Harvey Solar works diligently to provide accurate, well-vetted information about solar, the Project, and its potential impacts on the Hartford Township community. Internet sources, whether research publications, periodicals, or social media must be carefully reviewed for accuracy. The information below is intended to respond to many of the concerns and statements shared online and on social media. Harvey Solar believes it is important to address these statements and provide factual clarity to the community.

Common Incorrect Statements Regarding Solar Panel Fire Risk

You may read online or hear in your community similar inaccurate statements regarding solar panel fire risk.

“Solar panels sometimes catch fire, releasing toxic smoke.  Fires may also spread to our farmers’ crops, or put residents at risk.”

“Fires can also break out in solar developments due to damaged or faulty panels, dry leaves or birds building nests on or around the panels. These fires release toxic smoke and melted toxic metals. Solar panel fires are extremely dangerous for firefighters to deal with due to the risk of electric shock, and inhaling the toxic fumes.”

FACTS AND CREDIBLE SOURCES

Solar fire risk is minimal and does not threaten neighbors.  Solar panels are made mostly of glass and aluminum and are not flammable. According to North Carolina State University, “[c]oncern over solar fire hazards should be limited because only a small portion of materials in the panels are flammable, and those components cannot self-support a significant fire.”[1]

Harvey Solar will comply with the National Electric Code, which regulates electrical safety.  There is no evidence given for the claims made that fires can start at solar facilities due to “damaged or faulty panels, dry leaves or birds building nests on or around the panels,” that such fires “release toxic smoke and melted toxic metals,” or that they are “extremely dangerous” for properly-trained firefighters.

Most of the news items being referenced on-line relate to rooftop solar, not ground-mounted solar like Harvey Solar. Further, they mostly address the complexities of fighting fires (whatever the cause) at buildings fitted with solar panels.

Resources:

[1] North Carolina State University, Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics (May 2017), p. 16, available at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/health-and-safety-impacts-of-solar-photovoltaics.