US & Europe Fire Safety standard solar solutions now in Sri Lanka

JLanka Technologies in pursuit of increasing integration, energy efficiency, environmental awareness, and technological advancements through its products and services is now advocating and empowering citizens on mitigating crisis and fire safety precautions.

“For the most part, the solar power industry is unregulated,” said the Technical Manager at JLanka, Channa Mudalige. “But there is a continuing upward trend for not just commercial users but for homes to opt for solar energy solutions and it is with this in mind that we’re now advocating and empowering them with the know-how on how to better prepare themselves in the event of a fire.”

Workshop for Firefighters 

As part of this unique initiative, JLanka hosted a workshop recently at the Kadawatha Arpico Super Centre. Invited to the workshop were firefighters and security officers from the same vicinity. 

Both as a Corporate Social Responsibility and a mandate of the company itself, JLanka Technologies has been hosting a series of seminars and workshops across the country in a bid to empower citizens with know-how and understanding of solar power, solar photovoltaic (PV) and fire safety measures. 

According to Nipun Silva, Safety Engineer of JLanka Technologies, SolarEdge offers a PV power harvesting system that consists of power optimizers connected to each module, a PV inverter and module-level monitoring. Additionally, SolarEdge systems have a built-in safety feature that reduces safety risks.

When power optimizers are connected to the PV modules, the modules continue in “operation mode” only as long as a signal from the inverter is constantly renewed. 

In the absence of this signal, power optimizers automatically go into safety mode, shutting down DC current as well as voltage in module and string wires.

The SolarEdge system, with the integral SafeDC feature, ensures complete safety for firefighters working with PV modules, eliminates the risk of electrocution, and is the only inverter solution that is certified in Europe as a DC disconnect.

Comply with Global Fire Safety Standards

A solar power system protected by the SolarEdge SafeDC 

Same solar power system without the protection of SolarEdge SafeDC

In the United States, for example, the National Electric Code, NEC 2014 requires rapid shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings. As part of this requirement, DC voltage from 10 foot from the edge of the array to the inverter has to be lower than 30VDC within 10 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. The SolarEdge solution complies with this requirement. 

Another example is the German application guide, VDE- AR-E 2100-712 requires, among other things, that after switching off the AC power supply, emergency forces will not expose themselves to the risk of direct contact with DC cables, which still carry a voltage greater than 120 volts DC.

SolarEdge SafeDC™ - Superior DC Safety Solution

To get more information about JLanka fire safety solutions in solar PV installations, contact Nipun Silva, Safety Engineer of JLanka Technologies on 077 543 2065. 

For other inquires, contact 077 01234 67 or email to : support@jlankatech.com

JLanka Technologies is the next generation solution provider which has been instrumental in promoting better health conditions and productivity through redefining energy usage. Under a five-fold mission J Lanka Technologies generates clear energy, manages your electricity consumption, makes your home smarter, transforms your business and saves water through their unique products and services.