Solar panels have become increasingly popular as homeowners and businesses seek clean, renewable energy solutions. However, with this growth comes important safety considerations—including the rare but serious risk of solar panel fires. While the overall fire risk is extremely low, understanding what causes solar panels to catch fire is crucial for protecting your property and maximizing your investment.
Bottom Line Up Front: Solar panel fires are extremely rare (affecting only 0.006% of systems), but when they occur, poor installation practices account for 50% of incidents. The good news? Nearly all solar panel fires are preventable through proper installation, quality components, and regular maintenance.
Understanding Solar Panel Fire Risk: The Real Statistics
Before diving into causes, let’s put the risk in perspective. According to government data, in the UK there were 66 fires caused by solar panels in the first half of 2023, compared to over 1.4 million properties with solar installations. A study in Germany found that out of 1.4 million solar power systems, only 0.006% were linked to fire incidents.
The apparent increase in solar panel fire reports isn’t due to the technology becoming more dangerous—it’s simply because the number of households adopting solar has skyrocketed. Between 2018 and 2023, global solar capacity tripled. As one industry expert noted, “As an industry, we didn’t start installing solar panels on a large scale until 2013 or 2014. Those systems that are not being maintained are hitting 10 to 12 years old and it is some of these that are causing fires.”
Top 6 Causes of Solar Panel Fires
1. Poor Installation Practices (Leading Cause)
The most significant factor: A 2022 study from the University of Edinburgh found that 50% of solar panel fires are caused by internal issues stemming from faulty installations. Poor installation practices create multiple fire hazards:
Common Installation Errors:
- Faulty wiring and loose electrical connections
- Improper grounding of the system
- Inadequate ventilation around panels
- Incorrect sizing of cables and components
- Poor junction box assembly and connector seaming
When electrical connections aren’t properly secured, they create resistance that generates heat. Over time, this can cause wires to overheat, melt insulation, and potentially ignite surrounding materials.
The Professional Installation Solution: As Alistair Bambrook, risk management director at Towergate, noted: “If solar panels are installed correctly by a certified installer and regularly maintained, they should operate effectively with few issues. Problems arise when panels are installed incorrectly, using poor-quality components, or when electrical connections are not secured properly.”
2. Electrical Faults and Arc Faults
Electrical problems are responsible for a significant portion of solar panel fires. According to the International Association for Fire Safety Science, faulty electrical connections are responsible for nearly 25% of PV-related fires.
Key Electrical Hazards:
- DC Arc Faults: High-voltage DC current ‘jumps’ through the air when two conductors are close enough together. The heat from a DC arc can get so hot, the surrounding material can easily catch fire.
- Ground Faults: Electricity flowing where it shouldn’t, creating dangerous heating.
- Short Circuits: Direct electrical contact causing immediate overheating.
- Inverter Malfunctions: The heart of your solar system can overheat and potentially ignite.
The challenge with DC systems is that once an arc fault is triggered, it can be difficult to stop because the voltage in DC systems is constant, and you have to be able to interrupt the circuit or the arcing will continue.
3. Hot Spots from Shading and Debris
Hot spots represent one of the most common degradation modes in solar panels. A hot spot is a localized area of a solar panel that overheats due to obstruction or shading, causing the panel to generate heat instead of electricity.
What Causes Hot Spots:
- Partial shading from trees, buildings, or equipment
- Debris accumulation (leaves, bird droppings, dust)
- Manufacturing defects in individual cells
- Cell mismatches within the panel
The Physics Behind Hot Spots: When debris partially shades a panel, the affected cells act as resistors rather than conductors, causing an obstruction to the current. This results in localized overheating, which can eventually cause a fire if left unaddressed.
The Concerning Reality: Once a hot spot forms, it tends to worsen over time, as heat continues to concentrate in that area, eventually damaging the panel irreparably.
4. Component Defects and Equipment Failure
Manufacturing defects and low-quality components significantly increase fire risk. Several areas are particularly vulnerable:
Critical Component Issues:
- Junction Box Problems: Located on the back of panels, these connection points are prone to failure if poorly manufactured.
- Faulty Bypass Diodes: When these safety devices fail, they can’t prevent reverse current flow.
- Inverter Defects: Can cause overheating and electrical faults.
- Poor Quality Backsheets: Inadequate insulation materials that can’t handle heat buildup.
