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Rooftop solar panels are known to save money on energy
bills, however, along with these increasingly popular rooftop additions comes a
risk to firefighters. A report from Boston FOX25 news station discussed how
rooftop solar panels can be hazardous to firefighters responding to a fire.
While Boston FOX25 news says solar panels are not likely the cause of a fire, they
can make firefighting a challenge, as they hold 200 to 600 V of electricity any
time there is any kind of light on them; the chances that they actually power
off are slim. Powered solar panels could possibly electrocute a firefighter,
and additionally, the panels themselves (powered or not) add weight to a roof
and can cause slip, trip and fall hazards to firefighters.
One helpful action a homeowner or business owner can take in
the event of a fire is to inform the fire department and other emergency
responders that there are solar panels on the roof. The report even suggests
not waiting until a fire happens to tell your local fire department that you
have them. This can start a conversation about necessary training and
preparation needed by all those who could be affected during a fire response.