PLAINVILLE — Solar panels on Plainville's rooftops were blamed for the weekend fire, and the panels put firefighters in a dangerous situation.
"The roof was on fire," WBZ's Charlie Marselonis said by phone. Marselonis owned the house, which is now owned by a family member. People who want to help with pain are disappointed with solar panels.
“These are relics until they burn,” Marselonis said.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, it was almost impossible to get on the roof.
"Solar panels are always exposed to the sun, and when the sun goes down, they're still getting power," Plainville Deputy Fire Chief Robert Skinner said, explaining that adding water pressure to the heavy panels contributed to the roof's collapse. lead. "It's very dangerous to have that roof and climb up there."
Energy efficient technology is new territory for Skinner and his team.
“This is the first incident we have encountered,” Skinner told WBZ, adding that his crew needs to be retrained to prepare for new incidents like this. “Everything about solar panels was new to us. I'm sure Marshall will train firefighters," Skinner said.
WBZ contacted the state fire chief, who said solar panel fires are rare. The department identified just 16 solar panel fires nationwide between 2002 and 2022, but the agency acknowledges the risks as alternative energy sources become more common.
We also contacted the energy company SunRun. They confirmed that it was the company that made the panels, but could not be reached for comment.
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