AUC 351 Photo Voltaic Panels (Solar Panels)

Question 1

What is the greatest hazard of a photovoltaic systems?

Answer 1

2.1
Both residential and commercial solar photovoltaic systems operate on the same principle and both pose similar dangers, the greatest hazard of which is direct current (DC) shock.

Question 2

Why are storage batteries needed on PV installations?

Answer 2

4.1
Storage batteries are needed due to the intermittent nature of sunshine.The batteries store some of the electricity generated by the PV panels, so that when sunshine is insufficient or at night, the system can still supply power.

Question 3

When do we cut the wires associated with a PV array?

Answer 3

6.1
Firefighters must avoid walking on modules since this can expose them to electric shock. Additionally, firefighters must never cut any wires associated with a PV array. Energized PV components submerged on a roof retaining water is yet another potential life-threatening shock hazard.

Question 4

Firefighters discovering PV arrays at fires and emergencies should immediately notify who?

Answer 4

6.3
Firefighters discovering PV arrays at fires and emergencies should immediately notify their Company Officer and the IC for subsequent relay to all operating members. They should also inform the IC if the PV system is involved in fire and if it is going to negatively impact vertical ventilation operations.

Question 5

For top floor/cockloft fires in non-fireproof buildings where fire is beneath the PV array, roof venting operations, including the use power saws, may not be possible. Ladder company efforts inside the building should be directed toward?

Answer 5

6.3
Ladder company efforts inside the building should be directed toward opening ceilings to define the boundaries of the fire.

Question 6

Who makes the decision to use water on energized PV System components?

Answer 6

6.4

Using water on energized PV system components is a decision that should only be made by the IC after careful size-up.

Question 7

What degree of spray pattern do we use the fog nozzle on energized PV components?

Answer 7

6.4
A fog nozzle, utilized from a distance, and set at a 30 degree spray pattern is recommended to prevent electric current from travelling upstream
towards members operating hoselines.

Question 8

What reasons do we not use straight steams or foam on energized equipment?

Answer 8

6.4
Straight steams or foam should not be used since
they are excellent conductors.

Question 9

On buildings with sloped roofs, PV arrays will generally be installed on which sides of the slope?

Answer 9

7
On buildings with sloped roofs, PV arrays will generally be installed on the South and
West facing sides.

Question 10

Buildings with PV systems necessitate that they be entered into CIDS. Transmitted Data should include but not limited to the following:
(6 Bullets General Info)

Answer 10

8.4
 PV ARRAY ON ROOF
 LIMITED ROOF OPERATIONS
 PV DISCONNECTS LOCATED AT
 BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM LOCATED AT
 BACKUP GENERATOR LOCATED AT
 INSTALLER CONTACT NUMBER