David Woon, Head of Net Zero Engineering and Operations at Ennovus Solutions, explores commercial solar fire safety and explains how good design, competent installation and proactive maintenance can reduce risks on commercial rooftops.
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels remain an inherently safe technology that has expanded rapidly within the renewable energy sector. As businesses look to lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, rooftop solar has become an obvious choice for many. However, growing adoption has brought greater attention to fire risk, with potentially severe consequences.
Solar PV is central to the UK’s clean energy goals, and its growing uptake is encouraging; installations exceeded two million across the UK as of May 2026. While overall risk remains low, statistics from QBE Insurance show that commercial solar panel fires rose by 46% between 2024 and 2025, from 33 to 48. Solar fires at industrial properties also increased by 133%, from six to 14.
Residential buildings recorded the highest number of incidents, with 102 solar panel fires in 2025 compared with 84 in 2024. The introduction of plug-in solar panels in England, Scotland and Wales has also prompted safety concerns.
The technology behind solar is inherently safe, but as the market accelerates, low-cost tenders and improper installation practices can threaten the integrity of these assets and undermine fire safety.
Understanding the challenges
Panels themselves rarely ignite spontaneously; ignition typically originates in the associated rooftop direct current (DC) infrastructure. Freedom of Information (FOI) data covering 2025 identified DC cabling and connectors as the leading reported cause of fires, with 49 incidents attributed to them. Key failures include using incompatible connector brands or improper crimping tools. Other causes include DC isolators and inverters, with problems arising from water ingress, poor specification choices or mounting on flammable surfaces.
Expert analysis indicates that many failures stem from installer errors during construction rather than manufacturing defects. This highlights the importance of using experienced and knowledgeable installers and consultants when considering solar projects.
Improving commercial solar fire safety
Many of these risks can be reduced through sound engineering and adherence to relevant standards and guidance.
During the design stage of any solar installation, thorough checks of the roof’s substrate and construction are essential to assess the presence of combustible materials and determine appropriate fire precautions. In some instances, a particular area may need to be avoided, with a buffer zone established around it. As with all construction projects, structural sign-off is also required to ensure the solar panels can be safely mounted.
Appropriately specified module-level shutdown equipment and isolation arrangements can help reduce electrical hazards in an emergency. However, DC optimisers and inverter isolation should not automatically be assumed to de-energise the entire array: PV modules can continue generating electricity while exposed to light. The shutdown capabilities of the chosen system must be understood and documented.
Designs and installations should follow applicable requirements and relevant guidance, including:
- RC62: Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations, which provides guidance on managing fire risk.
- The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standard MIS 3002, where the installation falls within its scope. The current standard covers systems with a maximum DC output of 50 kWp.
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems, alongside applicable electrical installation requirements.
Ensuring your installer understands the requirements relevant to your project is critical and will be a minimum expectation for many insurers.
Eliminating the ‘fit and forget’ mentality
Commercial solar arrays are live DC generators handling substantial amounts of energy and often exposed to extreme weather conditions. They require ongoing maintenance to support safety and insurability.
Annual visual inspections and, where appropriate, thermographic drone surveys can help identify hotspots or connection problems before an incident occurs. Routine checks should also account for the effects of thermal expansion, bird nesting and accumulated debris.
Proactive maintenance that goes beyond basic expectations can support commercial solar fire safety and help meet insurer underwriting requirements. It is important to understand exactly what these requirements are, as some may extend beyond standard guidance.
The value of partners
Ultimately, doing things correctly adds relatively little capital cost compared with the potentially catastrophic consequences of fire, including fatalities or injuries, business disruption and uninsured losses.
True energy resilience requires partnerships with reputable consultants and accredited installers who prioritise engineering rigour, long-term safety and ongoing asset management.
For more information, visit Ennovus Solutions.
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