Regular maintenance is essential to avoid solar panel fire risk
The risk of solar panel fires has risen six-fold in recent years1 as a result of poor installation and lack of ongoing care. Here, we explain why choosing the right product and installer is essential and carrying out regular testing and maintenance.
Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic—PV) are commonly used on the roofs of a growing number of domestic and commercial buildings. Due to their energy efficiency, more than 190,000 were installed in 2023 during the cost-of-living crisis.
A common misconception is that solar panels require little or no maintenance, and many people need to pay more attention to the need for regular checks. As with any electrical system, however, a PV system needs ongoing maintenance to ensure its safety and efficiency.
A growing risk
The government recommends installing solar panels by a qualified electrician and the work approved by the local council. Unqualified installers unaware of the regulations often install panels incorrectly and leave them to deteriorate.
Due to poor product quality, installation, and maintenance practices, the number of solar panel fires has increased, with six times as many occurring in 2023 as ten years ago1.
Safe installation
It’s advisable to follow these guidelines when installing your solar panels:
- When choosing an installer for your microgeneration system, it is important to choose one who is registered and ideally certified by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). You should also ensure that they use approved products that meet industry standards for quality and safety.
- When you have solar panels installed, the installer must give you a PV Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual. This manual outlines specific care and maintenance routines that are tailored to your system. If you don't have the manual, you can refer to BS EN IEC 62446-2, or follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- A traditional installation of solar panels generates electricity with a high voltage of up to 600v DC. This high voltage is prone to arcing, which is a common cause of fire. To avoid this danger, it is recommended that you replace the single string inverter with a micro inverter. This will convert the output to a safer 230v AC.
Regular testing
Regular inspections and maintenance are imperative to ensure your system is safe and functioning well, thus eliminating the risk of electrical and fire hazards. Only a qualified electrician with knowledge of the system, should inspect your solar PV system at least once a year and produce a detailed report, recording any issues and categorising how urgently they need to be fixed in the O&M manual.
Guidance on how to properly inspect and test systems, ensuring compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations, is outlined in standards:
- BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations)
- BS EN IEC 62446-2 (Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Requirements for testing, documentation and maintenance: Part 2: Grid connected systems: Maintenance of PV systems).
Don’t ‘set and forget’
Solar panels need to be maintained and tested regularly to ensure their safety and efficiency in the long term. It is recommended to schedule regular checks and update any parts as advised by the experts to optimise the use of solar energy, extend its life and minimise the risk of fire. Professional installation and compliance with safety standards are crucial for this purpose.
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Sources
1 independent.co.uk: Fears over solar panel safety as number of fires rises six-fold