Loved by the
green movement, solar panels pose a growing threat to firefighters, who may
suffer electrical shocks from panels that typically cannot be turned off, said
John Drengenberg, consumer safety director for Underwriters Laboratories.
Even when systems are equipped with shutoffs, any
light can keep panels and their wires energized, Drengenberg said.
Gaining access to roofs gives firefighters advantages
such as venting gases, and the panels get in the way, said Ken Willette, who
manages the public fire protection division at the National Fire Protection
Association.
In Delanco, New Jersey, volunteer fire crews rushed to
the burning meat warehouse on Sunday and discovered the roof was covered in
solar panels, forcing firefighters to change tactics. It took 29 hours to put
out the flames at the Dietz & Watson warehouse, which was left gutted and
smoldering in ruins. read more..
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