Hi Tomok, Direct Current (DC) always wants to flow from source to load, the more switching gear, relays or fuses you place in its path, the more potential points of weakness you create. A well designed and engineered string with the minimum number of connection points is the safest solution (in my personal experience).

We are not saying that a PV installation is any more or less dangerous than other types of electrical system, but unlike a typical North American electrical installation that can be isolated at the street or switchboard to mitigate electrical risk, solar panels cannot be isolated as long as they are exposed to light. Any electrical generator (including solar panels) needs the ability to be isolated to mitigate electrical risk, that is why we developed PVSTOP.

A good quality, regularly maintained solar PV system will give you years of safe and trouble-free operation. The problem is most owners purchase the cheapest system they can find and do not perform regular (yearly) inspections of the PV system and like any electro-mechanical equipment that is exposed to the elements 365 day per year, over time they will deteriorate if neglected and that is when they can become dangerous.

It is hard for me to say as I don't have any details on your specific "solar light", but as long as the light is new and undamaged, it should be perfectly safe.

The problem is not solved by optimizers or microinverters, collectively referred to as "rapid shutdown" technologies, they are complimentary safety devices to the PVSTOP solution. To steer you to some of the reasoning, I have included a link to the following website www.fixmlsd.com (note that we are not affiliated with this website). In addition, first responders do not have the depth of training to be able to easily identify between a string array or a rapid shutdown array, they are always going to assume that the PV system is live and dangerous. PVSTOP is the only accredited solution that solves this fundamental problem.

The water being applied to the damaged panels was a broken stream at low pressure, no test guys were harmed in the making of this video.

Great, glad to be of help!

Not trying to scare people, just educating and improving knowledge sourced from evidence-based data. If it is a gimmick, why is the product being adopted by major fire departments all over the world?

We respectfully disagree, we have witnessed real-life (sub-standard) solar PV systems that have not been earthed correctly and have energised metal roofs.

Each cell in a solar panel produces 0.6 volts. No doubt as more cells in a panel are destroyed by fire, the electrical output of the panel will reduce. However the cells that are not damaged/destroyed in the panel (or the other panels in the string) will continue to produce power as long as they are exposed to light. So a solar PV string that is extensively damaged can still continue to produce dangerous amounts of DC electricity.

An ammeter (abbreviation of Ampere meter) is the correct terminology, but we weren't sure if this would make sense to a non-technical audience. But sure, if you want to get caught up on semantics, knock yourself out!

@@pvstop5763 The point is, you have been inconsistent! For voltage you have used the correct terminology, for current you have got it wrong.

Hi Joe, a well installed solar PV system using good quality components will provide years of trouble free service. Unfortunately (approximately) 20% of PV installations are either dangerous or sub-standard. We have encountered MANY solar PV installations that have either not been earthed correctly or have deteriorated over time. This video was designed to raise awareness and educate first responders on an unanticipated risk which they are encountering on an ever increasing basis.

Hi Rick, thank you for your kind words, we are doing our best to raise awareness, improve training, education and improving first responder and community safety.

Hi Alan, due to the exponential growth in solar panel installations (globally), unfortunately there is an equally growing number of sub-standard systems in the market. Raising awareness of the risks and investing in education, training and tools to mitigate these risks is what drives us to do what we do!

Yes they should be grounded by a single core, 6 gauge wire. And a normal house file (1,472F to 1,742F) should not compromise it as it will not reach the melting level of copper (1,984F). This video was filmed by morons that have no knowledge in how to properly wire anything. I am surprised the dude with the gloves didn't win a Darwin award.

Hi Brian, yes they should be grounded, but you would be surprised at the number of PV systems that we encounter that are either not grounded correctly or have deteriorated over time. The intention of the video is to show the audience a scenario that may be encountered, especially for first responders who don't necessarily have the appropriate training and who can underestimate the potential risks. If the education we are providing can save one life, it has made the exercise worthwhile.

Hi Patrick, that is a really bad idea, sealing the damaged panel is only one aspect of the risk. The cracked panels will cause hot-spots, which can create an electrical arc, which can then create a fire. I would strongly recommend that you remove and replace any cracked panels or you could have a future fire on your hands.

@@pvstop5763 not gonna happen as long as it works. I stand by what I have done because I know that it works. I have two panels coated with Flex seal and two others that are not broken, powering an electric water heater. I get forty gallons of good old hot water anytime that I need it. 36 volts on both panels that are coated and 36.5 volts each on the other two. Going on two years now. Of course, your mileage may vary. 😉👍

@@patrickbodine1300 I can only hope that your panels are not installed on the roof of your house, wherever they are installed, I can only advise you that they are a fire risk. I have seen damaged panels operate for years without issue, I have seen others catch fire and burn houses to the ground. Best of luck and stay safe.

@@pvstop5763 😉👍

That is definitely a safer option for working on/around damaged solar panels, but not always possible for first responders attending a fire incident during daytime and needing to save lives/property.

Hi John, most people are unaware of the risks associated with solar PV systems, it is our goal to raise awareness, improve training and education and ultimate improve safety in this fast growing market segment (renewable energy safety).

同意すると、日本市場はリスクを軽減するために PVSTOP を大いに必要としています。 残念ながら、現在の日本の代理店は、私たちが望んでいた市場への露出を達成していません.

Thank you

"Rapid shutdown" technologies (such as DC optimizers and micro-inverters) have their place, but they are not a silver bullet solution. They are electro-mechanical solutions that operate "downstream" of the actual solar panel, they are more expensive than a standard string array, they have more connection points and there are questions around long term reliability and if they will "fail safe" if damaged during an incident. I have included a link to a website that outlines these points and more if you would like further detail, and for transparency, we have no formal or monetary link with this website www.fixmlsd.com

@@pvstop5763 Those are all valid points. I have installed several 150kW commercial systems and done too many residential jobs to remember. I’m sticking to off grid systems now. Thanks for the link. I’ll check it out.

Thank you for your positive feedback, much appreciated! PVSTOP is a water based polymer that is applied to solar panels like a "liquid blanket", blocking the light and isolating the power produced by solar panels at the source. It is also fire retardant, non-flammable, non-conductive and environmentally friendly. PVSTOP is now used by world leading fire departments such as the London Fire Brigade, the New York Fire Department and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (just to name a few). Here is a link to another KZfaq video that demonstrates how the product works: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rcldpLV6uNmblqM.html

Hi Stephen, the most important factors are to ensure that you use a high quality solar PV system and a reputable installer/installation company. Whether you decide upon a traditional string system, micro-inverter system or DC optimised system, a good quality, well installed PV system (serviced annually) will give you years of trouble free and safe service. Each type of system has pro's and con's and we have seen issues with all system types, but problems nearly always comes back to issues with either the quality of the system components, or the quality of the installation. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] let us know which state/city you live in and we will be happy to offer you recommendations.

Hi Cam, sure, that is one solution, but what do you do if an arc fault occurs during the day, sit back, watch it burn and wait for nightfall? I can see a few gaps in that strategy from a Work, Health & safety perspective 🙂

That is correct, a well installed PV system should be grounded, however we come across many PV systems that are either not grounded correctly, or deteriorate over time when not maintained regularly. This video demonstrates a potential risk, in a scenario where the system is not grounded correctly.

Thank you for your kind words.

It is a water based polymer similar to paint. The differences between PVSTOP and Paint? PVSTOP is; - Fire Retardant - Non-flammable - Non-conductive - Peels off (post application) without damaging the solar PV system - Environmentally friendly