The number of solar panels in the Netherlands is growing rapidly. A new panel is added every five seconds! Solar panels are basically safe systems. But sometimes something goes wrong during the installation. Insurers regularly encounter unsafe situations. It is usually human action that creates dangerous situations; Especially with large company roofs on which many solar panels are mounted.
Risks with solar panels
Heat
The bottom of the panels can heat up ninety degrees. If there is insufficient ventilation space between the panels and the roof, things can go wrong. And if a fire breaks out near flammable materials, such as insulation material, this is often extensive. This is also because the fire brigade can only extinguish when the power is turned off. An installation that is still under power is life-threatening.
Collapse
Thecollapse of the roof is less common than fire, but can cause a lot of damage. The RVO has conducted research into the roof construction of large roofs without a residential destination. This shows that 15 percent of the large roofs are severely limited and 45 percent have a slight disability. 60 percent of these buildings therefore require (sometimes major) adjustments before they are suitable for the installation of solar panels.
Environmental damage
After a serious fire, small particles of solar panels can sometimes be found up to kilometers away. For example, on surrounding agricultural land. The landowners can only use the land again once all the remains have been cleaned up. The costs of this are sometimes not or only partly covered by insurance.
In a triptych we outlined the problems, the legal framework and the role of Salvage. Fortunately, there is now a clearance protocol after a fire.
Safe installation reduces the risk of damage
The Association recommends that you always consult with the insurer before installing panels. People should be aware that the risk of damage increases when solar panels are installed. With the prevention brochure, written for and by insurers, the Association wants to raise awareness for this. The brochure is mainly about larger solar panel installations, such as panels on the roof of a stable at an agricultural company or on a business premises at a distribution center. Sometimes up to a hundred panels are laid on those roofs, but the roof is often not designed for that extra weight. If even more load is added, for example in the form of snow or rain, this can lead to deflection. The water then remains on the roof, increasing the risk of collapse.
A first condition for the installation of solar panels is therefore a good and safe installation. For this, a good inspection upon delivery and periodically afterwards is a must. On that front, there is good news: the SCIOS Scope 12. With this scheme for the inspection of solar panel installations, certified inspections can be carried out.
Data leads to more insight
For a better understanding of fires with solar panels, the Association has decided to collect data on large fires related to energy transition in particular. We are currently investigating whether such data is already available somewhere and can be collected, combined and published.
Webinar solar panels on stables
In the first quarter of 2022, ZLTO organised the webinar 'solar panels: fire safety & risks'. An explanation was given about the construction, maintenance and risks of solar panels on stable roofs. Watch the webinar.