Important ! The Systems, Drawings And Pictures Depicted In This Presentation Are Used For Discussion...

ImportantImportant

!

The Systems, Drawings And Pictures Depicted In This Presentation Are Used For Discussion Purposes Only. PV Systems And Their Components Vary In Design, And Appearance. It Is Imperative That Your Department Become Familiar With The Systems Installed In Your Community.

The Systems, Drawings And Pictures Depicted In This Presentation Are Used For Discussion Purposes Only. PV Systems And Their Components Vary In Design, And Appearance. It Is Imperative That Your Department Become Familiar With The Systems Installed In Your Community.

!

Coordination Between Your Fire Department And Your Municipalities' Building And Fire Code Officials Is Essential To Understanding &Identifying PV Systems Installed In Your Community!

Coordination Between Your Fire Department And Your Municipalities' Building And Fire Code Officials Is Essential To Understanding &Identifying PV Systems Installed In Your Community!

Program Goals:Program Goals:To Provide Firefighters with an Awareness of Photovoltaic Systems so Informed Fire Ground Decisions can be Applied for Safe Fireground Operations

To Provide Firefighters with an Awareness of Photovoltaic Systems so Informed Fire Ground Decisions can be Applied for Safe Fireground Operations

Program Topics:Program Topics:What is Solar Power?

Why are People Using it?

What is it Used For?

Types of Systems

Impact on The Fire Service

Target Hazards in Your Jurisdiction

What is Solar Power?

Why are People Using it?

What is it Used For?

Types of Systems

Impact on The Fire Service

Target Hazards in Your Jurisdiction

Currently…Currently…

New Jersey Is Second Largest Solar Energy Market In The United States

New Jersey Is Second Largest Solar Energy Market In The United States

SussexPassaic

Bergen

WarrenMorris

EssexHudson

Union

Hunterdon

Somerset

Middlesex

Mercer Monmouth

OceanBurlington

Camden

Atlantic

Gloucester

Salem

Cumberland

CapeMay

Note:Note: California with 4 times California with 4 times the population is the population is ranked #1ranked #1

Note:Note: California with 4 times California with 4 times the population is the population is ranked #1ranked #1

NJ InstallationsNJ Installations

2001 = 62001 = 6

2006 = 12+2006 = 12+

2009 = 4000+

2011 =>9000

2009 = 4000+

2011 =>9000

SussexPassaic

Bergen

WarrenMorris

EssexHudson

Union

Hunterdon

Somerset

Middlesex

Mercer Monmouth

OceanBurlington

Camden

Atlantic

Gloucester

Salem

Cumberland

CapeMay

SussexPassaic

Bergen

WarrenMorris

EssexHudson

Union

Hunterdon

Somerset

Middlesex

Mercer Monmouth

OceanBurlington

Camden

Atlantic

Gloucester

Salem

Cumberland

CapeMay

2011 - Over 9,000…2011 - Over 9,000…

Why Does it Concern UsWhy Does it Concern Us

Equates to About 15 Per Municipality

Equates to About 15 Per Municipality

They’re in Your Town!!!!They’re in Your Town!!!!

Why Does it Concern UsWhy Does it Concern Us

Renewable Energy SourcesRenewable Energy SourcesWHYWHY

State Purchase Incentives (up to 25% of cost)State Sales Tax ExemptionFederal Tax CreditsLower or Non-Existent Energy Bills

State Purchase Incentives (up to 25% of cost)State Sales Tax ExemptionFederal Tax CreditsLower or Non-Existent Energy Bills

Note: Utilities Required To Buy Back Excess Solar Energy

Importance to New JerseyImportance to New Jersey

4,709,000 Megawatt Hours Used In One Month

Only 36 Megawatt Hours Were Generated By Solar Energy

4,709,000 Megawatt Hours Used In One Month

Only 36 Megawatt Hours Were Generated By Solar Energy

In 2006In 2006

Importance to New JerseyImportance to New JerseyNew Jersey also Houses the Nation’s Highest-Capacity & Oldest Running Nuclear Power Plants

New Jersey also Houses the Nation’s Highest-Capacity & Oldest Running Nuclear Power Plants

(Salem & Oyster Creek)

