As South Africans install more solar PV power systems, they are also driving up the risk of fires in their homes and businesses.
“Every fourth structural fire in Johannesburg we receive a call for is solar- or load shedding-related,” says Dewet Engelbrecht, CEO of FireOps SA. “And the magnitude of the losses are getting bigger.”
Compared to conventional fires, solar fires are more complex, long-lasting and more devastating, Because of the high-voltage nature of the systems, electrocution is a very real risk for homeowners and fire fighters.
In the absence of legislation around solar fire safety, Engelbrecht recommends that users opt for technology that has fire safety built-in.
Engelbrecht says his key recommendation for choosing a solar brand is to use high quality systems that are extremely reliable and have safety solutions built-in.
Lithium-ion battery fires
Fire-related equipment supplier SafeQuip points out that lithium-ion batteries can potentially develop runaway fires.
The devices consist of components:
- The anode, a negative electrode typically made of a carbon-based material that stores lithium-ions when the battery is charged.
- The cathode, a positive electrode, often composed of lithium cobalt oxide or other lithium-based compounds, that is responsible for receiving and releasing lithium-ions during charging and discharging.
- Electrolyte, the flammable liquid or gel that helps lithium-ions move around between the cathode and anode.
These three elements are sandwiched together and housed within a protective casing that contains the potentially volatile materials inside the battery.
When the battery gets extremely hot it can lead to the rapid release of heat and gases, resulting in fires known as a thermal runaway.
This could be caused by a number of factors, including overcharging, physical damage, high environmental temperatures or manufacturing defects.
This can lead to fire, explosion or toxic gas emission – or all of these.
SafeQuip offers some advice to help mitigate the risjs:
- Use genuine batteries: Always use genuine, manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers for your devices. Counterfeit or substandard products are more likely to pose risks.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep your devices and batteries away from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or inside a hot vehicle.
- Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect your devices and batteries for any signs of physical damage, such as swelling, punctures, or leaks. If you notice any issues, replace the battery or device as needed.
- Charge safely: Charge your devices on non-flammable surfaces, away from combustible materials. Do not leave them unattended while charging, especially overnight.
- Store properly: If you need to store lithium-ion batteries for an extended period, keep them in a cool, dry place with a partial charge (around 50%). Avoid storing them fully charged or fully depleted.
- Dispose of old batteries: When it’s time to replace a lithium-ion battery, recycle it properly.
- Invest in a lith-ex fire extinguisher: Lith-ex fire extinguishers contain AVD – a naturally occurring agent specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires. AVD is made from the naturally occurring mineral vermiculite combined with water. It is a very effective agent that, cools, encapsulate, prevent propagation, and extinguishes lithium-ion battery fires.
Michael van Niekerk, CEO of ASP Fire, goes further, urging commercial users to adopt adequate safety measures, including the construction of two-hour fire-rated rooms to house lithium-ion batteries.
Proper ventilation and gas detection systems are essential to manage the off-gassing phenomenon associated with these batteries. In addition, fire dampers are recommended to contain potential fires within designated areas, minimising the risk of it spreading to larger structures.
While large-scale energy storage systems, such as those installed by electricity utilities, may adopt different risk management strategies, van Niekerk underscores the importance of considering safety precautions in all installations.
“The risks associated with improperly installed solar panels and batteries are significant in residential settings where DIY installations are common,” he cautions.
In light of these concerns, ASP Fire stresses the need to consult a professional for the design, installation and certification of renewable energy systems. Proper integration and monitoring of components, along with adherence to safety standards, significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents.