Class A Fire Rated Solar Panels

In laboratory based fire tests of roof assemblies 1 2 the maximum allowable fire spread is between approximately 20 and 40 ft 2 1 9 and 3 7 m 2 depending on whether an a b or c rating is desired.

Class a fire rated solar panels.

In the article the author states that racking systems from solardock and solar panels. Specifically this requires the modules mounting hardware and roof covering to be tested together as. Class a fire rating background all roofing products are tested and classified for their ability to resist fire. We are writing to address several statements in the recent solar power world article titled new class a fire regulations closer than you think published aug.

Are to be performed for the fire resistance qualification of pv modules in the roof area. How do solar panels catch on fire. Just like the 44 000 electrical fires that happen every year a solar panel fire is the result of a malfunction. The general requirement for roofing systems in the ibc refers to a class c fire rating.

Class a or b is required for areas such as wildland urban interface areas wui and very high fire severity areas. The pv system consists of the racking system and the pv solar panels module as an assembly. 19 2014 that we believe are inaccurate. Where is a class a fire rating required.

Several people involved in the creation of the new fire regulations respond to this article. Fire class rating of pv systems. Solar abcs research investigates whether and how the presence of stand off mounted pv arrays may affect the fire class rating of common roof covering materials. For this purpose both roof integrated pv modules and also modules for roof parallel installation are subjected to flame treatment from the upper surface.

In the absence of a fire rating for pv systems it may seem appropriate to use the fire rating of the pv modules in order to ensure the desired result of retaining the roof assembly s original fire classification. This is what some authorities having jurisdiction ahj have done. A properly designed and installed solar panel system with correctly operating equipment presents no fire hazard to your home. Ul 1703 fire classification requirements.

The pv modules are rated in classes a b or c whereby class c comprises the minimum requirements. In particular these tests were initiated in response to questions from stakeholders about the language in the ul guide card that stated that pv modules. Some solar panels for example include a backing of highly combustible plastic.