A Survey report of the firefighters on fire hazards of PV fire

Renewable energies are going to be the main alternative for the fossil fuels in the coming years for their clean and abundant nature. As Government of India has the target of 100 GW from solar energy source by 2022. So large number of Solar PV plant is to be set up all around the nation which can be Small size plant in KW or large size plant in GW. Photovoltaic system installation capacity is rapidly expanding in India. Photovoltaic system generated about 600-1500 Volts with the higher risk compared to a less powerful system. However, research about Photovoltaic fire risk is insufficient. The object of this study was to set up awareness program for the firefighter on PV fire risk mitigation. The survey was done to understand the view and knowledge of the firefighter towards photovoltaic system fire hazards. This paper concluded that training program should be included for PV firefighting also fire and safety certificate must require before connecting to the grid. The results of the survey would provide a basic knowledge for firefighter to examine equipment, tactics, safety operation during PV fire.