Britannia Fire launches composite solar panel block out solution in UK

Organisations in the private and public sectors are now increasingly embracing solar technology in order to power premises and reduce their carbon footprint. While this truism brings enormous environmental benefits, it also presents new safety challenges for maintenance crews and firefighters.

Solar panels generate electricity whenever they’re exposed to light and cannot simply be ‘switched off’ in an emergency. This ‘DC Danger Zone’ creates persistent electrical hazards that exist regardless of isolator switches, rapid shutdown systems or other electrical controls. PVSTOP addresses this fundamental problem by blocking the light at source, immediately preventing power generation on contact. Even with partial coverage, PVSTOP effectively breaks the electrical circuit and renders panels electrically safe.

The system allows first responders and maintenance teams to safely isolate panels in the event of a short circuit, the occurrence of storm damage or at the first signs of smoke or arcing and long before a situation can escalate out of control.

ISO 14034:2016

VSTOP is the only solar safety solution to achieve ISO 14034:2016 Environmental Technology Verification, with independent testing confirming its effectiveness. The technology has been operationally validated by major Fire and Rescue Services worldwide, including the London Fire Brigade, the Fire Department of New York and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

PVSTOP is non-flammable, fire-retardant and weatherproof and can be safely used on both wet and dry surfaces. Effective on all types of solar panels, the liquid coating solidifies and peels away easily without damaging the panels. It can remain in place for up to 12 months. Water-based and non-toxic, PVSTOP  is safe to dispose of with the general waste.

Britannia Fire’s durable composite P50 units provide the ideal delivery system for PVSTOP. Composite cylinders are up to 50% lighter than traditional steel models, making them easier to handle and transport. They’re resistant to corrosion, suitable for outdoor or coastal solar installations, fully recyclable and environmentally friendly. PVSTOP is available in 6 Litre and 9 Litre units, which don’t require costly annual servicing.

Safety solution

Jim Foran, co-founder and CEO of PVSTOP International Ltd, explained: “PVSTOP solves a problem most people don’t even know exists. Solar panels generate potentially lethal DC electricity when exposed to light, regardless of any switches or shutdown systems. Until now, there has been no practical way in which to eliminate this hazard at source. The partnership with Britannia Fire combines our proven de-energisation technology with its own composite delivery system to provide UK organisations with a genuine safety solution.”

Andy Spence, joint managing director of Britannia Fire, responded: “As the UK’s solar industry expands, safety innovation must keep pace. The partnership with PVSTOP International Ltd demonstrates Britannia Fire’s commitment to innovation and protecting people, property and the environment.”

Spence concluded: “Our composite units are popular with customers because they’re lightweight, easy to handle and require minimal maintenance. The addition of PVSTOP further strengthens our P50 product range and provides a simple and effective solar safety solution for both the public and private sectors.”