PHOTOVOLTAICO vs VVF

UNI 9177

The UNI 9177 standard is currently in force (Annex C to note prot. 6334 of 4-5-2012 of the Ministry of the Interior). This defines the fire resistance and reaction tests for the materials that make up photovoltaic modules, based on specific safety standards. Following these tests, the materials are divided into classes that guarantee the conformity of the modules. It should be emphasized that only in Italy is there a regulation of this type that identifies the fire resistance classes of photovoltaic modules, which belong to classes 1 and 2. The materials are assigned to the following classes (each one highlights a different fire behavior): 0: incombustible materials 1: non-flammable combustible materials 2: combustible materials that are difficult to ignite The value increases as the participation of the materials in combustion varies. This implies that the lower the class, the better the behavior of a combustible material in fire. If it is intended to take into account the external fire resistance class of roofs and roof coverings and the fire reaction class of the photovoltaic module (case 3/a of Annex B), the following combinations can be considered, in general, acceptable: •roofs classified as Froof and PV panel of class 1 or equivalent fire reaction; •roofs classified as Broof (T2, T3, T4) PV panel of class 2 or equivalent fire reaction, top layers of roofing (waterproofing and/or insulation packages) classified as Froof or F installed on EI 30 roofs and PV panel of class 2 or equivalent fire reaction.

ALL ABOUT PV FIRE PREVENTION

With Legislative Decree 23 September 2022 n. 144 (GU n.223 of 23.09.2022), in Art. 16 Fire prevention procedures, it is established that, following the current energy emergency, in order to facilitate the installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems on the roofs and facades of buildings serving activities subject to fire prevention controls for the pronouncement on the evaluation of complete project documentation, if necessary after installation, the terms are reduced from 60 to 30 days until 31 December 2024.

AGGRAVATION IF:

Photovoltaic systems are not included among the activities subject to fire prevention controls pursuant to Presidential Decree no. 151 of 1 August 2011 "Regulation simplifying the discipline of procedures relating to fire prevention, pursuant to Article 49 paragraph 4-quater, Legislative Decree no. 78 of 31 May 2010, converted with amendments by Law no. 122 of 30 July 2010". Generally speaking, the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system, depending on its electrical/construction characteristics and/or the relative installation methods, may lead to an increase in the pre-existing level of fire risk. The increase could materialize, for the building served, in terms of: - interference with the ventilation system of combustion products (partial/total obstruction of translucent elements, impediments to the opening of evacuators); - obstacle to the cooling/extinguishing operations of combustible roofs; - risk of flames spreading outside or inside the building (presence of pipes on the roof of a building divided into multiple compartments - change in the speed of spread of a fire in a single-compartment building). NOT ASSURANCE IF: The installation must be carried out in such a way as to avoid the spread of a fire from the photovoltaic generator to the building in which it is incorporated. This condition is considered to be met if the photovoltaic system, incorporated into a construction work, is installed on non-combustible roofing and/or façade structures and elements (Class 0 according to Ministerial Decree 26/06/1984 or Class A1 according to Ministerial Decree 10/03/2005). It is also equivalent to place a layer of fire-resistant material of at least El 30 and non-combustible (Class 0 according to Ministerial Decree 26/06/1984 or Class A1 according to Ministerial Decree 10/03/2005) between the photovoltaic modules and the support surface.

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS - FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS

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MODULO: Installazione impianti fotovoltaici

Installazione impianti fotovoltaici (da 07/02/2012)

