Fire safety challenges with photovoltaics and Li-ion battery system installations in buildings

The growing trend of using lithium-ion batteries as intermediate energy storage for renewable sources like solar panels is expected to increase in this decade, especially in buildings. Photovoltaic and Li-ion battery systems introduce certain fire risks which need to be considered before their implementation in new or existing buildings. Knowledge about the fire behaviour of both these systems, and how this may affect the building is crucial to reduce the consequences from a fire. The purpose of the work is to categorize the main fire safety challenges of PV and Li-ion battery installations for preventing fire and explosion hazardous scenarios in buildings. These are related to the increased risk of ignition, changed fire dynamics and increased fire spread risk, and to installations representing obstructions and hazards for firefighters. The research methodology consists of a combination of mixed methods: previous lessons learned in literature and experimental work and analysis of case studies. PV installations can cause ignition, promote fire spread and obstruct firefighting. A Li-ion battery installation can potentially increase the ignition risk, contribute to a rapid growth and spread of fire, and interfere firefighting and increase explosion hazards. The development of knowledge is important for the inclusion of new regulations and the modification of existing regulations in building codes nationally and internationally.