21RISK - Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

1 Introduction Checklist

^*

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to clarify requirements for the insured and

end-users who plan to install and use Photovoltaic panels on roofs

(this document does not apply to PV panels/cells built into structures such as roof/facade tiles, etc.).

PV panels are a sustainable and green energy source that has become more popular recently. They are designed to convert sunlight into electricity. However, it is essential to consider potential risks when considering installing a solar panel system.

One of the major risks of installing Photovoltaic panels is roof fires. It is important to consider safety in all phases of the process, including the preparation phase, installation phase, and operational phase. It is also necessary to focus on the fire department´s capabilities so that they are prepared to handle a potential fire on roofs with Photovoltaic panels.

Therefore, it is crucial to comply with safety regulations and standards when installing a solar panel system to reduce the risk of roof fires. It is also important to regularly maintain the system to ensure that it functions optimally and is safe. Photovoltaic panels may not be placed on buildings designed for high storage without your insurer's acceptance or project review.

When you respond with "no" to any inquiries or proposals, it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign: Determine the appropriate individual(s) within your team who will be responsible for taking on this task. This decision should be based on skill set, current workload, and potential for professional development.
Cost: Assess the estimated resources, including time and financial expenditure, required to complete the task successfully. This evaluation will aid in proper planning and resource allocation.
Date: Establish a clear deadline for the task completion. Setting a specific timeline is crucial for maintaining project momentum and ensuring timely achievement of your objectives.

1.1 Confirm you will follow these requirements for Photovoltaic (PV) panel installation.

^*

Please confirm that the installation will comply with the following instruction.

I confirm

1.2 Have you prepared for potential roof fires by considering fire department capabilities.

^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

1.3 Do the installation comply with safety regulations and standards to reduce the risk of roof fires. ^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

1.4 Has a plan for regular maintenance to ensure the system's optimal function and safety been implemented ^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

1.5 Get Insurer's acceptance or project review if placing PV panels on buildings designed for high storage. ^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

2 Preparation Checklist

^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

2.1 Has the building's load-bearing capacity for the added weight of PV panels been verified and documented ^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

2.2 Has documentation and approval for mounting systems been obtained.. ^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

2.3 Ensure p/inverters and installations adhere to relevant national and international standards. ^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

No

Yes

2.4 Prohibit installation on roofs with flammable insulation.

^*

I confirm

2.5 Have an expert assess the roof's remaining lifetime before installation. ^*

No

Yes

3 Installation Checklist

^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

3.1 Divide PV panels into sections no larger than 40x40 meters. ^*

No

Yes

3.2 Maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters between sections. ^*

No

Yes

3.3 Use non-combustible cable trays for cable mounting, not direct roof laying. ^*

No

Yes

3.4 Place panels and equipment at least 2.5 meters from firewalls if the section exceeds 600 m². ^*

No

Yes

3.5 For sections below 600 m², maintain a 1-meter distance from firewalls. ^*

No

Yes

3.6 Avoid cable routing over fire sectioning, use fireproof trays if necessary. ^*

No

Yes

3.7 Install PV panels at least 1 meter from roof edges. ^*

No

Yes

3.8 Ensure installations do not interfere with existing fire protection or maintenance. ^*

No

Yes

3.9 Inverters should be in a fire-resistant technical room or on a non-flammable structure. ^*

No

Yes

3.10 Avoid cable routing through hazardous rooms, and ensure fire-resistant cable penetrations. ^*

No

Yes

3.11 Install a DC safety switch and AC group switches in consultation with emergency services. ^*

No

Yes

3.12 Arrange solar cells and mounting systems for unobstructed rainwater drainage. ^*

No

Yes

3.13 Install surge protection (type 2) on both AC and DC sides of inverters. ^*

No

Yes

4 Operation Checklists

^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency:

Assign:
Cost estimate:
Due date:

4.1 Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions; perform at least annual inspections. ^*

No

Yes

4.2 Conduct thermal imaging post-installation and biannually to detect faults. ^*

Thermal imaging of all photovoltaic panels, electrical connections, and inverters must be performed after installation and then every other year to detect possible system faults. Thermal imaging of the photovoltaic panels- can be omitted where photovoltaic panels are protected by "ARC-Protection", which will alert a 24/7 manned and competent service team without hindrance.

No

Yes

4.3 Inspect PV panels after weather events or at least once a year. ^*

No

Yes

4.4 Always inspect after repairs or work on the roof. ^*

No

Yes

5 Firefighting Checklist

^*

If the response is "no", it's important to leverage this as an opportunity to initiate a constructive task. Please follow the outlined process below to ensure continuity and efficiency: