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During the construction and maintenance of photovoltaic solar farms, strict safety regulations are applied to minimise fire risks.
Safety and preventive measures in solar farms
Solar farms must comply with stringent fire prevention standards. These include active and design-based measures such as firebreaks, detection systems, and emergency protocols to prevent potential fire sources and limit their spread.
In Europe, the IEC/EN 61730 standard ensures that solar farm components, including photovoltaic modules, undergo fire resistance testing. What’s the goal? To prevent component failures that could lead to fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
Preventive measures include firebreaks, emergency response systems, fire suppression tools, and wildfire risk control and mitigation strategies. One of the most effective strategies adopted in solar farms is vegetation control through natural grazing, using sheep to clear excess vegetation and reduce potential fuel sources for fires.
Additionally, solar farms are subject to Wildfire Prevention Plans established by relevant authorities, which are enforced during high-risk periods.
Do solar farms facilitate fire spread?
Studies, such as the University of Edinburgh's research, have shown that even in simulated fire conditions, flames do not spread beneath solar panels or propagate to underlying structures.
This behaviour derives from the fact that the design of the solar farms does not create favourable conditions for fire propagation. Moreover, solar modules are made of fire-resistant materials and do not act as fuel sources in the event of a fire.
To manage vegetation, solar farms avoid herbicides and chemical products. Instead of pesticides, natural grazing and mechanical clearing are used. This prevents fire risks associated with flammable chemicals while protecting local ecosystems.
Another common misconception is that solar panels increase ground temperature, raising fire risk. The opposite is true. The shade provided by solar panels lowers soil temperature and enhances moisture retention.
This shading effect contrasts with open fields or dry grasslands, where direct sun exposure heightens the risk of dried vegetation catching fire.
Solar farms and biodiversity: a safe environment
Solar farms create quiet and secure environments for local wildlife due to minimal human presence. Furthermore, by avoiding pesticides, they support the recolonisation of insect species. This includes vital pollinators like bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in maintaining natural ecosystems.
These measures improve soil quality and promote land renaturalisation, particularly in areas previously used for intensive monoculture farming. As a result, biodiversity has increased, fostering the growth of native flora and fauna.
Additionally, during the planning and development of solar farms, environmental mitigation and compensation measures are implemented to ensure the conservation of local species.
Far from being a fire hazard, solar farms have proven to be a safe and viable solution for generating clean energy in rural environments. The technology and design behind these facilities, combined with strict safety regulations, ensure that fire risk remains minimal.
Promoting solar energy is not only a key measure in combating climate change but also a way to responsibly and safely harness natural resources while protecting flora and fauna species.
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