Assemblyman Schroeder Proposes Law for Buildings with Solar Panels

Aiming to protect firefighters from the dangers of buildings with solar panels, Assemblyman Bob Schroeder has proposed legislation requiring buildings to clearly label whether they have solar panels and install external shut-off switches with new systems.

“Solar energy is a great way to lower electricity bills and protect the environment, but solar panels on buildings pose an unintended threat to firefighters,” Schroeder said. “Safe firefighting requires knowledge and awareness of the situation and this bill will let emergency responders know when there’s a threat of electrocution because the building is actively harnessing power from the sun.”

Schroeder, a volunteer firefighter in Washington Township since 1980 who has twice served as fire chief, has proposed for introduction a bill, A-4288, which would require a special emblem on buildings with solar panels as well as external shut-off switches for new solar systems.

“We can have clean reliable energy without making fires any more dangerous than they already are,” Schroeder said. “As a firefighter, I know how important it is to quickly know as much as possible about a burning structure that I might have to enter. This simple preventative measure could very well save the life of one of our brave first responders.”

Editor's note: This information was provided by the New Jersey Assembly Republicans.