, there have been and continue to be steady improvements in safety and installation of solar panels.  With the constant advances in technology we can never expect zero risk. Knowing, respecting and mitigating risks is the key to creating a safe as possible living and working environment.  Be safe.

During the month of January members of the Hampton Fire Company logged 80 man hours responding to 21 emergency dispatches.  Thirty-two man hours were spent on EMS training.  Another 40 man hours were spent at administrative meetings and other unrecorded services.

Fire House Dog