The ideal solution for fires caused by photovoltaic panels

Recently, a project in Greece used ZENOVA FP intumescent paint combined with patented thermal insulation paint ZENOVA IP to provide fire protection for a new solar installation on a roof constructed of sandwich panels with polyurethane insulation.

Installing photovoltaic panels on roofs is an energy-efficient solution, but it increases the risk of roof fire if the photovoltaic panels fail or short-circuit.

Zenova conducted a test to show how the internal insulation of rooftop panels can burn without adequate protection, especially in the event of a fault in the installation of photovoltaic panels.

• Two metal sandwich panels with polyurethane insulation were tested.

• The first panel was painted with a regular commercial paint.

• The second panel was painted with a 1 mm of ZENOVA FP , with 0.5 mm of ZENOVA IP applied as a topcoat and as additional thermal insulation.

The first panel burned immediately , and smoke and burning of the polyurethane insulation material were visible within minutes. The second panel treated with ZENOVA FP and ZENOVA IP showed no burning or discoloration of the internal insulation, visible even after 60 minutes of flame application.

Therefore, the Distreo company offers the following solution for fire protection caused by photovoltaic panel installations:

• 1.0mm of ZENOVA FP as fire protection

• 0.5mm of ZENOVA IP as a covering layer and additional thermal insulation

result

• ZENOVA FP helps reduce the risk of fire spreading to the exterior of the roof if the photovoltaic panels fail.

• This risk reduction makes a crucial difference in insuring buildings equipped with photovoltaic panels.

•  ZENOVA IP applied as a finishing layer adds protection from adverse weather conditions, while adding additional insulation and cooling benefits for the building's internal temperatures.

Following the case study in Greece, the beneficiaries of the work placed an order for £39,800, according to Zenova Group . For more details on Zenova products, see our website in the products section.