As more homes and commercial buildings adopt solar technology, it’s easy to view them as worthwhile investments considering the cost savings and energy preservation they bring. However, such benefits should not, under any circumstances, come at the expense of health and safety, and it’s why HSE professionals should evaluate their validity wherever possible. One such area of concern to keep in focus should be addressing fire risks, and it would be naïve to ignore recent statistics concerning solar panels’ involvement in such incidents.
With millions of homes now equipped with solar panels, the statistical risk, while proportionally low, should not be overlooked. For HSE professionals responsible for upholding worker and building safety, understanding and preventing these risks from escalating is vital, especially as solar adoption is only going to grow across commercial and industrial environments in the coming decades.
With that in mind, let’s explore the fire risks of solar panels and find out what HSE experts can do.
The scale of solar growth and associated fire risks
The solar industry has recently experienced a record year, with commercial and industrial installations becoming more common. This follows noticeable trends where consumers are growing increasingly conscious of carbon emissions and the environmental impact of their energy usage, with solar technology offering a wealth of long-term benefits.
As a result, solar technology has found its way into applications ranging from rooftop systems on factories, warehouses and retail units to power operations and even vehicle fleets. The lattermost sector is seeing remarkable improvements already, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems integrated in depot operations and vehicle charging infrastructure. This is aided exponentially by route planning optimisation solutions to ensure drivers can get from A to B to C comfortably.
Unlike domestic installations, commercial solar systems involve higher voltages, arrays, and more complex configurations to support their operations and reduce their costs and emissions as much as possible. These installations, therefore, require comprehensive pre-installation risk assessments that consider specific hazards pertinent to their workplace and wider industry.
Examples of solar PV fire hazards
Solar PV systems present several distinct fire hazards that HSE professionals must understand. Universal Safety Practitioners (USP) provides comprehensive guidance on the types of hazards and risks associated with solar PV projects, highlighting the complexity and severity of them.
- Electrical hazards represent the primary concern. Arc flashes and electrical shocks can happen when voltage is very high, while poor quality or damaged wires can short circuits and lead to power loss, not to mention becoming inherently more combustible when exposed to other flammable elements. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is also common in large PV systems.
- Thermal hazards emerge from overheating components like inverters, transformers, and electrical connections. Battery energy storage systems, which are frequently installed alongside solar panels, introduce additional thermal runaway risks. If exposed to weather, wildlife, excessive vegetation or other elements, wiring and connections can be damaged, thus triggering electrical faults and subsequent flashes.
- Installation-related risks can invariably prove problematic in the long run. Substandard workmanship, poor or inadequate earthing systems and unstable ground conditions can lead to panels failing or falling from electrical infrastructure, dramatically elevating fire risk. The use of inappropriate materials or cutting corners during the installation process can create latent hazards that present themselves years later, perhaps during periods of extreme weather which damage the underlying modules.
What are the UK solar installation regulations?
Currently, no legal requirement exists for certified installers to carry out solar PV installations. Whilst the government recommends using registered electricians and requires local council clearance, these remain advisory rather than being legally mandated processes.
Consequently, this reveals concerning gaps that HSE professionals should recognise and approach diligently and proactively when presented with such a project. In turn, the following schemes and organisations should provide useful guidance when building a bespoke framework with which to follow:
- The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) – While not legally enforced, MCS verification ensures quality product use and installer competence. MCS registration isn’t, however, a regulatory requirement for installers, so exercise caution when shortlisting possible installers.
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) – This body provides detailed guidance for electrical solar installations. Compliance with IET standards is, however, not universally enforced, though it is widely considered to be best practice. This creates a dichotomy where system safety largely hinges on client knowledge and installer integrity.
For commercial solar PV installations, the situation becomes more complex. Employers retain legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant industry regulations, and thus are responsible for selecting installers of an appropriate standard. They can therefore be held accountable for ensuring the contractors they select for installation and maintenance can fulfil any UK fire safety legislation, as well as any sector-specific criteria.
Risk mitigation strategies for building owners
- Building owners should insist on choosing MCS-accredited installers with proven competence and experience in commercial solar projects.
- Pre-installation fire risk site assessments must be conducted by the chosen installer(s) and, ideally, an impartial third party.
- Robust electrical safety mechanisms must be established during installation. Ensure that the proposed new setup is compatible with underlying electrical infrastructure, and regularly test and validate any new products for electrical stability and isolation.
- Regular inspections and maintenance programmes are vital for preserving long-term safety, where components can be meticulously inspected and replaced to prevent overheating or failure.
- Any older setups (particularly those over 10 years old) should be retrofitted with contemporary safety products or components. Micro-inverters and arc detection systems can exponentially improve collective fire safety.
For HSE professionals, the biggest key to maintaining safety in your infrastructure revolves around viewing solar panels as complex systems requiring long-term care and management, rather than “fit and forget” solutions. Establishing clear maintenance schedules, validating contractor skills and integrity, and ensuring a safe and compliant installation process will be essential in preventing undue fires stemming from systems inherently designed to improve safety and wellbeing.
As solar technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and affordable, its workplace applications will continue expanding. By understanding the risks, implementing appropriate controls, and maintaining vigilant oversight, HSE professionals can harness solar energy’s benefits whilst protecting workers and assets from fire hazards.
