When we talk about solar energy, what comes to our mind is saving money and green
energy. However, many people do not realize the dangers that caused by solar energy. Solar energy can cause fires that burn up to twenty-nine hours and release a dangerous chemical that could poison people to death. Solar panels also put firefighters at risk, because the electricity inthe panel may block their body’s neurons from working when they get too close to the fire.These are just a few examples of solar energy. There are more dangers that exist in the solarpanels. Solar panels are made by a photovoltaic cell. It is the main material that collects sunlightand transfers energy for general use. But the PV cells are very sensitive to sunlight, and can become overpowered and cause fires. As more people install solar panels, the number offirefighters’ safety codes increases, especially in areas like Africa or areas where days are longer than night. Daytime is the best time zone for solar panels to collect sunlight. |
But it is also thethe worst time for solar panels, because most solar panel fires happen during afternoon, becausethat is when people tend to use the most power and the sun is at its highest point. People may ask, how does the fire happen? So for example,when we use computers, they can over-heat when used for a long periods of time. Solar panel technology is a little bit different than computers.
We can shutdown the computer and give it a rest, but solar panels are energized all the time, and are continually collecting energy. Even during the night time or when the system turned off, the solar panel is still being energized. Because the solar panel continues to collecting sunlight, even there are less sunlight during the night. Following the fire case numbers are increase, fire departments have suggest solutions to these problems, such as covering the roof to avoid too much sunlight; or creating a hole on the 2 roof for ventilation. While these solutions are good, they are not always in effect. For instance, it is impossible for large farms to cover all their roofs or for firefighters to create ventilation on them. Solar energy still needs to improve more to solve these issues. Before we plan to install solar energy systems in our homes or businesses, we need to think deeply and research information to gain knowledge about the system to avoid casualties and fires. We want a technology that can ensure our health, safety and environment; not a technology that may cause damages. |