A new industry-led network has been launched to take a closer look at the fire safety risks associated with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, as the UK’s use of rooftop and ground-mounted solar continues to grow.
The initiative, called the PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN), has been established by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
Its aim is simple but significant: to build a clearer, evidence-based picture of how often solar PV systems are involved in fires, why those fires happen, and how the risks can be reduced.
Why the network is needed
Solar PV systems are now a critical part of the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy, appearing on homes, warehouses, offices, schools and public buildings.
But despite their widespread use, BRE says there is still very little reliable data on the fire risks associated with these systems.
At present, it is not well understood:
- How frequently fires involve solar PV installations
- Which components are most commonly linked to ignition
- How PV-related fires typically develop or spread
This lack of clarity has consequences. Without solid data, it becomes harder to reassure homeowners, businesses and the public sector about safe system design, installation and long-term management.
A collaborative, data-led approach
The newly formed PV-FIN brings together a broad mix of expertise, including:
- Solar PV and component manufacturers
- Fire safety professionals
- Installers and safety solution providers
- Industry bodies and researchers
Working collaboratively, the group will share data, expertise and real-world experience to identify specific causes and consequences of solar PV-related fires.
According to BRE, the goal is not to discourage solar adoption, but to support it by improving safety, confidence and standards across the sector.
Three main areas of focus
The network’s work will centre on three key strands:
- Collecting reliable data on PV fire incidents across residential, commercial, industrial and utility-scale installations in the UK.
- Engaging stakeholders — including fire and rescue services, manufacturers and installers — to address current gaps in knowledge.
- Analysing trends and patterns to better understand how and why PV-related fires occur.
This evidence-led approach is intended to move the conversation beyond anecdote and assumption, towards measurable risk and practical solutions.
Fire safety and the green transition
Commenting on the launch, Raman Chagger, Principal Consultant at BRE, said improving solar PV fire safety is essential if the UK is to meet its clean energy ambitions.
“Making solar PV systems safer is essential if we are to encourage their adoption and, ultimately, make the successful transition to clean energy,” he said.
“We do not know the extent to which fires occur within solar PV systems and how this could have a potential knock-on effect on UK solar deployment.”
He added that by pooling expertise and analysing data collectively, the group aims to identify realistic, proportionate solutions. These could include:
- Updates to public and industry guidance
- Improvements to products or system design
- Revisions to standards and codes of practice
- Identification of areas requiring further research
Who is involved
The network is chaired by BRE and includes contributions from a wide range of leading organisations across the solar and fire safety sectors. Participants include:
- Fire Industry Association
- Solar Energy UK
- MCS Company
- SolarEdge Technologies
- Enphase Energy
- CGM Group UK, IMO Precision Controls, PVStop and ArcBox (a division of Viridian Solar)
The group expects to publish its findings and recommendations within 12 months.
Why this matters for fire risk assessments
As solar PV becomes more common, fire professionals increasingly stress the importance of considering PV systems within fire risk assessments, particularly for commercial and multi-occupied buildings.
Solar installations introduce:
- Additional electrical ignition sources
- Live DC cabling that remains energised in daylight
- Changes to roof access and firefighting tactics
- Potential complications during emergency response
Better data and clearer guidance will help responsible persons, designers and assessors make more informed, site-specific decisions about managing these risks.
Building confidence, not fear
The launch of PV-FIN reflects a broader shift in how fire safety and sustainability intersect. Rather than treating solar PV as a problem, the industry is recognising that understanding risk properly is the best way to support safe growth.
By improving transparency and evidence around solar PV fires, the network aims to build confidence — for installers, regulators, firefighters and the people living and working beneath these systems.
As the UK accelerates towards a greener energy future, initiatives like this highlight an important principle: clean energy and fire safety must move forward together.
