Four principles to keep solar panels from becoming "time bombs" on the roof

Australian authorities have issued a clear warning that electrical equipment that is constantly exposed to the environment (rain, humidity and especially strong UV rays) will degrade over time.

A solar panel short circuit burned down a house in Perth, Western Australia, in early October, turning the green energy source into a raging fire. The homeowner only managed to escape with his backpack, losing all his belongings, but in return, he learned a terrible lesson: Never underestimate the fire risk from rooftop solar panels.

Investigators determined the cause of the incident was an electrical fault caused by a rooftop solar panel system, once again raising the alarm about the potential risks behind the increasingly popular green energy source.

According to a VNA reporter in Sydney, Australian authorities have issued a clear warning that electrical equipment that is constantly exposed to the environment (rain, humidity and especially strong UV rays) will degrade over time.

If left unmaintained, corroded components, damaged cables or loose connections can create arcs - extremely hot electrical sparks that are a leading cause of fires.

To avoid turning energy-saving systems into fire hazards, experts recommend that families strictly follow four golden rules.

Firstly, ensure the entire system (solar panels, inverters, cables, especially connectors) meet Australian Standards and are of high quality.

Second, all cables must be solar-grade. More importantly, cables in ceilings, walls, or floors must be encased in heavy-duty insulated conduit or metal to protect against heat, weather, and rodent damage. Cables must be secured so they cannot be loosened by wind or rubbed against sharp edges on the roof.

In addition, ensure that the fuse switch is installed in an easily accessible location for emergency shut-off. The installation location must be away from direct sunlight or water ingress.

Third, regularly maintain and inspect all components for signs of corrosion, cracks or looseness. Also, ensure that the inverter is installed in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight. Regularly check the display of the device for any error messages.

Fourth, if there is a battery storage system, the homeowner must strictly comply with the standards for installation location, away from flammable materials, and strict ventilation. Every family member must clearly know the location and how to turn off the fuse switch to cut off the entire power source of the system. It should be noted that even when the switch is turned off, the solar panels still generate voltage if there is light./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/bon-nguyen-tac-de-pin-mat-troi-khong-thanh-bom-hen-gio-tren-mai-nha-post1070732.vnp