On September 19, 2020, changes to the Construction Law came into force. They apply to all photovoltaic installations with a power greater than 6.5 kWp. Their aim is to increase fire safety, although, according to experts, they may also indirectly inhibit the dynamic development of renewable electricity sources in Poland. Find out what the new regulations are and discover solutions that meet these requirements!
From the article you will learn:
- who to agree on technical designs of photovoltaic installations,
- what to do to increase the fire safety of a photovoltaic installation.
Photovoltaic installations under control - new regulations in construction law
All photovoltaic installations with a power of more than 6.5 kWp must now be consulted with a fire protection expert. The district headquarters of the State Fire Service should also be notified about their construction. The assumption of these changes is a general increase in fire safety - providing information about the installation project to firefighters may help them conduct possible rescue and fire-fighting operations.
The new regulations also place great emphasis on installing appropriate protective equipment . So far, the need to install fire switches or spark detectors has often been ignored. The currently required protective systems guarantee the detection of possible faults and allow you to disconnect the installation from photovoltaic panels that are under voltage.
Inaccuracies in the new regulations regarding photovoltaics
Although the idea of introducing new regulations was undoubtedly right, experts point out the inaccuracies resulting from these regulations. First of all, there was no model security system for photovoltaic installations and specific guidelines for networks with a power not exceeding 6.5 kWp. All this translates into the need for contractors to interpret the regulations themselves. Acting on your own may, in turn, contribute to the implementation of incorrect solutions in some buildings.
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Another issue that worries experts is the lack of distinction based on the type of object. As a result, large houses may find themselves in the same category as, for example, small shopping centers, but the technical solutions for both types of buildings should be completely different.
The impact of new regulations on the development of renewable electricity sources
Supporters of renewable electricity sources fear that due to the introduction of strict and not entirely clear regulations, photovoltaics in our country may slow down the pace of development. Its potential was estimated at 16 GW by 2024. Now, however, investors face additional costs that they must cover from their own pockets, and designers and installers face more work.
Experts therefore expect that the process of designing a photovoltaic installation and its implementation will now take much longer. Moreover, higher - and unreimbursed - costs may discourage investors from quickly modernizing their energy networks.
Photovoltaic installation meeting new requirements - what to remember?
When considering the design of a photovoltaic installation in the face of new regulations, it is worth choosing components from a manufacturer that meets these requirements. This approach is followed, for example, by the Eaton brand, which provides the market with solutions that increase the fire safety of PV networks.
When securing a photovoltaic installation, you should first of all use an Eaton SOL30 - SAFETY fire protection switch with a rated voltage of 1000 VDC. Its task is to disconnect the power supply to the DC circuit between the PV modules and the inverter. Depending on the type of installation, it can be used for up to 6 PV strings.
To protect the installation, it is also worth using PKZ-SOL DC branch circuit breakers. They protect photovoltaic panels against short circuits. The Eaton brand also supplies the market with P-SOL type DC switch disconnectors used for disconnecting DC circuits and safe voltage-free operation. Thanks to bipolar switching, they can be successfully used in ungrounded installations.
You should also not forget about selecting the appropriate switchgear. Eaton's portfolio also includes switchboards aimed at the PV market, this is the IKA cabinet family. These are modular surface-mounted switchboards that can also be installed outside the house. The switchgear has a protection class of IP 65 and IK 10. Moreover, the switchboards have a certificate guaranteeing an insulation voltage of 1500V DC and 1000V AC.
How to additionally protect photovoltaic installations against fire?
The use of switches and fuses is just one aspect of protecting a photovoltaic system against the risk of fire. It is also worth mentioning other issues that should be taken care of.
First of all , the photovoltaic installation should be designed and constructed in accordance with the guidelines specified by law and the manufacturer. For its assembly, use parts and tools specified by specific regulations. The appropriate selection of marked cabling is also important - both for the inverter and for the panels. It is good practice to use double insulated wires.
It is worth remembering details such as the information plate located at the point of connection of the installation to the electricity network , as well as defining the emergency shutdown procedure . The photovoltaic system must be additionally protected with a lightning protection system.
Attention should also be paid to the DC connectors and plugs used in the installation. They should be fully compatible and come from one manufacturer, which will reduce the risk of resistance and dangerous temperature increases. Additionally, power optimizers should be used on the DC side to reduce the voltage and ensure safe operation of the installation if it needs to be disconnected.
Check out the Eaton brand offer!
Eaton - safe photovoltaic installation
Eaton is a trustworthy manufacturer whose product range will ensure the safety of every photovoltaic installation - both in terms of direct current and alternating current. Its offer includes, among others, circuit breakers, fuses, housings and medium voltage switchgears. Each device undergoes necessary tests for resistance to difficult environmental conditions inherent in photovoltaic installations.
Every photovoltaic installation requires modular equipment that warns operators of any damage to the system. Eaton digital residual current switches identify short-circuit currents in the direct and alternating current range and meet all the requirements of the new construction law.
The brand's assortment also includes the previously mentioned insulating and fire protection switches. They isolate the inverter from the solar modules, which allows the fire brigade to operate without the risk of electric shock in an emergency situation. Therefore, the services do not have to waste time wondering how a given photovoltaic installation should be extinguished.
Keep your photovoltaic system safe with Eaton!
To best adapt to the new regulations on the safety of photovoltaic installations, use proven Eaton devices. Their reliable operation will allow you to adapt each PV system to demanding fire protection regulations.
