The energy sector is undergoing a period of rapid transition but one constant remains: the risk of fire
Whether protecting established power generation technologies or newly installed rooftop solar arrays, early and reliable fire detection is critical for safeguarding people, assets and the continuity of energy supplies.
As energy infrastructure becomes more complex with a mix of fuel sources and national and local storage solutions, traditional fire detection methods are often stretched beyond their limits.
However, Linear Heat Detection (LHD) is increasingly being recognised as a practical and robust solution for some of the sector’s most challenging applications.
As we transition towards renewables to power our homes, as well as the wider grid, fire protection must be at the forefront of our thinking.
Power is no longer solely generated at remote sites where a flammable fuel is burnt to extract power. This type of infrastructure is now being replaced by one which is decentralised.
Now any roofscape can be a power source with increased efficiency and lower cost PV technology. However, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can present a fire hazard if they are improperly designed, installed, maintained or damaged.
Potential causes of solar-related fires include faulty wiring, loose electrical connections, defective components, inverter failures, insulation breakdown and damage to panels or cabling caused by weather, animals or physical impacts.
Furthermore, as solar panels generate electricity whenever exposed to sunlight, energised
circuits may remain live even when the building’s main power supply is switched off, which can complicate firefighting efforts and increase safety risks for emergency responders.
While the overall risk of fire from properly installed and maintained solar systems is low, regular inspections, compliance with electrical standards and the use of quality equipment are essential to minimise the potential for fire incidents.
Research by the Fire-Safe Sustainable Built Environment unit discovered that we should
expect 30 fires per year for every additional GW of solar PV power produced. Further to
this, the Clean Energy Association discovered in an extensive piece of research that 97%
of all PV solar installs had major safety concerns that could lead to a fire.
Given these PV solar installations are on top of our workplaces, warehouses, schools, hospitals and even our homes, we must ask ourselves what if our biggest fire risk is not in our buildings but on our buildings?
Electrical faults, such as DC arcing, connector failures and inverter overheating can lead to fires that develop out of sight, beneath panels or within cable routes.
Although every effort should be made to ensure roof materials are non-flammable, this is not always possible due to the age, usage and makeup of the building stock. Therefore, when installing solar PV systems, attention must be given to early warning fire detection.
As the solar sector continues to expand at pace, early fire detection remains a critical factor in reducing risk and limiting asset loss. Solar PV installations present unique challenges: large surface areas, remote or inaccessible locations and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Traditional point type heat or smoke detectors have coverage gaps and are unable to sustain the constant outdoor exposure required. Gaining access to PV arrays for inspection or detector placement can also be difficult, especially on large or occupied buildings.
Linear Heat Detection solutions, like Signaline, provide the needed alternative. Unlike traditional fire detection devices, which are confined to single points, linear heat detection uses a heat sensitive cable to detect overheating and the early signs of fire. Using a cable as the detection element allows for long lengths of continuous detection.
By installing Linear Heat Detection beneath PV panels, along cable trays or around inverters and combiner boxes, it becomes possible to detect abnormal temperature conditions at their source. This is particularly valuable for identifying smouldering or overheating faults that may not immediately produce flame or smoke but could develop into a more catastrophic event if not detected early.
Signaline Linear Heat Detection does not rely on airflow or visibility; it can function effectively in concealed or partially enclosed spaces common to PV installations. It is also suited to long detection runs, such as those found on large industrial roof spaces increasingly used for PV Solar installations.
Linear Heat Detection is no longer regarded as a niche solution within the fire safety industry. The introduction of EN54 Parts 22 and 28 has significantly strengthened its position, providing robust European certification. Signaline Linear Heat Detection is already recognised as the industry solution for fire detection within other environmentally harsh applications and increasingly within the solar industry too.
For solar applications, where system reliability and functional integrity are paramount, Signaline’s SIL2 compliance further reinforces its suitability. When integrated with a fire alarm system, Linear Heat Detection enables rapid identification of overheating conditions or fire events, helping to ensure a swift response and improved site safety.
In addition, Signaline Linear Heat Detection systems provide a relay contact output that
can be used to automatically initiate the shutdown of solar PV systems in the event of a fire. This helps minimise electrical hazards, protects emergency personnel and enables first responders to reach and manage the incident more safely and effectively.
Signaline Linear Heat Detection occupies a unique and valuable position within the solar market. Its inherent simplicity, durability and flexibility enable it to address complex fire risks across a diverse range of PV applications while maintaining compliance with both international and local fire safety standards.
As solar deployment continues to accelerate, Signaline Linear Heat Detection is set to play an increasingly important role in safeguarding the next generation of low-carbon infrastructure.
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