Photovoltaics Systems

Solar energy has become one of the most widley employed of the options being considered as alternative energy sources.  Photovoltaic (PV) systems are being deployed as solar roofs.

Solar panels collect molecules of sunshine, which are little packets of energy, and converts them into electric current. DC to AC inverters convert the DC current generated by a solar panel into AC current that can be used to power appliances in your home. Once your solar panels have converted the Sun's light into an eclectric current and that current has been coverted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), it can then be used to power your lights and appliances. Your home solar power system can actually cause your electric meter to spin backwards as it feeds the electricity it generates into the main power grid and you earn credit on your electric bill. Once electricity generated by your residential solar power system is directed onto the power grid, it can then be used by someone else and adds to the overall total of kilowatt hours produced by a clean and renewable energy source - the Sun!

Solar panels are only energized durring the daytime.  Scene lights will not energize the panels. If the panels, or the roof under the panels are on fire, you will not get shocked by spraying water on them. These panels are "strung" together in series to increase the voltages.  The current of these strings is usually from 5-9 amps. Do not break the panels, each panel in the string could be carrying the FULL VOLTAGE of that string (120-400 VDC). Residential systems often have junction boxes on the roofs.  If they do have fuses (not all do), and you pull a fuse while under load, you will very likely cause a fire. Some of these systems may also deploy a battery backup for uninterrupted power during utility blackouts or outages.

Here is another type of roof that may be in your district. These tiles are solar tiles. Be careful with these roofs.  You would hate to sink a chain saw, K-12 or an ax into this roof if it is energized. Check the meter for any placard-like stickers or kill switches for these types of systems. Knowing your district and utilizing pre-plans is the only help you can expect with this type of system.

This looks like an area that has been repaired or replaced but is still the same slate tile roof, right? The slight color difference is probably from being newly installed or repaired.  But, would it look any different at night?  In the rain?  How about snow covered? The different colored panels are solar tiles for solar enegry.  Yes, they are energized and can cover an entire roof, they also come in different colors. With this new technology, companies are able to make these panels “blend in” and look very much like the rest of the house and roof. Again, knowing your district and utilizing pre-plans is the only help you can expect with this type of system.

We have provided a PDF training file from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Emergency Response to Photovoltaics Systems at emergency incidents. Solar Photovoltaic Safety for Firefighters (A 17 1/2 min. video) From the San Jose, Calif., Fire Department