Solar panels (photovoltaic (PV) panels) make up a good proportion of the energy mix in the UK over the summer months.  Like any electrical system, they come with risks, including fire.

This article looks at solar panel fire risk and how building services engineers can mitigate these risks.  The focus is on the recommendations from RICS RC62.  Complying with the guidance within RICS RC62 can be a condition for insurance of new PV arrays.

What Causes Solar Panel Fires?

Some common causes of fires include:

• Poor installation of the PV array and electrical cables.
• Faulty or poorly installed components, such as inverters and junction boxes. This can lead to arcing and overheating.
• Weather events like extreme temperatures and lightning strikes can damage panels.

RICS RC62 Recommendations

RICS RC62 is a Joint Code of Practice for fire safety with PV panel installations.  The code guides PV designers on design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and decommissioning to reduce solar panel fire risk.  Some key recommendations from RC62 include:

• Risk Assessment: Complete a risk assessment in compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Fire Safety Act 2021.
• Quality Installation: Ensure all components are installed correctly and meet the required standards.  Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified products and installers can help mitigate risk.
• Regular Maintenance: Perform regular inspections and maintenance to identify and address any potential issues.  Ensure this is completed in line with BS EN IEC 62446-2:2020.  Common maintenance standard, SFG20, references this standard.  This includes aspects such as yearly cleaning and six-monthly thermal imaging of connectors and junction boxes.
• Emergency Procedures: Develop and implement procedures to respond to fire incidents involving solar panels.  This can be completed using RICS Authority Business Resilience: A Guide to Protecting Your Business and its People.

Steps for Building Services Engineers

As building services engineers, we must follow a systematic approach to design and specification of PV arrays to minimise fire risks.  Here are the typical steps that we use:

• Design the Array: Plan the layout and configuration of the PV system, considering factors such as roof space, string arrangements, orientation, and shading.  Our designs consider aspects associated with fire risk and uses RICS RC 62 to reduce this.
• Connection to the Building: Ensure that the PV system is properly connected to the building's electrical system, following all relevant standards.  The distribution board the PV is connected to must be in line with the building owner's requirements, for example, the generated electricity being connected to a common services distribution board.
• Produce Drawings and Specification: Create detailed drawings and specification that outline the design and installation requirements.  This includes requirements for products and Contractors to hold MCS accreditation.
• Tender the Works: Select qualified contractors to tender the works.
• Recommend a Contractor: Provide recommendations for contractors who meet the required standards and have a good track record in quality and price.
• Develop maintenance schedule: We develop a maintenance schedule for the PV installation in line with the requirements contained within SFG20.  Our Facilities Engineers can subsequently ensure these maintenance measures are carried out via regular audits.
• Sign Off the Works: Conduct a final inspection and sign off the completed installation to ensure it meets all safety and performance criteria.

By following these steps and adhering to the recommendations in RICS RC62, we can help reduce the fire risk associated with solar panels and ensure that any new array can meet insurance requirements.