Firefighters sound the alarm on rooftop solar paneling

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Solar panels are creating a major problem for firefighters, with electrical and ventilation issues being the main concerns.

“You can’t cut through solar panels,” North Providence Fire Chief John Silva said. “Even though they may be de-energized from the outside, they still store energy, so if we were to cut down on those panels [the voltage] could kill somebody.”

Officials said vertical ventilation is vital to remove gasses, hot air and heat during fires, but solar panels can prevent this method from being safe and effective.

“[Solar panels] make a problem for firefighters because they store energy and electricity,” Silva explained at the scene of a fire in January. “So when [crews] went on the roof for normal operations…and they discovered the solar panels, we evacuated the roof right away and worked from the inside so no one got electrocuted.”

Firefighters added that horizontal ventilation is an option in dire situations but does not work as well.

Across Rhode Island, departments are seeing the issue of solar panels arise often.

Just last week a home in Warwick reignited due to solar panel electrical components.

Despite being a hazard in some cases, Central Falls Fire Chief Scott Mello said homeowners can still utilize solar panels safely, as long as they do not cover the entire roofing of a house.

“If it is not completely covered on the roof, we can find another spot to ventilate,” Mello said. “I wouldn’t discourage anyone from doing that. Obviously in this economy they want to save some money with energy costs constantly rising.”