New fire prevention guidelines for photovoltaic systems: immediate application

On 9th July 2025, the CCTS of the Italian Fire Brigade approved the new Guidelines for photovoltaic systems, which enter into force without any transitional period from 1 September 2025.

With this decision, the Italian UNI 9177 classification is officially phased out: from now on, photovoltaic panels must be assessed according to European criteria.
 

Guide Linee

Application clarifications

 

Areas covered by the Guidelines

• Design: reduce the likelihood of fire ignition and spread, with projects documented and compliant with the state of the art.
• Installation: specific rules for different configurations (roofs, façades, pergolas, canopies, shelters, balustrades). Every new system or substantial modification requires the documentation provided for in the Ministerial Decree of 7 August 2012.
• Operation: maintain safety conditions unchanged through correct and continuous management.
• Maintenance and inspections: mandatory maintenance records, periodic thermographic inspections, and fire safety checks at least every two years or in case of system modifications/expansions.

New rules on fire performance of PV panels

The most significant change concerns the fire performance assessment of photovoltaic panels: UNI 9177 Class 1 is no longer accepted.

The new provisions allow two alternatives:

1. Class E according to EN 13501-1, as well as Broof (T1, T2, T3, T4), for panels installed on roofs classified as Broof (T3 or T4) according to EN 13501-5.

2. Class CFV according to CEI TS 82-89, to be tested in a configuration representative of the final use, with a roof portion having equal or superior performance compared to the actual roof.

These new testing methods enable a more realistic assessment of the panel–roof system, improving reliability in terms of fire safety.

Pending further clarification regarding the actual need to subject photovoltaic modules to tests according to the methodologies established for roofs and coverings (EN 13501-5 standard), even if such modules are not installed as an integral part of the roofing but exclusively as BAPV (Building-Applied Photovoltaics, i.e. supported), it is recommended to follow the requirements indicated in the guideline, in order to achieve the Broof classification in addition to class E, if you opt for the first verification method provided.

The role of Istituto Giordano

The adoption of the new Guidelines marks an important step towards alignment with European regulations and greater focus on fire prevention in photovoltaic systems.

The Fire Reaction Laboratory of Istituto Giordano carries out all the tests required by the new provisions and has also contributed to the development of the CEI TS 82-89 testing method for the classification of photovoltaic systems (BAPV) in combination with the outermost roof layer, confirming its role as a key player in the evolution of technical and safety standards.
 

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