With solar panels becoming a staple of home energy systems (and even a trendy architectural feature), it’s hard not to imagine the worst – coming home one day to find your roof engulfed in flames. Trust us, you’re not the only one wondering if the benefits really outweigh the risks. It’s a major concern among homeowners, and rightfully so. But, are solar panel fires actually something to lose sleep over or are the risks being overblown? In this article, we’ll tackle these questions in detail and share practical steps you can take to keep your home safe.
Can Solar Panels Cause Fires?
The short answer? No, solar panels themselves cannot cause fires. And here’s why…
The main components of solar panels – glass and silicon – are not flammable materials, meaning they simply don’t catch fire under normal conditions.
Now, aluminum, which makes up the panel’s framing, can burn – but only under extreme conditions (it doesn’t burn as easily as wood does). In fact, the aluminum actually forms a protective oxide layer on the panel’s surface, which helps prevent fires, even in extreme heat.
And here’s a thought: If solar panels could easily combust, no one would be foolish enough to risk installing them in places like deserts, right? The reality is, solar panels are thriving in some of the hottest desert regions in the world, doing exactly what they’re supposed to.
So, if solar panels themselves aren’t the problem, what actually causes a solar panel fire?
What are the Main Causes of Solar Panel Fires?
Solar panels are not flammable, but that doesn’t mean they are entirely fire-resistant or fire-proof either. After all, they’re still part of an electrical system, and electrical faults can create fire risks, just like with any other electrical equipment.
That said, mosts solar panel fires are the result of defects in their electronic components. And what’s likely to happen when there’s faulty wiring or configuration? Electrical arcing.
Electrical arcing happens when the electricity “jumps” across a tiny gap or space as a result of electrical defects or loose connections.
This ionizes the air between the disconnected points, creating a high-temperature plasma.
When this plasma comes into contact with something flammable – like leaves or twigs stuck under the panels or lying nearby – well, you can guess what happens next: A fire.
Now, there are two main culprits we can point our fingers at here:
- Factory defects or low-quality solar panels and components
- Improper, non-compliant solar panel installation
If you’ve got your panels from trusted, reputable brands, the likely culprit is improper installation – especially if it was carried out by inexperienced installers or sometimes, as part of a DIY project.
How Common are Solar Panel Fires?
Solar panel fires are exceptionally rare and are far less common than other types of household fire risks.
A 2022 study even found that for every 1 megawatt (MW) of solar power installed, there are just about 0.0289 fires per year. To put that into perspective, 1 MW of solar power typically serves about 172 homes – which means the fire risk translates to less than 1 in 5,800 homes per year.
That said, the odds of a solar panel-related fire are so low they’re practically negligible, making them statistically one of the safest components of your home.
What Safety Measures Can I Take to Prevent Solar Panel Fires?
Solar panel fires may be rare, but a few proactive steps can make them even less likely.
Choose Microinverter or DC Optimizer Systems
Unlike traditional systems, microinverters convert DC power to AC directly under each panel, eliminating the need for high-voltage DC cables and complex isolator setups. This greatly reduces the chance of electrical arcs.
An added bonus is the rapid shutdown feature, which automatically turns off your solar system during faults or blackouts.
Keep Solar Panels Debris-Free
Regularly check for and remove flammable debris like leaves, twigs, or bird nests that might accumulate under or around your panels. These materials can ignite if exposed to electrical arcs.
Also, there’s good advice out there saying installing critter guards can help. But keep in mind that animals can still chew through them. So, we recommend taking a good look at your solar panels more often.
Lastly, shading (usually caused by bird droppings) is another issue to watch out for as this may cause overheating and spark a fire if flammable materials are nearby. Thankfully though, most modern panels have diodes that allow current to bypass shaded or faulty cells, reducing the risk.
Still, better safe than sorry. While many claim cleaning your solar panels twice a year is enough, we say do it as often as you can, especially if you live in an area with lots of leaves or wildlife.
Monitor Your Solar Panel’s Performance
Most systems come with online monitoring tools that let you track your panel’s output. Doing so will help you spot any underperforming panels, which may indicate issues like loose connections, short circuits, or overheating.
Each solar panel has a manufacturer-stated output (usually in Watts), which tells you how much energy it should generate under ideal conditions. If your panels’ performance falls below their expected output, they may be at risk of malfunctioning or even catching fire.
Ensure Your Solar System Is Properly Labeled
After having your solar panels installed, confirm that your solar system is properly labeled. The installer should ensure that key components, like the inverter and disconnect switches, are clearly marked. This helps you and emergency responders quickly identify and isolate the system in case of a fire or other emergency.
Check Your Roof’s Fire Resistance
For modern homes, this is less of a concern thanks to improvements in building materials and stricter fire safety codes. However, older homes with combustible roofing materials, like wood shingles, do exist and still present a risk. Considerations like adding a fire-resistant layer over your roof are necessary.
Opt for High-Quality Solar Panels
Cheap or defective parts, like inverters, connectors, or junction boxes, can fail and cause electrical malfunctions. Always stick with reputable brands with a track record for safety and durability.
Get a Certified Solar Installer
As mentioned, improper installation is one of the top reasons solar panels can become a fire risk.
Certified installers are trained to set up systems correctly, using organized wiring to prevent hazards like friction against the roof. We’re also able to interpret and implement electrical safety codes properly, making sure your system is safe and legally compliant.
Should I Worry About Solar Panel Fires Happening to My Home?
Not really. As we talked about earlier, the fire risk is incredibly low. Plus, with more people installing solar panels every year, it’s clear that safety concerns aren’t holding anyone back.
For your peace of mind, most homeowners’ insurance policies cover damages caused by solar panel-related fires. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check if your solar panels are covered by home insurance or if necessary adjustments are needed.
Choose a Trusted Solar Panel Installer for Your Home
At Avail Solar, we only choose the best products in the market and strictly adhere to standards and local regulations for solar panel installations.
Our aim is to make your switch to solar as smooth as possible – from design and permitting to installation and ongoing maintenance – so you won’t have to face issues down the line. Request a quote and start enjoying the benefits of solar energy today!