Adrian Simmonds, senior risk manager at QBE, examines the key issues to address to ensure that solar deployment is underpinned by strong risk management
The UK’s transition to renewable energy is accelerating, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems playing a central role. For the construction sector, this represents a significant opportunity to deliver sustainable energy at scale, but one that demands careful risk management.
Data collected by global business insurer QBE from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to UK fire services shows they attended 171 solar panel fires in 2024, equivalent to almost one fire every two days, a 60% increase since 2022. Over the same period, installations grew by 29.6%, meaning fire incidents rose almost twice as fast, signalling incorrect installation or maintenance.
It is essential that solar panel battery units are installed in well-ventilated, unobstructed locations and are accessible for inspection and emergency response.
Getting installation right from the start
The vast majority of systems operate safely but managing the risk of solar panel fires starts at installation. Using MCS-accredited installers and certified components is essential and systems must be designed to suit the specific building and its risk profile.
QBE’s FOI data shows most solar panel fires attended by the Fire Brigade involve key system components such as the inverter or the solar panels themselves. Industry evidence suggests the majority of faults and fires start in the various types of DC connectors found in a typical solar panel system and spread the fire into the key components. QBE’s FOI data for 2024 indicated that 21 fires were linked to inverters, 20 to the panels themselves, 16 to DC cabling and 12 to battery banks.
The inverter is the hardest working component in a solar panel system and a leading cause of fire when incorrectly installed or poorly maintained. It generates significant heat, so good ventilation, regular cleaning and timely replacement are essential. Faults and damage can occur readily on or inside solar panels so scheduled inspections and cleaning is needed.
The decision to allow ‘balcony’ PV solar panel systems that will be located within the living space occupied by people only serves to emphasise the need for close attention to the key components. Maintaining good ventilation is a ‘must-do’ along with regular inspections and proper cleaning despite ‘balcony’ systems being promoted to the general public as ‘fit and forget’.
Roofing materials also require careful consideration. Installers should avoid mounting solar panels on combustible roofs and ensure proper separation and fire-resistant barriers.
Considering battery storage
Most new solar panels use lithium-ion battery storage, introducing additional risk. If damaged, overcharged or exposed to excessive heat, lithium-ion batteries can enter “thermal runaway”, a chemical reaction process where cells overheat uncontrollably, resulting in fast-developing and difficult-to-extinguish fires involving all flammable materials on and around the battery.
QBE’s own research into lithium-ion battery fires found that incidents almost doubled between 2022 and 2024, reaching 1,330 lithium-ion fires in 2024 alone.
Risk increases further when units are installed in lofts, airing cupboards or upper-floor spaces that are difficult to access in an emergency, particularly where inspection and maintenance are limited.
Installing for weather resilience
Systems are typically designed to withstand speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, yet recent storms, such as Storm Eunice in 2025, have exceeded this threshold.
QBE recommends applying one-in-100-year weather criteria at design stage and treating post-storm inspection as standard. Roofs and panels should be checked after significant wind events, hail or flooding, with attention to displacement, exposed cabling or surface damage.
Annual inspections and cleaning are recommended to prevent overheating or debris build-up. Fireman’s switches and arc-fault detection systems should also be correctly installed, clearly labelled and easily accessible.
A new age of renewable energy
Under the Clean Power Action Plan, the UK aims to increase solar capacity from 18 GW to 45-47 GW by 2030, with a particular focus on commercial buildings, warehouses and industrial sites.
The UK’s 20% largest warehouses alone can provide 75m sq m of roof space, which is estimated to support around 15GW of rooftop solar capacity.
Large and complex buildings bring greater risk management responsibilities, making robust design, careful cabling and effective isolation systems fundamental to preventing fires and protecting both property and the businesses that depend on it.
Embedding risk management across the panel’s lifecycle
Ensuring solar deployment is underpinned by strong risk management practices is essential not only to prevent fires, but to protect long-term viability of these commercial
assets. Certified specification, accredited installation, careful battery storage planning and ongoing maintenance will underpin a safe transition to solar.
QBE’s solar panel installation guidance, published in November 2025, provides detailed recommendations for construction professionals and property owners.
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