AXA UK warns of solar panel fire risk

Fires caused by solar panels highlight need for using a reputable installer and regular maintenance
AXA UK offers guidance for customers to help them manage risk

With solar panels blamed for three significant fires across the UK last year, and many more attributed to the renewable energy source, AXA UK has highlighted the importance of using a reputable installer and carrying out regular maintenance.

Green energy sources are becoming increasingly popular for homes and businesses as the UK moves closer to its 2050 net zero target, but it’s important to be aware of the upkeep required and the risks they can pose.

Solar panels are a relatively new technology, and people aren’t aware of the need for regular maintenance in the same way as they are with their gas boiler. They tend to put them on the roof and forget about them but that creates a considerable risk, as we’ve seen with these recent fires.

Dougie Barnett, Director of Commercial Customer Risk Management at AXA UK

In 2024, fires directly attributed to solar panels included a Lidl warehouse in Peterborough, a seven-storey block of flats in Lewisham and a school in Cramlington. The blaze at Shanklea Primary School prompted Northumberland County Council to disconnect solar panels at 80 other schools and numerous public buildings due to safety concerns.

AXA UK supports its customers in the transition to renewable energy sources and has published new guidance for commercial customers to help them manage the risks associated with photovoltaic systems - those that are powered by solar panels. These include fire due to poor installation or incorrect equipment, damage from weather-related incidents and overloading roof structures with too much weight.

The two most important considerations with solar panels are choosing a reputable installer who is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and ensuring the system is well maintained.

Having the right equipment and servicing it regularly will reduce the risk of fire, identify any weather damage early and ensure that it is working properly. The transition to net zero means renewable energy sources will become more commonplace so it’s important to raise awareness of the associated risks.

Dougie Barnett

The MCS is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme supported by the UK government. It sets the standard for products and installation services of microgeneration technologies, such as solar panels.

AXA UK’s Risk Management Guidance for Photovoltaic Systems can be found here.

Sources:

‘Electrical Fault’ Caused Warehouse Roof Solar Panel Fire - Roofing Today

Solar panel issue known a year before Shanklea school fire - BBC News

Lewisham solar panel blaze in block of flats closed major road with London buses diverted - MyLondon

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AXA UK warns of solar panel fire risk and issues customer guidance