Fireworks and firecrackers have been an integral part of New Year's Eve celebrations for years. They also accompany other events. Meanwhile, they belong to flammable and explosive products, which, if used improperly, pose a serious danger to people and property. People who have photovoltaic panels installed on their roofs or ground often wonder if fireworks can damage them. We checked!
Check photovoltaic panels at Onninen wholesale
Can fireworks damage photovoltaic panels?
Fireworks - as pyrotechnic materials - can cause various types of damage to buildings: from destruction of roof covering fragments to damage to installation components. They are an open source of fire, thus posing a real fire hazard. Their direct contact with the PV panel threatens to crack or locally destroy the coating. However, these are sporadic cases that require a strong, targeted hit from a fragment or burning material directly onto photovoltaic panels. In practice, minor chips and scratches occur more frequently, and (less often) damage to equipment, such as wiring. Additionally, residues from fireworks can settle on the panels, negatively affecting their efficiency and lifespan. To assess the degree of risk, factors such as the following should be considered:
- type of fireworks,
- distance of ignition,
- angle of impact,
- construction of the panels.
The risk of a serious failure of the entire photovoltaic installation due to contact with individual fireworks is fortunately very low. On the other hand, even a small crack can lead to accelerated degradation of the panel and various electrical problems.
Protection of PV installations on roofs and on the ground
To ensure that fireworks and firecrackers become a safe New Year's attraction and do not pose a threat to the photovoltaic installation, it is essential to follow a few rules. The basic one is to ignite fireworks only in open spaces – never indoors or near trees, buildings, photovoltaic installations, and fire-prone areas. One must be able to predict the flight path and landing spot of fragments and check the required minimum distance for igniting materials from buildings in the user manual.
In areas where the risk of fragments hitting photovoltaic panels is elevated, special mechanical shields in the form of nets can be installed. Transparent protective coatings are also available, which protect the surface of the panels from dirt and micro-damage. The above solutions should only be implemented after consulting with the installer or the panel manufacturer to avoid losing warranty rights or reducing the efficiency of the installation.
What to check in the PV installation before New Year's Eve?
It is worth starting with a quick visual inspection for any cracks, scratches, damage to the film, or significant dirt on the panels. One should also check the condition of the frames, mounts, mechanical components, and wiring, and take simple photographic documentation – just in case. This will facilitate any claims if damage occurs on New Year's Eve. If any alarming signals are noticed, one should contact the service. Early detection of minor faults can help avoid serious and costly failures in the future. Regular professional inspections are important, and even essential, for maintaining the long-term warranty from the manufacturer and effectively pursuing claims from the insurer. It is advisable to ensure that the warranty or insurance policy conditions cover damage caused by fireworks. If any provision is unclear, one should contact the manufacturer/insurer.
We encourage professionals and individual clients to familiarize themselves with the offer of the OZE Onninen wholesale. It is crucial where photovoltaics and energy storage are ordered. A suitable project, solid installation, and high-quality, durable components are key to the resilience of the entire system. If you have any questions, please contact us.
FAQ
1. Can igniting fireworks next to PV panels cause a fire?
Yes, but in practice, these are sporadic cases. Pyrotechnics should be used responsibly, at a safe distance from photovoltaic panels and in accordance with the user manual.
2. Can soot and dust from fireworks reduce the efficiency of the panels?
Yes. Soot, dust, and other contaminants that settle on the panels can reduce light permeability, which poses a risk of noticeable drops in efficiency. To regain the full power of the panels after a fireworks display, it is enough to gently clean them.
3. When is it worth using mechanical shields?
When there is an increased risk of mechanical damage to the panels - caused by various factors, such as hail. Special nets effectively protect the panels without significantly reducing their efficiency. The necessity of installing shields and choosing the optimal solution should be consulted with the installer.
4. What to do if damage occurs to the photovoltaics on New Year's Eve?
If you notice cracks or burned fragments on the panels or observe abnormal system operation, immediately contact the service and the insurer and document the damage with photos. You can also consult the damage with a lawyer.
5. Can a nearby fireworks display damage solar panels?
Rest assured, fireworks very rarely pose a real threat to photovoltaic panels.