Do solar PV systems have a fire risk?

The study includes: The incidence of such fires is very low, but the study makes a number of recommendations to reduce risks. These include improvements to installation practices and to the way the fire and rescue services deal with such fires. Fire and solar PV systems: investigations and evidence: final report added.

Are solar panels causing fires?

There is 1 fatality recorded in the database, but the fire is known to have originated elsewhere in the house and not within the PV system. However, we strongly suspect a degree of under-reporting, especially amongst solar farms. Where PV systems have been the cause of fires, some themes emerge.

How did a fire affect a solar PV system?

A localised fire caused damage to areas surrounding the point of origin of the fire, mainly affecting PV system components. However, the fire did not spread beyond that or threaten the building.

Did solar panels cause a fire in Anglesey?

On 18 September 2023, a major fire related to solar panels broke out at a bungalow in Anglesey. Firefighters from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the property fire, which is part of an independent living complex run by Clwyd Alyn Housing, and later confirmed it had been caused by an electrical fault.

Are photovoltaic power systems causing fires?

There have been reports linking photovoltaic power systems (PV) with fires in the media over the past few years. With the prevalence of PV systems now in the UK, an increase in incident reports is to be expected.

When do solar PV fire reports come out?

Fire incidents related to solar PV systems tend to be seasonal, with reports typically being produced over the winter months and investigations beginning most likely in April. (Fire and Solar PV Systems – Investigations & Evidence Report No. P100874-1004 Issue 2.5)