Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
[edit] Context
In November 2025 global business insurer QBE revealed that the UK fire services were facing a fire involving a solar panel once almost every two days in 2024, which marking a 60% increase in the past two years (2022-2024). Their research also highlighted that the majority of incidents involving a solar panels took place in residential buildings through 2024, with 97 residential building fires, 27 commercial property fires, 17 Solar farms and 10 industrial buildings (Source: QBE FOI. Aug 2025).
Adrian Simmonds, practice leader for property risk solutions at QBE Insurance said: “Solar technology is an essential part of the UK’s clean energy transition, but the rapid pace of deployment is cause for concern for risk management. Our analysis shows fires involving solar panel fires have risen at twice the rate of new installations over the past two years. Safe solar panel installation and maintenance are essential to reducing fires.”
“We strongly encourage property owners to carry out formal risk assessments, engage certified installers, and ensure regular inspections and cleaning. These simple steps can significantly reduce the chance of fire.” he said.
On 22 December 2025 Government research and analysis on "Fire spread over pitched roofs fitted with solar panels" was published. The aim of this work is to study how the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels affects the fire spread over pitched roofs in residential buildings
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