Many New York State University campuses are adding solar capacity to their energy portfolio. While this is clearly a positive step overall, it does present some potential problems for responding fire departments. Photovoltaic (PV) panels (which generate electricity directly from sunlight via an electronic process that occurs naturally in certain types of material) can present a potential hazard due to the sun’s energy turning into electrical energy. It is often difficult to power down the solar panels during an emergency. When there is sunlight or fire fighter lighting present, the panels will stir up electricity. Because the panels may not be completely waterproof to fire hoses, the water stream and standing water can become energized. Fire fighters across New York State are supplementing their Standard Operating Procedures to address PV panels. When installing these panels, there will be considerations made for their location and the installation of system shut down mechanisms.
Other campus news: SUNY’s annual PPAA (Physical Plant Administration Assoc.) conference is coming up next month. The interest of the PPAA is to promote the sharing of information on all phases of university and college facilities planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation, particularly with reference to issues of special interest to institutions located within the SUNY system. The program has also been instrumental in providing scholarships in support of furthering the careers of its members in the field of Facilities Management. Grants for two or more scholarships are anticipated annually. Individual financial awards would not generally exceed $2,500.00.
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