Warning as energy crisis sparks rise in solar panel blazes
11/03/2022
Homeowners investing in solar panels to curb rising energy costs have been urged to use accredited installers after new figures revealed a jump in blazes.
A Freedom of Information request by insurer Zurich UK has found a 12% increase in fires sparked by solar panels last year, compared to 2020. Incidents have risen further this year, with fire crews tackling an average of nearly 10 solar panel blazes every month, up from seven a month in 2021.
This comes after spiralling gas and electricity bills caused demand for the devices to triple, with more than 3,000 being installed every week, up from 1,000 a week in July 2020. Sales could leap even higher after the government announced it would scrap the energy price freeze at the end of winter.
Now households investing in energy saving improvements are being urged to check installers belong to accredited schemes after a spike in blazes.
Poor installation practices are the most common cause of solar panel fires, which can leave homeowners with bills running into thousands of pounds. A 2020 solar panel blaze at a block of flats in Kent left 30 people temporarily homeless and caused £1.5million worth of damage.
The data - from 36 of England’s 45 fire authorities - shows properties in Lancashire and Greater Manchester have suffered the joint highest number of fires (16) since 2020, followed by those in Dorset (14), Cambridge (13) and Kent (12).
Installation errors can also leave rooftop systems more vulnerable to the UK’s increasingly extreme weather. Zurich has seen a rising number of claims for panels torn off in high winds, with repairs costing an average of £7,000. Overall, average solar panels claims amount to £8,000.
Gillian Perry, a major loss manager for Zurich, said: “We’re seeing a small but growing number of claims for solar panels, the most worrying of which are electrical fires.
“While the vast majority of installers follow good practice, poorly or incorrectly fitted solar panels can increase the risk of blazes.
“Solar panel fires are rare, but incidents are rising. Homeowners should check installers belong to a nationally accredited scheme, which shows they are competent and qualified.
“With more households and businesses installing rooftop solar to cut their energy bills, the government and industry should monitor whether the trend in fires grows or persists.”
While multiple accreditation schemes exist to help people find reputable installers, experts say this is leading to confusion for consumers.
Analysis by Citizens Advice found at least 12 different accreditation schemes for green technologies, such as heat pumps, home insulation and solar panels.
Zurich has backed calls by Citizens Advice for reforms that would make it easier for people to identify trustworthy and reliable installers.
Perry added: “Introducing a single accreditation body for green technologies would make it easier for people to find trusted installers and give consumers the confidence to invest in carbon saving improvements to their home.”
Zurich also wants to see solar panels fitted with accessible isolator switches, making it easier to cut off the power. Panels continue to generate power even when they are alight, fuelling blazes and making it harder and more hazardous for firefighters to extinguish.
A frequent commercial and industrial sight
Solar panels and systems are becoming a frequent sight on commercial and industrial premises too, representing the largest microgeneration technology that supplies renewable energy to consumers.
It is important that these systems meet current design, installation, maintenance and operational standards to ensure that the potential for unexpected events, which can result in significant losses, is controlled and the risks associated with these systems are eliminated, controlled or mitigated as far as is reasonably practicable. For more information on this, read our guidance on the design, installation and maintenance of such panels.