Light & Radiant Heat From the Sun that Influences Climate & Weather

Naturally Replenished - Renewable Energy Source

Also Referred to as Solar Power Or Photovoltaic (PV) Solar: Electricity Generated From Solar Radiation

Light & Radiant Heat From the Sun that Influences Climate & Weather

Naturally Replenished - Renewable Energy Source

Also Referred to as Solar Power Or Photovoltaic (PV) Solar: Electricity Generated From Solar Radiation

Solar EnergySolar Energy

Types of Solar PV SystemsTypes of Solar PV Systems

Power from the Solar System is Added to the Normal Home Power Supply Supplied by the Utility Company

Power from the Solar System is Added to the Normal Home Power Supply Supplied by the Utility Company

Grid InterconnectedGrid Interconnected

Types of Solar PV SystemsTypes of Solar PV SystemsSystem ComponentsSystem Components

Types of Solar PV SystemsTypes of Solar PV SystemsSystem Components System Components

Roof Mounted Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

DC Energy ►AC Energy Inverter

Solar Junction Box

Electric Meter

Roof Mounted Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

DC Energy ►AC Energy Inverter

Solar Junction Box

Electric Meter


Grid Inter-Tied with Battery BackupGrid Inter-Tied with Battery Backup

System - Similar to Previous System with the Addition of a “Battery Bank” to Store Power Generated from Solar Panels

System - Similar to Previous System with the Addition of a “Battery Bank” to Store Power Generated from Solar Panels


Grid Inter-Tied with Battery BackupGrid Inter-Tied with Battery Backup

Off Grid SystemsOff Grid SystemsNot Tied to Any Utility Service or Power Lines

Main Source of Power for Building

Can Have Wind-Power, Water-Power & Back-Up Generators Factored in to Provide Energy at Night

Not Tied to Any Utility Service or Power Lines

Main Source of Power for Building

Can Have Wind-Power, Water-Power & Back-Up Generators Factored in to Provide Energy at Night


Roof Mounted Solar PanelsRoof Mounted Solar Panels

Off Grid System ComponentsOff Grid System Components


Array DC DisconnectArray DC Disconnect

Charge Controller: Prevents Overcharging

Charge Controller: Prevents Overcharging

Battery BankBattery Bank



System Meter: Bank Level, Panel Production, House Usage

System Meter: Bank Level, Panel Production, House Usage

Main DC DisconnectMain DC Disconnect

DC Energy ►AC Energy InverterDC Energy ►AC Energy Inverter



Rectifier- Changes AC Energy ► DC Energy To Be Stored In Battery Bank

Rectifier- Changes AC Energy ► DC Energy To Be Stored In Battery Bank

Solar Junction BoxSolar Junction Box

Generator Junction BoxGenerator Junction Box



Power MeterPower Meter

How Solar PV Systems WorkHow Solar PV Systems Work

Panels Contain PV Cells Made of Semi-conductive Materials Such as Silicon

The Cells Form Layers/ “Wafers” & Contain a Positive Side & Negative Side

Panels Contain PV Cells Made of Semi-conductive Materials Such as Silicon

The Cells Form Layers/ “Wafers” & Contain a Positive Side & Negative Side

How Solar PV Systems WorkHow Solar PV Systems Work

Photovoltaic Panels Photo Means LightVoltaic Means Electricity

Also Commonly Referred to as PV Panels

Photovoltaic Panels Photo Means LightVoltaic Means Electricity

Also Commonly Referred to as PV Panels

How Solar PV Systems WorkHow Solar PV Systems WorkElectric Conductors Attached to Panel Sides Form Electric Circuit

Sunlight Energy Excites Electrons & Knock Them Loose

Conductors Capture Energy Creating an Electrical Current

Electric Conductors Attached to Panel Sides Form Electric Circuit

Sunlight Energy Excites Electrons & Knock Them Loose

Conductors Capture Energy Creating an Electrical Current

How Solar PV Systems WorksHow Solar PV Systems WorksDirect Current Electrical Energy is Produced

