IBC SOLAR Line modules receive top rating for fire protection in Italy

IBC SOLAR  has been awarded the Italian class 1 fire protection certificate for poly- and monocrystalline modules of its own brand IBC SOLAR Line. A test laboratory accredited by the Italian Ministry of Interiors has thus confirmed the modules’ best possible fire protection behaviour. The specifications for fire protection in Italy are much stricter than the EU standard.

Since 2013, IBC SOLAR has been working with an accredited test laboratory for the analysis of fire safety classes for poly- and monocrystalline modules in the IBC SOLAR Line. Following comprehensive inspections, the highest classification “class 1”, with outstanding flammability properties, was certified for the IBC SOLAR Line module variants IBC MonoSol VL5, IBC MonoSol GX5 as well as IBC PolySol VL5 and IBC PolySol GX5.

The Italian UNI 9174 provisions for the inspection of the fire behaviour of materials under the effect of radiant heat supplement the globally valid design specification as a country-specific requirement according to IEC 61730. The inspection is divided into three protection classes. Solar modules that reach the highest fire safety class 1 with an outstanding fire safety behaviour may be installed without further proof of the properties of the spreading of fire in the roof materials.

It is the goal of IBC SOLAR to always offer the highest quality standard for all products of the IBC SOLAR Line brand throughout Europe and therefore also to reach the highest fire safety class 1 for the country-specific requirements in Italy. To this end, all necessary material components are subjected to comprehensive quality inspections ahead of time and continuously optimised with the respective component suppliers.

Alongside the front glass, the cell, the encapsulation material and the insulating foil on the back are also characterised. In the test itself the dripping behaviour, the speed of the flame spread, the afterglow and the destroyed length are assessed. The subsequent independent classification into a fire safety class is officially registered in the Italian Ministry of Interiors.