The energy transformation has entered a new stage, characterized by the growth of renewable energy sources. Today, solar micro power plants can be found on the roofs of households, next to business headquarters, and even on larger unused land, meadows, or water surfaces. Safe operation of these installations is ensured by two main factors: installation that complies with industry standards and the use of certified materials. In this article, we explore these key issues.
Identifying Risks in PV Installations
An essential step toward ensuring safety in solar panel installations is identifying potential hazards. Both installers and investors must consider various risk factors and ways to mitigate their impact. Key concerns include:
- Fires: PV systems are often installed on rooftops, increasing the risk of fire.
- Equipment certification: How do you distinguish between safe and risky materials? Certification is crucial!
- Electrical hazards: PV systems generate electricity, which poses risks of electric shock, surges, or overloads.
- Structural considerations: The weight of PV equipment can affect building structures, especially roofs.
Fire Hazards in PV Installations
Can a PV installation cause a fire? Yes, if it is poorly prepared. Common causes of such incidents include:
- Weather conditions (e.g., storms),
- Installation errors (especially with connectors, cables, and quick couplers),
- Equipment malfunctions (lack of ventilation space),
- Faulty design assumptions (e.g., incorrect cable sizing),
- Lack of maintenance.
PV installations should be designed according to several European standards, including EN 62852, EN 61439-2 and EN 50565-1. Installation should be carried out by professionals with proper qualifications. The quality of materials purchased also impacts fire safety.
Certification of PV Equipment
The choice of materials should be thoroughly considered, paying particular attention to the markings on photovoltaic modules. PV devices must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU and meet harmonized and non-harmonized standards, such as:
- EN IEC 61730-1, EN IEC 61730-2, EN IEC 61215-1, EN IEC 61215:2017.
Thermal shock and moisture resistance are critical for fire safety. These are tested using thermal shock (TC) and damp heat (DH) tests. According to PVEL tests, products from manufacturers like LONGI, Jinko Tiger, Trina Solar, Ja Solar, Canadian Solar and Q-Cells stand out. It is also important to consider certifications for:
- PID resistance,
- Resistance to microcracks,
- Resistance to salt mist, ammonia, sand, and dust (IEC 61701, IEC 62716, IEC 60068).
PV installations also include other components, so it is crucial to check their compliance with standards like:
- NC RfG certification (verifying compliance with grid connection requirements for inverters),
- EN 50618 (cables and wires for PV systems).
Electrical Safety
Any work on electrical equipment and energy networks can pose risks of electric shock, surges, overloads, or short circuits. To minimize these risks, PV systems should be equipped with protection systems, such as:
- Fuses (level I and II), which disconnect the PV modules from the rest of the system during a short circuit,
- DC circuit breakers, protecting cables and other components during DC-related failures,
- Grounding systems, providing protection against electric shocks,
- Lightning protection systems, protecting against lightning strikes,
- Surge protection devices, ensuring PV system resistance to surges.
This list can be expanded based on project-specific requirements.
Structural Considerations
European regulations on ensuring the architectural safety of buildings during PV installations are not always detailed, leaving the responsibility to investors and installers. There is no obligation to prepare a technical report on the roof’s ability to bear additional weight. Such a report, if prepared, should consider standards for:
- Basic structural design,
- Snow load (EN 1991-1-3),
- Wind load (EN 1991-1-4),
- Reinforced concrete structures (EN 1992-1-1),
- Steel structures (EN 1993-1-1),
- Wooden structures (EN 1995-1-1).
The final roof load assessment depends not only on the weight of PV modules but also on snow loads, strong winds, and ballast blocks. Preparing such a document ensures that the PV installation, under normal conditions, should not negatively impact the building’s structure.
Measurements and Operation
After installation, performance measurements must be conducted according to IEC 60364-6. This includes basic and supplementary tests, such as polarity checks, continuity measurements, insulation resistance, earth resistance, short-circuit loop impedance, and evaluation of protective effectiveness. Optional tests include current-voltage curve measurements and thermographic camera inspections.
User safety also depends on maintenance. Installers should provide complete documentation and operation instructions detailing the most important guidelines. Special attention should be given to maintenance recommendations.
This guide outlines the fundamental steps and considerations in ensuring safe, efficient and long-lasting PV installations, following European standards.