Direct Current Electrical Energy is Produced

Power Is Combined in a “Combiner Box” Or “Combination Box” & Sent to Inverter

Power Is Combined in a “Combiner Box” Or “Combination Box” & Sent to Inverter

How Solar PV Systems WorksHow Solar PV Systems Works

Inverter: Changes DC to AC

Information such as Power Level, Energy Production, & Fault Messages can Usually be Observed Here

Inverter: Changes DC to AC

Information such as Power Level, Energy Production, & Fault Messages can Usually be Observed Here


Combiner Box



Combiner BoxCombiner Box

Conduit to Inverter Conduit to Inverter Note: Always Consider Note: Always Consider

This This HOTHOT


Alternating Current (AC) is Distributed to House Service Panel for Use. Excess Power is Transported Back Through the Utility Meter

Alternating Current (AC) is Distributed to House Service Panel for Use. Excess Power is Transported Back Through the Utility Meter

MountingBoltsMountingBolts

Solar Panel Mounting SystemsSolar Panel Mounting Systems

Grid TracksGrid Tracks

Solar Panel Mounting SystemsSolar Panel Mounting Systems

Flat Roof Mounting SystemsFlat Roof Mounting Systems

Weighted or Ballasted System

Weighted or Ballasted System

Flat Roof Mounting SystemsFlat Roof Mounting Systems

Bolted Through or Anchored System

Bolted Through or Anchored System

Integrated Roof SystemsIntegrated Roof Systems

Virtually impossible to tell from the ground. This is why preplanning is so important.

Virtually impossible to tell from the ground. This is why preplanning is so important.

Preplanning is EssentialPreplanning is Essential

Some Systems Unidentifiable from Street

Some Systems Unidentifiable from Street


Systems DifferSystems Differ


Disconnect Locations Vary

Disconnect Locations Vary

PV HazardsPV HazardsShock Hazards

Batteries

Roof Collapse

Trip hazards

Roof Ventilation

Shock Hazards

Batteries

Roof Collapse

Trip hazards

Roof Ventilation

ShockShockPrimary Firefighter Danger

Maximum Voltage Of A Solar Panel System: 600 Volts (Low Voltage)

Primary Firefighter Danger

Maximum Voltage Of A Solar Panel System: 600 Volts (Low Voltage)

PV Hazards PV Hazards

Note: Nearly 300 workers die yearly from low voltage electrical incidents

ShockShock


Note: Unlike fire, which produces burns in a relatively predictable manner, electricity can strike unsuspecting victims — sometimes fatally!

Momentary Contact With Low DC Voltages May Produce:

Continuous ShockThermal Injury Ventricular Fibrillation

Momentary Contact With Low DC Voltages May Produce:

Continuous ShockThermal Injury Ventricular Fibrillation

InhalationInhalation


Protect Yourselves – Use Your SCBA

Protect Yourselves – Use Your SCBA

BatteriesBatteries


Note: NEVER USE WATER to Extinguish lead-acid battery fires - Use CO2 or Dry Chemical

As a Rule, Batteries Burn with Great Difficulty

Batteries Exposed to Fire Generate Extremely Corrosive Fumes & Gases

As a Rule, Batteries Burn with Great Difficulty

Batteries Exposed to Fire Generate Extremely Corrosive Fumes & Gases

Roof CollapseRoof Collapse


PV Panel – 35 lbs

Modules & Racking Hardware – 4 lbs/ft2

PV Panel – 35 lbs

Modules & Racking Hardware – 4 lbs/ft2

Normal Dwelling - 40 PanelsNormal Dwelling - 40 Panels

35# Each

1,400 PoundsTotal Added Dead Load to Roof System

Approx. WeightsApprox. Weights

Other HazardsOther Hazards


Trip HazardsTrip Hazards

Electrical HazardsElectrical Hazards


PV “Wiring Harness” is CONSIDERED ALWAYS HOT

PV “Wiring Harness” is CONSIDERED ALWAYS HOT

Roof Operations HazardsRoof Operations Hazards


During Daytime Firefighting Operations PV Panels Are Still Generating Electricity

Do Not Cut Into Or Walk Across Panels

Do Not Break Protective GlassAll Energy In Entire System Could Be Released At Break Point

During Daytime Firefighting Operations PV Panels Are Still Generating Electricity

