The Italy fire brigade has introduced binding guidelines for PV systems up to 1500 V, where rules for storage, distance, compartmentalization and maintenance are added.
The Italian national fire brigade has published new Fire prevention guidelines for PV systems.
The provisions contribute to fire safety requirements for solar panels, expanding technical measures per installation type and the introduction of rules for storage systems, minimum distances, compartmentalization and compulsory maintenance.
The guidelines apply to PV systems with a nominal voltage of less than 1500 V on residential, industrial, commercial and rural buildings, including carport, pergolas and connected shelters, as well as covered parking spaces when they interfere with fire-regulated activities.
The rules are binding on new installations and important system changes, with transitional measures for systems that have already been registered or designed before entering into operation. Exemptions include systems mounted on the ground, plug-and-play units, systems under 800 W, Agrivoltaic systems that are more than 100 m of buildings and concentrated solar systems.
The text distinguishes between PV (BAPV) of buildings and building-integrated PV (BIPV). For storage it requires a risk assessment when lithium-ionbess is present, referring to guidelines that are specific to battery systems.
Prevention measures Set declaration: panel groups are not allowed more than 20 m per side and must be separated by 2 m system-free paths. Roof edges require 1 m clear strips. Ventilation and inverters must be installed in Rei/Ei 30 compartments. Installations are limited in escape routes and near HVAC systems, openings or technical equipment.
Panels and components must maintain at least 1 meter of smoke or heat ventilation openings, skylights, chimneys and openings. On barn roofs with windows, specific distances and compensatory measures are required if the distance is reduced.
Installations must not use infringement structures (class A1) or contain EIs 30 materials. The fire reaction must be assessed on the panel-roof system according to the Uni ENI ENI and 13501-5 standards.
Each system must contain a clearly marked decoupling device that is accessible to care providers. Maintenance rules require biennial inspections for fire risks.
Relevant CEI standards include CEI 64-8, CEI 82-25, CEI and 62446-1 and CEI and IEC 62446-2.
Luca Perrone, CEO of the Italian Integrator STP Progetti, said that the guidelines bring a more structured approach that explicitly comprises pergolas, awnings and shelters.
“The distinction between BAPV and BIPV systems has now been clarified, with tailor -made fire prevention measures on the installation method,” Perrone said PV -Magazine. “New geometric parameters are defined for BAPV, in addition to a revision of the classification criteria for the reaction and fire resistance of the panel roof system.”
Perrone noted that the guidelines add a special part about maintenance and inspections to guarantee the correct system operation and to explicitly ask for risk assessments of lithium ion storage, which is a reflection of their growing use.
He noted that the rules improve accessibility for care providers and reduce fire distribution within PV systems.
“This is an important change because it directly affects the design and ranking of modules, so that the ‘papers’ coverings we are used to are seen. Moreover, some studies show that only two meters are sufficient to prevent the spread of fires in photovoltaic systems.”
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