Historical Context: There have been notable cases of widespread component failures, such as fire incidents reported in 2012 in relation to photovoltaic installations equipped with defective Scheuten Multisol® modules manufactured between September 2009 and October 2010.
5. Environmental Factors
External conditions can create or exacerbate fire risks:
Environmental Threats:
- Extreme Heat: Can cause insulation breakdown and component degradation.
- Moisture Infiltration: Leads to corrosion and electrical faults.
- Lightning Strikes: Can damage electrical components.
- High Winds: May loosen connections or damage mounting systems.
- Nearby Fires: Can spread to solar installations.
In very hot climates, overheating can lead to insulation breakdown and electrical faults, while moisture can compromise the integrity of electrical connections.
6. Aging Systems and Lack of Maintenance
As solar systems age, the risk of failure increases without proper maintenance. Studies show that aged PV modules are more prone to faults that increase fire risk. After 20 years, the probability of failure can increase by up to 15% if regular maintenance is not conducted.
Age-Related Risk Factors:
- Degraded cables and connections
- Accumulated debris and soiling
- Component wear and fatigue
- Reduced insulation effectiveness
- Unaddressed minor issues that compound over time
How to Prevent Solar Panel Fires
The overwhelming majority of solar panel fires are preventable. Here’s how to minimize your risk:
Choose Professional Installation
Critical First Step: Work only with certified, experienced installers who hold proper licenses and MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation. Avoid DIY installations, as they significantly increase fire risk.
Invest in Quality Components
High-quality, certified components from reputable manufacturers dramatically reduce fire risk. Look for:
- Integrated arc-fault detection devices
- Quality inverters with safety certifications
- Proper bypass diodes and safety systems
Implement Regular Maintenance
Essential Maintenance Tasks:
- Visual Inspections: Check for loose connections, damaged cables, or signs of wear.
- Thermal Imaging: Professional inspections can identify hot spots before they become dangerous.
- Cleaning: Remove debris, leaves, and soiling that can cause hot spots.
- Electrical Testing: Verify connections and system performance.
Ensure Proper System Design
Design Considerations:
- Adequate spacing between panels for ventilation.
- Proper grounding and electrical isolation.
- Clear access pathways for maintenance and emergency response.
- Appropriate system sizing and component matching.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Be alert for these potential indicators of fire risk:
Visual Warning Signs:
- Brown or discolored spots on panels.
- Visible damage to cables or connections.
- Burn marks around junction boxes.
- Warped or damaged panel surfaces.
Performance Indicators:
- Sudden drops in power production.
- Individual panel underperformance.
- Inverter error messages or shutdowns.
- Unusual heat generation from components.
What to Do If Your Solar Panel Catches Fire
Immediate Safety Steps:
- Call Emergency Services: Contact fire department immediately.
- Stay Away: Don’t attempt to extinguish electrical fires yourself.
- Disconnect if Safely Possible: Shut off the system at the main disconnect if accessible.
- Never Use Water: Solar panels should under no circumstances be doused with water before they are disconnected.
- Inform First Responders: Alert firefighters that solar panels are present on the property.
Important Safety Note: PV systems can pose several hazards during firefighting efforts, including the risk of electrical shock from live system components, especially due to electrical current flowing through water.
The Future of Solar Panel Fire Safety
Technology continues to improve solar panel fire safety. Modern systems include enhanced safety features like:
- Automatic shutdown capabilities during faults.
- Advanced arc-fault detection.
- Module-level power electronics that isolate problems.
- Improved component designs and materials.
Industry Recommendation: Leading industry groups continue to fight for improved safety standards and industry oversight to help protect households from buying outdated technology that can be a fire risk.
Conclusion: Solar Panels Are Safe When Done Right
While solar panel fires can occur, they remain extremely rare and are almost always preventable. The key factors for safety are professional installation, quality components, and regular maintenance. By understanding the causes and taking appropriate precautions, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Solar panel fire risk is extremely low (0.006% of systems).
- 50% of incidents are due to poor installation practices.
- Regular maintenance and professional installation are your best protection.
- Modern safety technology continues to improve system reliability.
When considering solar panels, don’t let fear of fire risk deter you from this valuable clean energy technology. Instead, use this knowledge to make informed decisions about installation and maintenance that will keep your system safe and productive for decades to come.
