How to minimise fire risk from solar PV systems?

The solar industry welcomes clarity on how to minimise fire risk from solar PV systems, which in absolute terms is extremely low. “The core way to mitigate any risk is to ensure the highest possible quality in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar systems.

Are photovoltaic power systems causing fires?

Over the past few years, there have been a number of media reports linking photovoltaic power systems (PV) with fire. With the prevalence of PV systems now in the UK, an increase in incident reports is to be expected.

Does a solar PV system have a sop for a fire?

Of the 23 FRS included in the database, 17 confirmed that they have SOPs (or other guidance) for dealing with fires on properties with solar PV systems, however this was inconsistently reported across incidents involving the same FRS. Only one FRS specifically advised that they did not have any guidance for this situation (PVF0056).

Do PV systems cause fires?

Therefore, the reliability of PV systems is very high, resulting in a low frequency of documented fires. However, when the numbers of existing and planned PV systems are considered, even with a very high reliability and low failure rate, the potential for PV fires remains significant.

Does a PV system slow down a fire?

For 6 incidents where the fire had spread, or was more than just a localised event, FRSs reported that, regardless of whether the PV system was involved in the fire or not, the presence of PV slowed down their progress in dealing with the fire.

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.