Tiếng ViệtAs solar power develops vigorously in Vietnam, the issue of fire prevention and fighting (FPF) during system installation and operation has become a primary concern. According to official guidance from the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department (under the Ministry of Public Security), solar power projects on the roofs of specific facilities—such as export processing zones, industrial parks, universities, museums, and airports—must have their FPF designs appraised in accordance with Decree 79/2014.
For projects not on this list, a formal FPF design appraisal is not mandatory. However, project owners must still comply with official guidelines and recommendations to ensure safety during operation.
Considerations for Panel Selection and Layout
The Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department advises that thin-film solar panels generally pose a higher fire risk than crystalline-type panels. Therefore, businesses and households should prioritize the use of crystalline panels to mitigate this risk.
Additionally, panel systems should be divided into groups or arrays with dimensions not exceeding 40 x 40 meters, and a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between each group. In areas designated as rooftop escape routes, particularly near stairwells, panels must not be installed within a 3-meter radius. Furthermore, panels must never be installed on roofs made of flammable materials.
National Fire Safety Standards for Compliance
To ensure safety, solar power systems must comply with current national standards:
- TCVN 9385:2012 on lightning protection for construction works: Requires the design, inspection, and maintenance of lightning protection systems according to standards.
- TCVN 3890:2009 on the provision of fire-fighting equipment: Requires that the facility be equipped with suitably located portable fire extinguishers.
Furthermore, both DC and AC power cables must be fitted with surge protection devices to safeguard electronic equipment against abnormal voltage spikes.
Installation and Maintenance Requirements for Rooftop Solar Systems
During construction, all solar panels and metal mounting racks must be safely grounded and integrated with the building’s lightning protection system. For installations on roofs 20 meters or higher, at least two independent grounding conductors are required to ensure effective protection.
For homes or buildings containing highly flammable or explosive materials, the installation of a solar power system must be considered with extreme care and supplemented with additional FPF measures. The project owner must retain all design documents, drawings, and technical materials to facilitate maintenance, repairs, or incident response when necessary.
Ensuring FPF safety is not only the responsibility of state management agencies but also depends heavily on the awareness of the project owner and the installation company. The project owner must select a reputable contractor with professional certification in solar energy system installation and closely supervise the construction process. Meanwhile, the installation company must commit to adhering to all technical standards, conducting proper acceptance testing, and handing over complete technical documentation to the client.
Ensuring Fire Safety is the Foundation for Sustainable Development
It is clear that FPF is not just a legal requirement but also a critical factor determining the safety and sustainability of solar power projects. Strict compliance with regulations, combined with a proactive mindset from both the project owner and the contractor, will help minimize the risk of fire and explosion, thereby protecting the facility and its occupants.
As Vietnam accelerates the development of renewable energy, the rigorous implementation of FPF regulations will serve as the foundation for the solar power industry to grow safely, effectively, and sustainably in the long term.
With a vision to be a pioneering enterprise in the renewable energy sector, INS Energy not only focuses on solutions that optimize performance but also places fire prevention and safety at the forefront of every project. The company is committed to providing clients with solar power systems that are both sustainable and safe, fully meeting all national standards.
If you are a client or partner seeking an effective, safe, and long-term solar energy solution, please connect with INS Energy for the most detailed and professional consultation.