Solar panel fire, electrocution, flood damage, installation and roof access can be made safer with the installation of a Remote Solar Isolator.
Don’t let your solar photovoltaic system put your family and property at risk
Until now, one of the major problems with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is that there has been no safe way to isolate rooftop panels and stop the generation of potentially lethal Direct Current (DC) voltages. Even by using the latest recommended shutdown procedure or DC/PV isolators currently installed on every Australian solar PV installation, lethal DC voltages are still generated throughout the panels and the associated wiring. This issue was outlined in detail by Jim Smith from the NSW Fire Service on the Channel Nine News, dated 11th of February 2011 and is a recognised safety concern of Emergency Services and Solar Regulatory Authorities around the world.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc issued a report dated November 29, 2011 titled “Firefighter Safety and Photovoltaic Installations Research Project“ in which it was found that water on a damaged solar array is potentially unsafe within a 20 foot radius and up to 1000 feet if salt contaminated the water. Also turning off an array is not as simple as opening a disconnect switch. As long as the array is illuminated parts of the array will always be energised, therefore generating lethal DC voltages. In the photo above when emergency services arrived the system was still producing and arcing 450 volts DC.
The Remote Solar Isolator (RSI) is a unique Australian designed and manufactured product which allows safe isolation of the solar panel system, enabling both emergency services and maintenance personnel full and safe access to the roof. The RSI system provides the means of isolating all solar panels individually and therefore not allowing any of them to combine to generate dangerous DC voltage. Also when safely isolated the RSI provides full indication on the roof via a green flashing strobe light and at the switchboard via a solar voltage indicator when no lethal DC voltage is being generated.
When a RSI is fitted to your home, anyone may stop the generation of electricity of the solar panels simply by flicking a switch at the meter board or in an emergency, by remotely disconnecting power at the nearest substation. This then provides a SAFE environment for all emergency personnel, tradespeople and you to access the solar PV system and roof knowing that NO lethal voltages are being generated.
The RSI recently won “The People’s Choice Award” on the ABC’s “The New Inventors” program which screened on 13/04/2011.
Placing water onto a roof with a damaged solar array has the potential to cause electrocution and fire. It has been found that damage to the array without water may result in the creation of new and unexpected circuit paths. These paths may include both array components (module, frame, mounting racks, conduits etc) and building components (metal roofs, flashings and gutters).
REMEMBER… Smoke alarms will not detect a fire on a building’s roof. A Remote Solar Isolator will detect the heat from a solar panel fire and automatically shut down the entire damaged solar array, stopping the electrical fuel feeding the fire and giving clear indication of isolation via a green flashing strobe.
As systems age and the obvious concerns of the media unfold we strongly recommend a Remote Solar Isolator SAFETY PACK be fitted for total peace of mind and the added advantage of being able to turn your rooftop generator completely off.
