First responders receive safety training at the CoServ Solar Station in Krugerville, Texas.
With the continued increase in solar installations throughout the U.S., many questions have come up regarding solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and fire safety. While properly installed systems by qualified professionals must follow current safety codes, solar fires do happen. That’s why the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funded the Solar Training and Education for Professionals (STEP) program, which provides tools to more than 10,000 firefighters and fire code officials to manage solar equipment as they put out fires. Learn more about the STEP funding program.
On the surface, the process seems simple, however, there are many steps required to ensure safety. Firefighters arrive at the scene of a fire, and then identify the solar system on the structure, shut it down, watch for hazards as they extinguish the flames, and make sure the scene is safe when they leave.
Common questions about fire safety with solar PV systems are answered below.
Safety for Consumers
As with any electrical system, a PV system that is properly installed by a qualified vendor should not introduce any significant risk to your home. The National Solar Licensing Database provides information about state-specific licensing requirements for solar system installers. In addition, installers may be certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, a voluntary, nationally recognized program that provides credentials for those who work with PV and solar heating technologies.
While the U.S. Fire Administration does not track data on the number of fires caused by rooftop PV systems in the U.S., a solar system spontaneously bursting into flames is an extremely rare occurrence. It is far more common for a fire to start due to wiring or lighting issue inside the home—and then those fires can spread to the roof.
Design flaws, component defects, and faulty installation can cause a rooftop solar system to start a fire. As with all electrical systems, these problems can cause arcs between conductors or to the ground, as well as hot spots, which can ignite nearby flammable material. The National Electrical Code has established safety standards to address these concerns, and again, fires caused by PV rooftop systems are very uncommon.
Whether your rooftop solar PV is a grid-connected system, a back-up generator system, or an isolated battery-storage system, it should be installed in accordance with current safety codes and standards.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover rooftop solar panels, since the system is attached to your property and is therefore considered part of it. You might need an additional or separate policy if your panels are ground-mounted or on a carport, though. Check with your insurance provider.
First, let your local firehouse know that your home or building has a PV system installed. You can do this either by directly communicating it or by using proper safety labeling on your home and PV system. Free online training is available for your local fire department.
SETO has continued to invest in research to support training for firefighters and first responders on how to suppress fires on PV and battery storage systems. Learn more about SETO-funded research through the International Association of Firefighters.
When considering the addition of an energy storage system, it is important to identify quality products and utilize properly licensed installers to ensure the safety of these systems. While these systems provide many consumer benefits, especially for resilience in the event of a power loss, they can fail due to poor installation techniques, poor maintenance, or misuse. Learn more about fire safety related to energy storage systems.
Safety for Firefighters
There should be clear labeling in the home or building that indicates which power lines are connected to the PV system and where the different components are, so that firefighters can get to them quickly and easily. If not, you may need to rely on visual inspection, pre-incident plans, or thermal imaging to locate the PV system.
PV systems can pose several hazards during firefighting efforts, including the risk of electrical shock from live system components, especially due to electrical current flowing through water. Firefighters are also at risk from mechanical and thermal stress on the glass of PV modules. These risks can be mitigated with proper protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols regarding safe distances from electrical components and extinguishing techniques.
Firefighters should prioritize safety when working near PV systems. The National Electric Code outlines the required minimum distances between live electrical parts and firefighting equipment to prevent electric shock. Firefighters should also be aware that roof surfaces with PV modules can be slippery, increasing the risk of falls during operations. Training programs and scenario-based learning, such as those offered by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), can help firefighters build confidence in safely navigating these risks.
As solar energy systems become more common, firefighters need to be equipped with the knowledge to safely respond to fires involving PV-equipped structures. SETO awardee, IREC, developed free, self-paced, interactive online training and live workshops designed specifically for firefighters. These resources help firefighters understand the unique risks associated with solar technologies, including identifying hazards and taking appropriate action during emergencies. The training, supported by national fire service organizations, has already helped thousands of firefighters build their knowledge and skills in handling solar-related incidents. Firefighters can access these resources through IREC’s platform.
Shutting down PV systems in accordance with the National Electric Code requirements will protect consumers and first responders. SETO has funded work with Sandia National Laboratories and Underwriters Laboratory to quantify the potential risks that first responders face when fighting solar rooftop fires. This research is being used to develop new standards for PV hazard controls to protect firefighters, including the electrical resistance of personal protection equipment based on factors like physical body composition and the degree of moisture on the skin and, to avoid shock, electrical pathways that could be encountered.
Additional Resources
- Discover the best practices to keep your home safe from fire danger.
- View updated evaluations and safety recommendations for firefighters working near PV systems.
- See more solar energy resources for consumers and learn how solar works.