{"id":423,"date":"2022-08-28T12:15:41","date_gmt":"2022-08-28T12:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onpointsolar.co.zw\/?p=423"},"modified":"2022-09-02T04:11:48","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T04:11:48","slug":"can-solar-panels-cause-fires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onpointsolar.co.zw\/can-solar-panels-cause-fires\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Hazards and Solar Panels in Zimbabwe: Can Solar Panels Cause Fires?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fire Hazards and Solar Panels in Zimbabwe: Can Solar Panels Cause Fires?<\/h2>\n

\"so\"<\/p>\n

More and more businesses and households in Zimbabwe are shifting to solar power. This has largely been caused by the erratic and inconsistent supply from the ZESA grid. There is therefore more realization from many people and businesses of the benefits of adopting renewable solar energy<\/a>. However, a lot of people may be asking if this alternative source of energy is safe as far as fire hazard is concerned. This article shall discuss various aspects that are related to this issue.<\/p>\n

What you shall read in this article:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Do Solar Panels Pose a Fire Hazard?<\/li>\n
  2. What Causes Solar Panel Fires.<\/li>\n
  3. How Can You Reduce Solar Panel Fire Risks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Do Solar Panels Pose a Fire Hazard?<\/h3>\n

    Although extremely rare, solar photovoltaic solar panels can cause a fire. Solar panels therefore pose an extremely low fire hazard. Photovoltaic systems are extremely safe under normal operating conditions if correctly installed and maintained by solar professionals<\/a>. Reputable solar companies in Zimbabwe often design, install and maintain solar systems according to electrical regulations and guidelines.\u00a0 Actually, the Photon magazine<\/a> has recorded no more than 1 incident per 10000 installations. This therefore means a house or business with properly installed solar panels will not catch fire.\u00a0<\/em>Photovoltaic solar panels cannot start a fire in and of themselves. However, if the whole solar photovoltaic system <\/a>malfunctions, some of the components may become flammable. Therefore, if solar panels are not installed correctly, they can cause a fire in your house<\/a> or business.<\/p>\n

    What Causes Solar Panel Fires<\/h3>\n

    In summary, solar panel system fires can be caused by the following:<\/p>\n

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    1. Poorly Designed Solar Systems<\/li>\n
    2. Faulty Electrical Equipment in the Solar System<\/li>\n
    3. Over Voltage in the System<\/li>\n
    4. Faulty Solar Products<\/li>\n
    5. Power Surges<\/li>\n
    6. Lightning<\/li>\n
    7. Cable Damage by Chewing Animals<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Poorly Designed Solar Systems<\/h3>\n

      This can encompass most of what shall be listed below. Poorly designed solar systems can cause hotspots within the system. A solar system contains a solar PV array, inverter, charge controllers, batteries and other balance of system components. It therefore should be properly designed and sized by a certified solar energy company with experienced solar technicians. One danger of a poorly designed solar system is it can cause a fire. Cable sizing. Loose connections.<\/p>\n

      Faulty Electrical Equipment in the Solar System<\/h3>\n

      Solar PV systems contain live wires with electricity. Wrongly specified, wrongly sized or faulty equipment in the installation can cause a fire hazard. Just like any other electrical installations, photovoltaic systems are subject to electrical fault. Electrical faults common that do happen are arc faults, short circuits, ground faults and reverse currents. Loose, faulty connections and cable insulation breakdowns can also cause problems. These issues can result in hotspots that can ignite flammable material nearby.<\/p>\n