in attività soggette al DPR151

SCIA con dichiarazione di non aggravio

BORDER LINE SITUATIONS - WHERE TO INSTALL AN EI30 LAYER

The Ventilated Roof adopts advanced technology in the field of roof insulation and is mainly used in the construction of habitable attics. It is composed of a panel of insulating material made of closed-cell sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS). It is self-extinguishing, non-toxic, hygienic and does not deteriorate over time, shaped with protruding supports to create ventilation channels and is coupled with a sheet of multilayered wood with crossed flakes of long phenolic-type fibre (OSB/3). The OSB/3 sheet is pre-treated with anti-mold, anti-woodworm and water-repellent resins, is very resistant to compression, can be walked on during installation and is incompressible by the weight of the roofing materials normally used (terracotta tiles, concrete tiles, Canadian tiles, etc.). The special shaping of the insulation panel allows the creation of a ventilation chamber between the insulation and the phenolic wood which acts as a support for the roofing. The constant and consistent circulation of air that is created inside the panel removes the heat transmitted by the roof covering, protecting the underlying layers from overheating. This ventilation increases and strengthens the characteristics of the insulation by expelling heat from the ridge of the roof, thus obtaining a reduction in the temperature in the rooms below of 8-10°C. In addition to the risk assessment to be carried out "taking into account the external fire resistance class of roofs and roof coverings and the fire reaction class of the photovoltaic module", other assessments aimed at demonstrating the achievement of the objectives of the guide are admissible. If it is intended to take into account the external fire resistance class of roofs and roof coverings and the fire reaction class of the photovoltaic module (case 3/a of Annex B), the following combinations can be considered, in general, acceptable: •roofs classified as Froof and PV panel of class 1 or equivalent fire reaction; •roofs classified as Broof (T2, T3, T4) and PV panel of class 2 or equivalent fire reaction; •top covering layers (waterproofing and/or insulation packages) classified as Froof or F installed on EI 30 roofs and PV panel of class 2 or equivalent fire reaction. The classification of roofs and roof coverings must refer to the applicable conformity attestation procedures (CE marking) or, in their absence, the manufacturer's declaration based on a test report issued by an Italian laboratory authorised pursuant to the decree of the Ministry of the Interior of 26 March 1985, or another laboratory recognised in one of the European Union countries or countries contracting the EEA agreement. For the purposes of assessing the external fire resistance class of roofs and roof coverings, it should be noted that the 1st version of UNI CEN /TS 1187 was published in February 2012 to replace UNI ENV 1187:2007 cited in the technical guide. For information purposes, please note that the European Commission decisions 2001/671/EC (GUCE L 235 of 4 September 2001) and 2005/823/EC (GUCE L 307 of 25 November 2005) report the classification system for the external fire resistance of roofs and roof coverings. For the purposes of assessing the reaction to fire class of the photovoltaic panel, please note that a specific resolution was issued on 28 March 2012 by Area V of the DCPST - Fire reaction sector, on the methods of carrying out reaction to fire tests on PV panels. (Annex C). The resolution requires laboratories to issue a specific test certificate in which the use will be indicated as "PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL". The test certificate is linked to the panel itself and not to the place of use. The risk assessments must be signed by qualified technicians registered in the lists of the Ministry of the Interior.

Checking the installation of an EI 30 panel under photovoltaic panels on a roof with the following stratigraphy: •Roofing: insulated corrugated sheet metal•Insulation: Polyurethane (PU) Rock wool (5 cm) requires the analysis of various regulatory and technical aspects. Here are the main points to consider: 1. Checking the EI 30 Fire Resistance EI 30 indicates a fire resistance of 30 minutes in terms of tightness (E) and thermal insulation (I). The EI 30 panel must be certified according to current regulations (e.g. UNI EN 1365-2 for roofs). Its installation under photovoltaic panels must guarantee continuity of passive protection against fire. 2. Compatibility with the Roof Stratigraphy Corrugated sheet metal: the presence of a cavity under the sheet metal can influence the behavior in the event of a fire. PU Rock Wool: Polyurethane is combustible and may promote fire spread, while rock wool is non-combustible and helps protect against fire. It is necessary to check whether the installation of the EI 30 panel creates thermal bridges or discontinuities in protection. 3. Local Regulations and Requirements Check compliance with local fire regulations (e.g. DM 03/08/2015 in Italy for activities subject to the Fire Brigade). If the photovoltaic system exceeds 20 kW, specific compartmentation requirements may be required. 4. Installation and Fixing The EI 30 panel must be adequately anchored to the structure to maintain its fire barrier function. Consider safety distances between the PV panels and the EI 30 panel to avoid overheating. 5. Possible System Approval It is recommended to check whether the complete system (roofing EI 30 panels PV system) has already been tested and certified as a single solution. If no certification exists, specific tests may be required to ensure compliance. Risk assessments must be signed by qualified technicians registered in the lists of the Ministry of the Interior.