Do Not Cut Into Or Walk Across Panels

Do Not Break Protective GlassAll Energy In Entire System Could Be Released At Break Point

Roof VentilationRoof Ventilation


Ventilate The Highest Point Over The Fire Without Cutting Through The PV Array (other side of the roof)

Flat Roofs With Complete PV CoverageHorizontal With Supplemental Hydraulic & Positive Pressure Ventilation

Ventilate The Highest Point Over The Fire Without Cutting Through The PV Array (other side of the roof)

Flat Roofs With Complete PV CoverageHorizontal With Supplemental Hydraulic & Positive Pressure Ventilation

Firefighting OperationsFirefighting Operations

The IC Must Notify Firefighters of the Presence of Solar Arrays

The IC Must Notify Firefighters of the Presence of Solar Arrays


Lock & Tag Out Array atInverter

DC Disconnect

Main Electrical Panel

Lock & Tag Out Array atInverter

DC Disconnect

Main Electrical Panel


Use Class “C” Extinguishing Agents- CO2 Or Dry Chemical

Use Class “C” Extinguishing Agents- CO2 Or Dry Chemical

PV Array FirePV Array Fire

CAUTION: SYSTEM IS ENERGIZED

Firefighting OperationsFirefighting OperationsRoof FireRoof Fire

CAUTION: SYSTEM IS ENERGIZED

Use Water Fog Pattern on the PV Array Use Water Fog Pattern on the PV Array

RememberRemember

Treat All Systemsas Energized

Regardless of Timeof Day

Treat All Systemsas Energized

Regardless of Timeof Day

!

RememberRemember

!

You Cannot Effectively Block All The Sunlight With Salvage Covers, Foam, or Tarps During Day Time Operations and Declare The PV System “Safe”

You Cannot Effectively Block All The Sunlight With Salvage Covers, Foam, or Tarps During Day Time Operations and Declare The PV System “Safe”

RememberRemember

!

Use of spotlights during an evening operation may be bright enough to generate electricity from the PV system

Use of spotlights during an evening operation may be bright enough to generate electricity from the PV system

PV Technology AdvancementsPV Technology AdvancementsPV Integrated ShinglesPV Integrated Shingles

SummarySummaryKnow Where Buildings With PV Systems Are Located In You District.

“Preplan” “Preplan” “Preplan”

Treat PV System Components As Always Energized

Adjust Your Firefighting Tactics Accordingly

Additional Information:

www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/FFTacticsSolarPower.pdf

Know Where Buildings With PV Systems Are Located In You District.

“Preplan” “Preplan” “Preplan”

Treat PV System Components As Always Energized

Adjust Your Firefighting Tactics Accordingly

Additional Information:

www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/FFTacticsSolarPower.pdf

RememberRemember

!

The Systems, Drawings and Pictures depicted in this Presentation are used for discussion purposes only. PV Systems and their Components vary in design, and appearance. It is imperative that Your Department become familiar with the systems installed in your community.

The Systems, Drawings and Pictures depicted in this Presentation are used for discussion purposes only. PV Systems and their Components vary in design, and appearance. It is imperative that Your Department become familiar with the systems installed in your community.

!

Coordination between your Fire Department and your municipalities' Building and Fire Code Officials is Essential to identifying and understanding the PV Systems installed in your Community!

Coordination between your Fire Department and your municipalities' Building and Fire Code Officials is Essential to identifying and understanding the PV Systems installed in your Community!

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Corey J. Hullings …………………… Delran Fire Department

Suzanne Borek…………………Division of Codes and Standards

Richard Farletta ………………..Division of Fire Safety

Ken Kandrac ……………………Slackwood Fire Company

Jerry Lax ………………………..Advanced Solar Products

NJ Board of Public Utilities……Clean Energy Program

James McFadden………………Division of Fire Safety

Corey J. Hullings …………………… Delran Fire Department

Suzanne Borek…………………Division of Codes and Standards

Richard Farletta ………………..Division of Fire Safety

Ken Kandrac ……………………Slackwood Fire Company

Jerry Lax ………………………..Advanced Solar Products

NJ Board of Public Utilities……Clean Energy Program

James McFadden………………Division of Fire Safety

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