120kW British photovoltaic container used in fire station

Can PV systems be used to fight fires in the UK?

Notwithstanding these regimes for installers and products, there is currently no national UK guidance specific to fighting fires involving PV systems, despite PV systems presenting new risks to firefighters, especially from the risk of electric shock and electrocution.

What are rc62 recommendations for fire safety with PV panels?

Alongside the above standards, the FPA has recently published RC62 Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations. Developed as a Joint Code of Practice by RISCAuthority and the MCS, with the support of Solar Energy UK, the primary focus of this document is the prevention and mitigation of fires involving PV systems.

Are photovoltaic power systems causing fires?

Over the past few years, there have been a number of media reports linking photovoltaic power systems (PV) with fire. With the prevalence of PV systems now in the UK, an increase in incident reports is to be expected.

How many PV fire incidents are there in the UK?

Survey of historical incidents in the UK – the survey involved contacting installers, building owners, the fire services and DCLGs Incident Reporting System. 37 unique historical incidents of fire involving PV systems in the UK were identified. The output was reported as part of WP5. Investigations of live and recent PV fire incidents in the UK.