Navigating Fire Safety Considerations for Solar Panel Installations on California Parking Structures and Rooftops

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A guide to leveraging CFD modeling to comply with California Building Code fire protection exemptions for photovoltaic systems on rooftop parking structures and occupied buildings

By Francisco Kang, PE

As California continues to lead the way in renewable energy adoption, commercial buildings are increasingly incorporating solar panels on top of their parking garages. These photovoltaic (PV) structures are typically built above the existing rooftop parking level, providing both energy generation and shade for vehicles. While the California Building Code (CBC) offers considerable flexibility in installing these structures, specific stipulations must be met, particularly concerning fire protection requirements.

One of the most critical concerns is fire sprinkler protection. The CBC allows exceptions for fire sprinkler installation if it can be demonstrated that heat and smoke will be sufficiently ventilated. In CBC’s 2022 edition, Chapter 9—Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems Section 903.3.1.1.3 permits the omission of sprinkler protection beneath PV structures, provided it can be shown that heat and gases can effectively escape. Additionally, CBC Section 602.1 allows the same exceptions for passive fire protection of the photovoltaic (PV) structural elements if sufficient ventilation is provided.

MEETING FIRE SPRINKLER AND PASSSIVE FIRE PROTECTION EXCEPTIONS WITH CFD MODELING

Building owners looking to qualify for fire sprinkler and passive fire protection exceptions must show that their rooftop solar installations meet the ventilation and heat dispersion requirements outlined in the California Building Code. This is where TERPconsulting’s fire protection engineering expertise becomes invaluable.

The modeling experts at TERPconsulting utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, specifically Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), to analyze the thermal exposure and venting characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) structures. By conducting a Thermal Exposure and Venting Analysis, our team can assess the ability of heat and smoke to dissipate, ensuring compliance with CBC Section 903.3.1.1.3, Item 2, and Section 602.1.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF CBC SECTIONS 903.3.1.1.3 AND 602.1?

The CBC indicates that what constitutes sufficient heat and gas ventilation should be defined and determined by the enforcing Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Therefore, these requirements may vary within each jurisdiction. However, to qualify for sprinkler and passive fire protection exemptions under these provisions, building owners must typically demonstrate that:

• The heat and smoke produced during a fire can rise and escape without significant obstruction.
• The PV structure does not trap heat or contribute to excessive fire spread.
• The materials used in the structure do not require additional protection to maintain structural integrity in a fire scenario.

Using CFD modeling, TERPconsulting’s modeling experts can provide a detailed fire dynamics assessment that illustrates compliance with these requirements. Our analysis helps:

• Measure temperature and smoke levels beneath and around the PV structure to assess the buildup of heat and smoke.
• Measure the temperature of structural members and evaluate it against the appropriate performance criteria.

BENEFITS OF CFD FIRE MODELING FOR SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS

Investing in a professional CFD analysis offers several advantages to building owners and developers:

1. Cost Savings – By demonstrating compliance with ventilation requirements, property owners can avoid the costly installation and maintenance of unnecessary fire sprinkler systems and passive fire protection.
2. Regulatory Compliance – TERPconsulting’s CFD modeling expertise ensures that installations meet both CBC requirements and local fire department interpretations, reducing the risk of project delays or required retrofits.
3. Optimized Design – TERPconsulting’s analysis helps refine solar panel support structures to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
4. Fire Risk Reduction – By understanding smoke and heat behavior, building owners can make informed decisions about additional safety measures if needed.

FINDING FIRE MODELING SOLUTIONS

TERPconsulting’s team of experienced fire protection engineers specializes in helping commercial property owners navigate complex fire safety regulations. Our expertise in CFD modeling and fire dynamics allows us to provide clear, evidence-based justifications for fire sprinkler exemptions in solar panel installations.

If you plan to install PV structures on a parking garage and need to assess compliance with CBC Section 903.3.1.1.3, contact TERPconsulting today. Our modeling solutions can help you achieve a safe, code-compliant, cost-effective solar installation for your commercial property.

Francisco Kang, PE, is a modeling analysis whiz with a mastery of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) who has managed performance-based design and fire, smoke, and egress modeling projects for high-profile projects in various occupancies in jurisdictions spanning from coast to coast. To find out how modeling can benefit your project, contact Francisco Kang, PE. 

Photos courtesy of Cal Solar, Inc. 

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