Albany County has gone "Green" and County departments, projects
and buildings are being reviewed in a quest for more energy efficiency.
Solar panels are among the technologies being considered for County
buildings. Solar energy is a useful and valuable source of power,
but the panels used to create solar energy are obstacles to local
firefighters when they are called to respond to fire alarms. Solar
panels cannot be shut off and generate electricity constantly when
any type of light is present, whether daylight or electronic lamp
light, thereby making electrocution one of the hazards firefighters
face when responding to structures with solar panels. Solar panels
minimize the area on a roof upon which firefighters can walk and prevent
firefighters from making ventilation holes in roofs.
Prior to the installation of solar panels on County structures,
County officials must consult with the local fire department in whose
jurisdiction the structure is located to ensure all solar panel installations
are designed with firefighting and firefighter safety in mind.
Prior to the building plans being finalized, the local fire
department be provided the manufacturer's information on the solar
panels to be installed, and plans depicting the contemplated layout
of the panels and where the electrical disconnects will be located
so the department may comment upon same.
The local fire department shall be provided copies of all "as
built" structural and electrical plans for each building where solar
panels are placed.
A placard deemed acceptable by the local fire department shall
be placed upon the County building identifying that it is equipped
with a solar energy installation and whether the type of system is
a solar thermal system or a photovoltaic system.