Lithium Batteries and Solar Panel Safety Precautions

Lithium batteries and solar technology have become integral to modern homes and lifestyles.

It’s not surprising that everyone has welcomed lithium batteries as they offer numerous benefits such as:

  • High energy density
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Long life cycle and durable
  • Fast charging capability (compared to other battery technologies)
  • Low self-discharge rates
  • Consistent voltage output

Solar technology is well known in South Africa for its ability to provide power when none is available.

However, for those who have combined the two technologies in an alternative home power solution, knowing what precautions to take when something goes wrong is vital.

But what are the safety risks of these technologies?

 

Dangers of Lithium

Lithium batteries are usually incredibly safe, and their devices have several fail safes to ensure they don’t fail. But in rare circumstances, they can be incredibly dangerous, as lithium batteries can burn or even explode.

There are currently three types of lithium batteries, which include the following:

  • Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
  • Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄)
  • And Lithium Polymer (LiPo)

Each of these batteries is used in its segment of modern technology.

However, lithium fires, usually involving Li-ion or LiFePO₄ batteries, can burn for several hours, depending on the size, severity, surrounding conditions, and the battery’s energy capacity.

Lithium batteries can also undergo a process called thermal runaway. During a thermal runaway, an uncontrollable increase in temperature sets off a chain reaction between battery cells, causing them to burn.

A thermal runaway fire can continue until it is controlled or the cells have discharged their energy.

Even if a lithium fire is extinguished, it can re-ignite if introduced to a minor heat source. The unpredictability of a fire fuelled by lithium means when emergency services extinguish it, they monitor it for several hours to guarantee it has cooled down and won’t flare up again.

To suppress a lithium fire, you will need to use dry powder (or a fire extinguisher) or sand. However, this is only to help reduce the burn time, not to put it out completely.

Water can suppress specific LiFePO₄ batteries. However, we strongly recommend against using H2O.

Primary lithium (used in certain non-rechargeable batteries) is highly reactive with water, is flammable when exposed to air, and requires specialised extinguishing agents to suppress. While not commonly used, rather don’t take the unnecessary risk.

With our need for electricity on the go, we ignore all the safety protocols that should be exercised. If these precautionary steps aren’t taken, installing large lithium batteries into our homes can be a huge problem.

Also, lithium batteries contain numerous hazardous chemicals, like:

  • Lithium cobalt oxide (generally toxic)
  • Electrolyte solvents (highly corrosive)
  • And fluorinated compounds (highly corrosive)

These chemicals are released when a lithium battery catches fire or cracks open.

If you ever witness a lithium fire, avoid the smoke and move far away before calling emergency services.

 

Dangers Of Solar Panels

Although your home’s solar panels are considered incredibly safe, they can be dangerous and challenging to manage under the right circumstances.

A significant concern with solar panels is that they automatically generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. Even if unplugged, they can store residual electricity, which can be problematic when installing or cleaning them.

If solar panels are incorrectly installed or fitted with damaged wires, any exposed metal can create an electrical arc flash if provided with a live current.

An arc flash is when a visible electric energy spark jumps between two points with an air (or any other conductive medium) gap in between.

These arc flashes create heat, light, and sometimes a hissing or buzzing sound. However, the heat can ignite a nearby flammable medium, such as plastic casings.

The primary issue with a solar panel fire caused by an arc flash is that until the solar panels are unplugged, they will continue to provide a live current, which can electrocute those trying to extinguish a fire.

To extinguish a fire caused by an electrical arc fed by a solar panel, you must use dry powder (or a fire extinguisher) or sand. Water will extinguish the flames, but the area could have an exposed live current wire, which is a major electrocution risk.

Knowing how to deal with a solar panel or lithium battery issue is incredibly valuable when they fail in rare circumstances.

However, it is always better to take precautionary steps if you have invested in both technologies and installed them in your home.

 

Lithium Batteries Safety

It’s always better to take every safety precaution when using lithium batteries. Here are a few safety precautions to remember:

1. Avoid Overcharging and Deep Discharging:

Most devices will have a Battery Management System (BMS) to ensure lithium batteries aren’t overcharged or discharged below safe levels.

