Mitigating solar panel installation risks

Given its serious consequences, fire is the main property risk of roof-mounted solar panels. When installing solar PV on a roof or facade, new fire factors need to be addressed. The number of fires caused by solar PV systems is increasing as the number of installations surges. Several serious fires related to photovoltaic systems have been recorded in both the United States and in European countries.

The growing trend of fires can be seen in the recorded fire rates in Italy and the Netherlands. As of 2016, 1,600 fires were recorded in Italy, 461 of which had occurred in 2015. ^{(Cancelliere 2016)} In the Netherlands, the number of fires had doubled by 2020 compared to the total number of fires in the previous two years. ^{(Mohd Nizam Ong et al. 2022)}

Generally, solar panels are subject to the same ignition sources as other types of electrical installations. The most common underlying causes of fires are installation errors, followed by the poor quality of the PV modules. Statistically, around 36% of fire events were caused by installation errors, while 15% resulted from poor-quality PV modules. ^{(Wu et al. 2020)} 

Additionally, a significant percentage of PV-related fires are caused by the overheating of photovoltaic system components, a hot spot, or direct current (DC) arcing. When installing solar panels, the planned life cycle is usually reasonably long, at about 20–30 years, and the risks of solar panel failure and fires increase as the system ages.

Studies conducted by Clean Energy Agencies and Tukes indicate that installation errors are a frequent cause of fires, and the number of installation errors in completed installations is high. Clean Energy Associates (CEA) reports that over 97% of 600 reviewed installations exhibited major safety concerns. ^{(CEA 2023)} Tukes states that 89% of the installations had at least one deficiency. ^{(Tukes 2023)}

The most common faults identified by CEA were grounding issues, followed by damaged modules and cross-mated connectors. In Tukes’ study, the most serious errors fell into three categories: inadequate commissioning inspections or their mis-documentation, incorrect cable installations violating standards, and failure to comply with manufacturer instructions.

Awareness of fire risks and good risk management practices are essential for the safe operation of PV panels on buildings. Having a sound understanding of fire risks is critical to decision making when installing solar PV.

Risk management is the process of making decisions intended to maintain the ongoing operations of a company and ensure the safety of its personnel. By definition, it includes all activities conducted by the company to avoid and minimise risks and their potential negative consequences. I

n practice, risk management is implemented by all personnel in various situations where certain risks are assessed, planned for, and addressed. Effective risk management involves proactive, deliberate, and systematic actions.

An important part of risk management implementation is risk assessment, which involves identifying and evaluating risks and their effects and probabilities. The aim of risk assessment is to identify all risk factors, analyse their severity and probability, and decide the acceptable level of risk. When carrying out a risk assessment, it is important to define scope.

For example, roof-mounted solar power plants present a broader range of risks than ground-mounted systems. Risk assessments must address the roof’s load-bearing capacity, fire hazards, and environmental factors like snow.

It is also essential to evaluate the possible overall effects of a fire. When solar panels catch fire on a roof, it not only leads to a reduction in energy generation – there is also a serious chance of severe property damage and business interruption.

There are several different standards that describe the process of risk management and its stages. In addition, a wide range of methods has been identified for implementing them.

In conclusion, when implementing risk management—particularly in the context of projects—it is important to note that project size does not restrict the adoption of a documented, standardised risk management procedure. A standardised process can be applied to both operational projects and company strategic decisions. A standardised process for risk management related to solar PV installations should be created. Over time, companies are expected to conduct a considerable number of solar panel installation projects. By following this risk management framework, risk assessments can remain consistent across projects. The process guidelines should outline instructions and best practices, specifying which elements of risk management to prioritise when undertaking solar PV installations.

A standardised approach to risk management and thorough risk assessment can lower the chances of fire incidents and limit potential damages, helping ensure that rooftop PV remains an option in the global energy transition.