South Africa’s energy landscape has been tumultuous, with load shedding becoming a constant companion for many citizens. While load shedding may currently be less of an issue, the underlying problem of electricity affordability continues to worsen. As highlighted by Codera Analytics, Eskom’s average tariffs have surged by 408% since 2010, a rate that far outstrips the increase in consumer prices over the same period. With electricity becoming increasingly unaffordable for most South Africans, many are looking towards solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as an alternative. However, this transition comes with important safety considerations that need to be addressed, especially now that demand for PV systems has fluctuated.
The Solar PV Market: Fluctuations and Future Demand
Financial institutions are playing a pivotal role in this expected resurgence by offering rent-to-own models, which lower the barrier to entry for PV systems. These solutions allow more South Africans to make the switch, providing relief from both high tariffs and future energy uncertainty. However, with this expected growth in the PV sector, there is an urgent need to focus on safety.
PVStop: A Vital Solution for PV Safety
One of the most effective solutions in addressing PV system safety is PVStop, a cutting-edge technology that has been validated and adopted globally by firefighting teams in the UK, USA, Singapore, and Australia. This solution is specifically designed to neutralize the inherent risks associated with PV systems during emergency situations.
The PVStop solution is integral to enhancing the safety of first responders and civilians during fires, floods, or other emergencies where PV panels are present. By safely de-energizing PV systems Videos – PVStop, PVStop prevents the dangerous flow of DC electricity, which can pose serious risks to anyone involved in an emergency response, including firefighters.
A Methodology for Safety: Detect, De-energize, and Extinguish (Waterless)
At the heart of the PVStop solution is the “Detect, De-energize, and Extinguish (waterless)” safety methodology. This methodology reflects the best practices in risk control and prioritizes elimination of the hazard, which is the first priority according to the Hierarchy of Risk Controls.
Rather than relying on personal protective equipment (PPE), which is the fifth and last line of defense, PVStop focuses on neutralizing the danger at its source—by de-energizing the PV panels before they can pose a threat. This proactive approach ensures that the risk is mitigated, allowing firefighters to work in a safer environment, and reducing the chance of secondary hazards caused by the energized PV systems.
Safety: An Urgent Focus Amid PV Adoption
As the PV market continues to evolve, safety risks associated with PV systems must be addressed, especially now that demand is more tempered, offering an opportunity to assess, refine, and improve safety standards. The recent dialogue initiated by AREP (African Renewable Energy Practitioners) concerning fire prevention and suppression guidelines for solar PV systems is a crucial step in this direction. Collaboration between various sectors, such as occupational health, fire safety, and the PV industry, is essential to ensure the safety of occupants, employees, students, and patients in buildings where PV systems are installed. Sapia has also looked deeper into it with an excellent presentation that’s available online, presented by Shane Erasmus on 20 February 2024 [Download]
When PV systems are installed, they change the dynamics of evacuation plans, particularly during emergencies such as fires, floods, or natural disasters. In the event of a fire, PV panels can remain energized, creating dangerous DC “danger zones” that pose additional risks to both occupants and first responders. While we do not suggest that PV systems themselves are the primary cause of fires, there is growing evidence and statistics indicating that when a fire occurs, PV systems can become involved, exacerbating the risks.
This is why it is essential to prioritize collaboration across sectors—from PV installers to fire safety experts, health and safety officers, and building managers. Each sector has a role to play in ensuring that PV systems are safely integrated into our energy infrastructure. Evacuation plans must now account for the presence of PV panels and their associated risks during emergencies.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to PV and Safety
The dialogue that AREP and other institutions and associations has started is an important step forward, but there is still much work to be done. Now, while the demand for PV installations is less urgent due to the current absence of load shedding, is the ideal time for the industry to make significant progress in safety standards. We have an opportunity to proactively address the potential risks, rather than waiting for another surge in installations to prompt further discussion.
The broader renewable energy sector must recognize that while the shift to solar energy is inevitable, safety standards must evolve in parallel. Occupational health, safety guidelines, and stringent risk mitigation measures should be embedded within the PV installation process, ensuring that all stakeholders—from homeowners to large commercial entities—are adequately protected.
Conclusion
South Africa’s electricity crisis has pushed the boundaries of energy security, with rising tariffs and load shedding propelling the adoption of solar PV systems. As we anticipate a revival in the PV market due to soaring electricity costs and more accessible financing models, safety must take center stage.
The collaboration initiated by AREP presents an important opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy safety in South Africa. Whether it’s planning for fire emergencies or ensuring proper risk control in public spaces, now is the time to address these challenges head-on, ensuring a safer, more resilient energy future for all.
