Health and Safety

Fire safety is an important consideration when adopting solar panels and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Solar panels (also called photovoltaic or PV systems) are generally low risk, with most fire concerns related to electrical components like wiring and inverters rather than the panels themselves. When properly designed, professionally installed, and inspected according to established safety standards, solar systems are considered safe and widely used. Battery energy storage systems carry a slightly higher fire risk because of the potential for “thermal runaway,” where battery cells can overheat and ignite, but modern systems are built with safety features, monitoring technology, and fire detection and suppression measures to reduce this risk. Clear safety standards, professional installation, regular maintenance, and coordination with local fire departments help ensure both technologies operate safely and protect the public and first responders.

Stray voltage is a low-level electrical discharge from grounded metal objects that can be a concern for livestock, but solar projects generally do not create stray voltage. Safety standards such as Section 690 of the National Electrical Code are specifically designed to address proper wiring and grounding to eliminate this risk. In Wisconsin, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has established a stray voltage testing protocol and requires solar developers to outline any plans for pre- and post-construction stray voltage testing in their Solar Energy Projects Application Filing Requirements.