To assist the BMS in doing its job effectively, or if you’re using a device you suspect doesn’t have a smart monitoring system, adopt habits such as not leaving batteries to charge overnight or plugging in until needed.

Leaving batteries to charge for extended periods will overcharge them unless there is a protection cut-off charge feature.

If you can manage it, avoid using the lithium battery-powered device until it is flat. Instead, recharge your battery or the device before it drops below 20%.

2. Prevent Physical Damage:

Like any battery, avoid dropping or puncturing lithium batteries. When lithium batteries are physically damaged, the impact can cause internal short circuits, which can cause situations like thermal runaways.

While you’ll unlikely see the terminals of a lithium battery, ensure they are covered when not in use to prevent damage.

But, if you do accidentally drop a lithium battery, inspect it thoroughly before using it again. Also, if you’re ever in doubt, take it to a professional to confirm whether it is safe to use or dispose of it correctly.

3. Keep Batteries Cool:

All batteries are temperature-sensitive. If you’ve left your cellphone in the sun for too long, you would have noticed it turns itself off and recommends moving it to a cool spot.

Excessive heat degrades lithium cells, and if they are repeatedly allowed to reach an undesirable temperature, the risk of thermal runaway increases.

When placing your lithium batteries anywhere, avoid putting them in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Also, make sure that your battery is stored in an area with good ventilation and is cool.

4. Monitor Charging:

When charging your lithium battery or powered device, use the charger provided by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer would have had to meet strict regulations when designing and fabricating their charger. Also, don’t skimp on quality or brand. As the expression goes, “Penny wise and pound foolish”.

As a general habit, avoid leaving batteries unattended during charging. Or be in close proximity to it so that if something does go wrong, you can effectively deal with the issue.

5. Store Batteries Safely:

When not in use, lithium batteries and devices powered by it should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a fireproof storage box, away from flammable materials.

6. Dispose of Batteries Properly:

When it comes time to dispose of lithium batteries and devices powered by them, these items must be dropped off at a designated recycling facility. Due to the flammability and toxicity of their materials, lithium is highly problematic if thrown into a regular landfill.

Now that we’ve spoken about lithium batteries, let’s focus on solar panels.

 

Solar Panel Safety

There are several precautions you must follow when installing your solar panels to ensure that they are safe to use. These safety protocols include the following:

1. Install with Qualified Technicians:

Before hiring a solar installer, always ask if they have the proper certification.

There are two routes to becoming an accredited solar installer in South Africa. The first is to qualify as an electrician, which do to so you need the following credentials:

  • A national exam
  • A trade test
  • Register with the Department of Labour (DoL)
  • And possess a Wireman’s License

After achieving these qualifications, electricians can specialise in solar by applying for a PV GreenCard from two national solar regulation bodies: the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA).

However, the second route, for those who want to get hands-on experience and learn on the job from a qualified electrician, a PV Solar Training course is a good option.

As a homeowner, make sure to ask if the technician you’ve hired has a PV GreenCard

2. Use Appropriate Fuses and Breakers:

Your solar panels are always on when the sun is shining. This simple fact means you need to be sure you’re using suitable fuses and breakers to prevent electricity from flowing from the panels into your system’s inverter.

If you don’t use the correct components, it can be disastrous, as your fail-safe could become an issue.

3. Grounding and Bonding:

With all electrical work, it is essential to ensure all components are properly grounded to avoid shock hazards and protect against lightning strikes.

Also, if wires are poorly connected, this can be an issue when they can short-circuit.

4. Fire Safety Planning:

In the unlikely event of a fire, having a fire extinguisher near the solar installation that is rated for electrical fires will make a significant difference.

Also, make sure everyone in the home knows emergency shutoff procedures.

You can always contact us if you’re overwhelmed by all this information and need help understanding some elements.

 

Talk To Rentech

Rentech has been a dedicated provider of renewable energy products and services since 2001.

We’re focused on supplying you with only the best products, which include:

Also, we offer complete (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) EPC Solution services for solar installations.

With our extensive experience in the field, we’re more than qualified to answer your questions.