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Solar Panel Fires: Rare but Devastating - UK Homeowners Urged to Prioritize Safety

Solar panel fires may be rare, but they can cause substantial damage. Ensure your system meets safety standards and is well-maintained to protect your home and investment.

On the ground there is a camp fire. Around that some people are sitting and lying wearing caps. On...
On the ground there is a camp fire. Around that some people are sitting and lying wearing caps. On the ground there is a bag and some other items. In the back there are trees and sky.

Solar Panel Fires: Rare but Devastating - UK Homeowners Urged to Prioritize Safety

Solar panel fires, though uncommon, have caused significant damage in the UK. Recent incidents include a warehouse in Peterborough, a residential block in Lewisham, and schools in Northumberland. While regulations and industry standards are in place to prevent such fires, homeowners must ensure their solar systems meet safety standards and are properly maintained.

Fires are usually caused by issues with DC current in cables or connectors, not the panels themselves. Even when switched off, sunlight can generate DC current, posing a risk if connections are poor or components damaged. UK manufacturer Solfit has launched the JT 425Wp in-roof solar panel, designed to meet strict fire-safety and building regulations. To protect homes and ensure the safety of solar investments, homeowners should use certified products, hire good installers, and conduct regular checks. Recent certifications and regulations, such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and updated Building Regulations Part P, have been developed to improve solar panel system safety in the UK.

While solar panel fires are rare, they can cause significant damage. Homeowners must prioritize safety by ensuring their solar systems meet current standards, are properly installed and maintained, and use certified products. This will help protect their homes and ensure the longevity and safety of their solar investments.

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