Executive Summary

Roof surfaces are particularly well suited for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems for energy generation. However, there is currently a lack of scientific and technical foundations on which the necessary fire safety requirements can be based.

Following the precautionary principle, this research project aims to determine which fire risks actually exist and which components of PV roof systems may contribute to fire spread. Based on the investigation results, recommendations will be derived regarding the fire safety requirements for rooftop PV installations in the vicinity of fire walls, and whether reducing the required separation distance up to the fire wall boundary influences the risk of fire propagation.

Experimental testing will be conducted to investigate whether impermissibly high temperatures develop on the surfaces of adjacent components within neighbouring fire compartments. A representative comparison of different PV system types in combination with various fire wall constructions will be developed.

The objective of the research is to determine the potential for horizontal fire spread across roofs equipped with PV systems. By establishing suitable assessment criteria, hazards can be identified and used to develop risk analyses that will serve as a basis for the reassessment of existing separation distance requirements.

Consortium

Technical University of Munich
Chair of Timber Engineering and Building Construktion

Project Team

Technical University of Munich
Chair of Timber Engineering and Building Construktion
Christine Hani, M.Sc.
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Fink

Project Duration

Start: 1 October 2024
End: 30 September 2026