News Flash
- Vodacom South Africa has confirmed that the fire at their Century City building was not caused by a fault with the rooftop solar PV system which was seen burning.
- In a brief statement released on Friday, Vodacom said its preliminary findings found the cause of the fire to be an electrical fault.
The incident raised concerns over solar PV safety. “It is highly recommended that those who have already had such alternative solutions installed, have their systems regularly inspected for signs of electrical fatigue or mechanical breakdown. Additional preventive measures and electrical fail-safe components, while perhaps increasing the initial installation cost, should be considered,” said safety and security mayco member JP Smit.
Cabling of a thicker diameter should be used, to allow less resistance and help prevent a build-up of heat, he recommended.
“The maximum ratings of components, including that of inverters, batteries, solar panels and all connecting components should be carefully considered. All components within the system must be measured and calculated as part of a holistic solution and not exceed the maximum ratings of any other component within the solution,” concluded JP Smit.
Related news: Advice to homeowners who want to install a solar PV system
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
