Europe is witnessing a rapid surge in the popularity of solar energy. Photovoltaic installations have become a familiar element of both urban and rural landscapes. However, alongside the spread of the technology, public attention has intensified regarding incidents involving panel fires. Although rare, cases of fires raise questions about the safety of renewable energy.
Statistics vs. Fears
In the UK, several fires linked to the operation of solar panels were recorded over the last year. The situation in Suffolk county prompted the temporary disconnection of installations in 80 schools as a preventive measure. Nevertheless, experts insist: the absolute number of incidents does not reflect the true picture of safety.
Research data shows that the risk of fire for correctly installed systems is negligible. In the Netherlands, according to a report by the TNO institute, only 27 fires were recorded in buildings with photovoltaic systems between 2015 and 2018. Meanwhile, in 2018 alone, approximately 170,000 new systems were installed in the country. The accident rate was less than 0.014%.
Even more indicative statistics come from the German Fraunhofer ISE institute. Over 20 years of observation (from 1993 to 2013), only 0.006% of installations led to fires with significant damage. The European Commission confirms: solar installations catch fire significantly less often than many common household appliances.
Where does the danger lie?
An analysis of fire causes reveals the main problem: it rarely lies in the technology of converting light into electricity itself. Most often, the culprits are installation errors or faulty components. Studies show that in most cases (about 68%), the fire is limited to the equipment itself and does not spread further.
In 24% of cases, nearby structures, such as the building's roof, were damaged. Serious flame spread was recorded in only 5% of incidents, while the total destruction of a building occurred in approximately 3% of cases.
Safety Rules and the Future of the Industry
Despite the low risks, experts urge system owners to adhere to strict safety rules. The key factor remains the quality of installation. Experts recommend entrusting installation only to certified specialists, as working on roofs independently often leads to connection errors that can become fatal.
Solar energy continues to dominate the renewable sector. According to Eurostat, in 2024, "green" energy accounted for 47.5% of consumption in the EU, with photovoltaic systems providing about a quarter of this volume. The increase in the number of panels inevitably increases the absolute number of fire reports, but this does not indicate an increase in the danger of the technology.
At the same time, power plant owners face new challenges. The introduction of a redispatch mechanism may lead to a reduction in energy generation. In some regions, for example in Ukraine, administrative rules for installing solar stations have already been simplified in an attempt to stimulate industry development.
