Threat Against Distributed Rooftop Solar

Zurich Risk Engineering,
. . . a division of the well-known global insurance company,
. . . released a whitepaper in May, Risk Topics:
. . . Photovoltaic Systems outlining their guidance on photovoltaic systems.
Their bottom-line recommendation from this short paper:
. . . Avoid the installation or integration of photovoltaic systems onto or into buildings,
. . . until the challenges and increased risks associated with these systems,
. . . are fully understood and addressed in applicable codes and standards.
As an alternative, locate photovoltaic systems at GROUND LEVEL,
. . . separated from important buildings and structures.

The quick and nearly industry-wide end of beachfront homeowner’s insurance,
. . . in much of the Gulf and East Coasts between hurricanes Katrina and Sandy,
. . . suggests the potential for releases of similar guidance,
. . . from other insurance underwriters with regard to rooftop solar.

Over the years, a few high profile solar and fire interactions have hit the news,
. . . Bakersfield Fire, started by a ground fault in the solar energy system, or the
. . . New Jersey Dietz & Watson warehouse fire, firefighters let the whole building
. . . due to electrical shock risk posed by the 7,000 solar panels on the roof.
Understanding the NEC 2014 and Its Impact on PV Systems.

The good news is, Solar is growing up and,
. . . asserting its place in the economy,
. . . as much more than the niche artifact of back-to-the-land movement.

07-27-2014 Source:  Threat Against Distributed Rooftop Solar