Key standards to know
- IEC 61215 (module design qualification) and IEC 61730 (module safety); foundational to module reliability testing and fire performance interface with roofing tests. https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/54714.pdf https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60950.pdf https://commercial.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/commercial/commercial/pdfs-risk-advisory/ARC-Tech-Talk-Vol-8-Fire-Hazards-PV-Systems-EN.pdf
- IEC 62116 (anti‑islanding test procedure for grid‑tied inverters). IEC Webstore Iteh Standards
Documented issues (with direct evidence)
- PV fire incidents and contributory factors (connectors, DC isolation, installation faults): UK government‑commissioned BRE National Solar Centre report collated investigations and issued recommendations to industry and fire services. GOV.UK GOV.UK
- Risk quantification & data initiatives: Recent TNO/NIPV/NEN effort mapped building fires in NL (2022–2023): 152 out of ~10,000 involved buildings with PV (<2%), underscoring need for better data and installation quality. tno.nl/nl
Typical challenges
- Assuming “qualified = safe in all contexts.” Passing IEC 61215/61730 does not substitute for correct system design, installation quality, and O&M (e.g., MC4 compatibility, cable management, DC isolators/combiner boxes). NREL Docs+1 https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60950.pdf
- Inconsistent anti‑islanding validation across inverter fleets; test evidence not retained to IEC 62116. IEC Webstore
Best Practice playbook
- Front‑load design reviews — Require module certification to current IEC 61215/61730 plus system‑level DC design checks (string fusing, isolators, wiring, connector make‑and‑model matching). NREL Docs+1 https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60950.pdf
- Documented anti‑islanding conformity — Keep inverter IEC 62116 test reports and field‑test routines; align country grid codes. IEC Webstore
- Fire‑informed installation practices — Implement BRE NSC recommendations (e.g., routing, isolation points, labelling, firefighter access) and integrate into installer training and commissioning checklists. GOV.UK
- Monitor fleet risk — Track connector thermography, insulation resistance trends, arc‑fault alarms, and corrective actions; use incident stats (e.g., TNO/NIPV/NEN baseline) to set KPIs. tno.nl/nl
