Fire Fighter Safety and Emergency Response for Solar Power Systems Final Report A DHS/Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Funded Study Prepared by: Casey C. Grant, P.E. Fire Protection Research Foundation The Fire Protection Research Foundation One Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA, USA 02169-7471 Email:
[email protected] http://www.nfpa.org/foundation © Copyright Fire Protection Research Foundation May 2010 Revised: October, 2013 (This page left intentionally blank) FOREWORD Today's emergency responders face unexpected challenges as new uses of alternative energy increase. These renewable power sources save on the use of conventional fuels such as petroleum and other fossil fuels, but they also introduce unfamiliar hazards that require new fire fighting strategies and procedures. Among these alternative energy uses are buildings equipped with solar power systems, which can present a variety of significant hazards should a fire occur. This study focuses on structural fire fighting in buildings and structures involving solar power systems utilizing solar panels that generate thermal and/or electrical energy, with a particular focus on solar photovoltaic panels used for electric power generation. The safety of fire fighters and other emergency first responder personnel depends on understanding and properly handling these hazards through adequate training and preparation. The goal of this project has been to assemble and widely disseminate core principle and best practice information for fire fighters, fire ground incident commanders, and other emergency first responders to assist in their decision making process at emergencies involving solar power systems on buildings. Methods used include collecting information and data from a wide range of credible sources, along with a one-day workshop of applicable subject matter experts that have provided their review and evaluation on the topic.