How To Ensure Safety at Rooftop Solar Power Plants

By-Rishikesh Mishra and Lanvin Concessao

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including health, are intrinsically intertwined with access to energy, highlighting the potential of clean energy solutions in improving health and human development outcomes. Various programs are seeking to electrify 98,000 health facilities across the world, using clean and decentralized renewable energy solutions, primarily solar power and battery-based energy storage. In India alone, commitments to solarize over 25,000 health facilities by 2026 have raised ambition. The rapid pace of installation necessitates stringent safety protocols to ensure the protection of personnel, the longevity of the assets and the integrity of the installations.

These insights are drawn from WRI India’s research on the solarizing of 26 healthcare facilities, in the states of Assam, Jharkhand and Maharashtra, which are a part of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), in collaboration with HSBC India.

Safety protocols and measures 

Effective training, the use of proper safety equipment, regular maintenance checks and adherence to rigorous safety guidelines are essential to mitigate risks associated with the installation and maintenance of solar power systems and batteries. Key aspects of safety in rooftop solar installations include emergency operation of inverters and plants, as well as routine maintenance of solar panels, inverters and batteries.

Routine maintenance – batteries and solar panels

Lead-acid batteries are predominantly used as energy storage solutions in India due to their easy availability and low costs. For optimal performance and longevity, adding distilled water to the lead-acid batteries at regular intervals, based on usage and surrounding temperature, is critical since increasing temperatures cause the distilled water in the batteries to evaporate quickly. To avoid this, batteries in hotter climates should be kept in relatively cooler areas of the building, away from direct sunlight and with proper ventilation. Safety protocols for filling distilled water in lead-acid batteries involve carefully shutting down the solar energy system to allow the batteries to cool down. The use of protective gear like safety goggles, gloves, etc., while refilling distilled water in the batteries is recommended.

Lead-acid battery markers as seen at Jyoti Niwas Dispensary, Wani, Maharashtra. The green line marker on top indicates that this battery has enough water, while the red line marker at the bottom indicates battery top-up is required. Photograph: Akshay Ingle/WRI India

To overcome some of the maintenance-related challenges associated with flooded lead-acid batteries, new battery technologies such as valve-regulated lead–acid (VRLA) battery or lithium-ion batteries are now becoming more common. These are relatively maintenance-free and do not need distilled water top-ups. However, the upfront cost of these batteries is relatively higher.

Solar panels, on the other hand, need to be kept clean of dirt, dust and debris, which can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells thereby reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning ensures that panels can absorb maximum sunlight, which helps maximize their energy output.

Freshly cleaned solar panels can be seen in the foreground, while the ones in the background are yet to be cleaned, at Christ Hospital, Chandrapur, Maharashtra Photograph: Akshay Ingle/WRI India

For their overall safety, it is recommended that solar panels be cleaned safely with proper safety equipment during early morning or evening hours – when the temperature of the solar panels is lower. This prevents any damage to the panels, reduces the formation of residue on the panels and prevents any heat-related accidents. The cleaning frequency can vary depending on the location – dusty areas may require everyday cleaning, while cleaner environments may need cleaning less often.

Earthing 

Effective earthing prevents electrical hazards by directing fault currents to the ground, minimizing the risk of electric shocks and fire. Compliance with Indian standards such as IS 3043 ensures robust earthing systems tailored to specific needs. It also helps mitigate risks associated with electric shocks, lightning strikes and prevents equipment damage.

Healthcare facilities must implement low-resistance earthing to protect sensitive medical equipment from voltage surges and ensure uninterrupted operation. Proper earthing also enhances the overall reliability and efficiency of solar PV systems by stabilizing voltage levels and reducing electrical noise.

Lightning arresters 

Lightning arresters are crucial for protecting equipment from electrical surges. These devices, also known as surge diverters, work by directing high voltage to the ground during lightning strikes to prevent damage to vital equipment and ensure power supply continuity.

Arresters provide a safe path for the surge and act as a detour for harmful electricity. Proper placement and compliance with relevant standards can ensure their efficacy and reliability.

Marking of danger signs and fire safety

Installing danger boards and fire extinguishers in the inverter/battery room is an essential safety measure. Additionally, installing suppression systems, which typically include fire detectors, alarms, extinguishers, etc., should be considered. Staff members also need to undergo fire safety training to equip themselves in the event of unanticipated fire breakouts. Adherence to local regulations like the National Building Code of India and relevant Bureau of Indian Standards is essential.

Emergency response and first aid

Emergency preparedness is a critical component for ensuring that everyone on site knows how to react in case of an accident to help minimize potential injuries. This includes having readily accessible first aid kits, fire extinguishers and sand buckets. Training staff and preparing them for possible emergencies could include procedures like system shutdown processes relevant to the solar plants. Health facilities are typically equipped with first aid kits that might be required in such scenarios.

Monitoring and maintenance safety

Routine inspections and maintenance are integral to ensuring the durability of solar PV systems but must be carried out with caution. As discussed in the previous article, remote monitoring systems (RMS) can provide real-time data, reducing the need for frequent physical inspections. When on-site visits are necessary, strict adherence to safety guidelines is imperative.

Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As in large-scale projects, the use of PPE in off-grid/hybrid solar plants is mandatory. Helmets, harnesses, gloves and non-slip footwear should be mandatory for all personnel working on rooftop solar installations.

While many solar PV systems/panels are installed on flat roofs that are easily accessible, there are many cases where tin sheds, sloping roofs or inaccessible locations are used for such installations. In these cases, the secure use of ladders and proper scaffolding is essential to prevent accidents during regular checks.

Ensuring higher standards of safety in rooftop solar installations involves efforts by both the users and vendors. On the health facility end, there is a need to ensure healthcare staff are aware of and comfortable using PPE. The vendor, on the other end, needs to ensure safety costs are incorporated upfront in project budgets and consumers are offered clarity on the need for robust safety protocols to maintain these plants effectively.

Training and capacity building

Conducting extensive training sessions for end users should be an integral component of post-installation processes. Our training, which covered 363 individuals (221 female and 142 male) over the last three years, focused on the safe handling of solar equipment, emergency response procedures and the use of PPE.

Staff training should not just be a one-off event but an ongoing process. It is crucial for energy enterprises to continually refresh staff understanding of safety protocols during their visits to health facilities. Training material should be user-friendly, avoiding excessive jargon and focusing on practical applications with images for better understanding. Providing instruction manuals in vernacular languages can also simplify this for the intended user.

Every on-site activity should be meticulously recorded, ensuring that all safety procedures are followed, and any issues are promptly addressed. This documentation not only helps in maintaining a high safety standard but also provides a valuable reference for future O&M activities.

Safety is not just about preventing accidents. Effective practices that prioritize safety can significantly extend the lifespan of solar installations. Technology solutions such as DRE can multi-solve development objectives by improving the lives of people and enabling an equitable energy transition. Effective practices such as energy system monitoring, measurement and safety can enhance the performance and sustainability of health facility electrification programs and DRE projects at large.

Rishikesh Mishra and Lanvin Concessao are both Program Managers in energy at WRI India. Views are personal.