FOOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FIRE prevention: because an update was necessary
In the last ten years, photovoltaics has spread widespread not only in large industrial plants, but also on civil, commercial and rural buildings. Castles, canopies, pergolas and integrated covers host more and more modules, with consequent increase in variables to be considered in front of fire safety.
The new guidelines have three objectives:
- standardize the technical criteria at national level;
- increase safety levels, reducing the risks of fire propagation;
- facilitate the intervention of the firefighters with prescriptions that improve accessibility and management of emergencies.
Scope
The document concerns plants with nominal voltage in continuous current ≤ 1500 V, installed in activities subject to the controls provided for by Presidential Decree 151/2011 or service of the same. Are included:
- civil, industrial and commercial buildings;
- agricultural and rural structures;
- pergolas, canopies and canopies with integrated modules;
- Solar concentration systems on chase structures.
With a circular shortly following the entry into force of the guidelines (10 September 2025 >> you can find it downloadable at the end of the article) some application aspects have been clarified: the guidelines also apply to light structures (canopies, canopies, secondary covers) and can also constitute technical reference for existing systems, which will have to adapt at least in the cases of significant interventions of modification or maintenance.
The main innovations introduced
Compared to the 2012 text, the new document introduces the most punctual requirements:
- Safety distances: more precise indications than combustible elements and eaves lines;
- Canals and wiring: laying of cables with mechanical protections and reduction of the risk of short circuits;
- Section of the circuits: detailed criteria for the installation of quick interruption devices. The circular of 10 September reiterates that these systems are fundamental to facilitate the safe intervention of the VVF;
- Documentation and maintenance: obligation of documented checks and periodic registers. The circular specifies that existing systems will also have to introduce minimum monitoring and control systems;
- Emergency procedures: Operational lines that allow the firefighters to identify and quickly isolate the circuits in tension.
Transitional regime
A fundamental chapter of the circular of 10 September 2025 concerns the transitional regime. The subjects who, on 1 September 2025, had already concretely started the procedures aimed at installation of photovoltaic systems can complete their intervention by applying the previous discipline.
The following situations, on 1 September 2025:
- activation of the procedures referred to in Presidential Decree 151/2011;
- Presentation of building wake, Cila or other building requests;
- signing of binding contracts for the supply and/or installation of the system;
- completion of the design with definitive technical specifications;
- start of installation work;
- obtaining and formal acceptance of binding quotes from qualified suppliers;
- availability of evidentiary documentation containing a certain date;
- Other legally equivalent cases.
In this way, the Ministry and Fire Brigade wanted to protect those who had already undertaken an authorization or contractual path, preventing the new prescriptions that block already consolidated projects.
Impacts for professionals
The new rules affect several figures:
- Designers: they have an updated regulatory framework, which simplifies the verification of conformity and preparation of fire -fighting practices;
- Installating companies: they are called to respect more stringent criteria of laying and testing;
- Managers and Mainners: they must adopt control registers and plan documented checks. The circular clarifies that periodic maintenance, also for plants already in operation, is now an integral part of the safety obligations;
- Activities subject to fire -fighting trail: they can count on a unique regulatory reference, which strengthens legal certainty and reduces the risk of different local interpretations.
The new packet of rules marks a decisive step forward in the management of fire risk connected to photovoltaics. The 2025 guidelines, integrated by the clarifications of the circular of 10 September, do not introduce direct obligations for citizens, but impose technicians and operators to update practices and procedures, with an integrated safety perspective and responsible energy transition.
