Collaboration to Ensure Solar Safety Through Solar panel maintenance
The Solar Trade Association (STA) and the charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) have joined forces to stress the importance of maintaining solar panel systems, following a rise in electrical fires linked to these systems. STA — representing the UK solar industry — and ESF are working to enhance safety standards and educate the public about the risks of neglecting solar panel maintenance.
Over the past five years, there has been a 36% increase in fires involving solar panels. Fire and Rescue Service data from England, Scotland, and Wales reveal that 1,166 domestic property fires were linked to solar panels between 2018 and 2023. The STA and ESF’s new campaign aims to address these concerns by promoting regular maintenance and safety checks. This initiative aligns with similar campaigns emphasizing the importance of regular servicing of rooftop solar panels to prevent electrical faults.
Importance of Regular Solar panel maintenance
In a press release, the STA highlights that regular maintenance is often overlooked, even though it is crucial for preventing safety risks and ensuring the long-term efficiency of solar installations. The association points out that many homeowners may not be aware of the need for ongoing upkeep.
Solar panel systems, like any other electrical system, require regular professional inspections to maintain safety and performance. Neglecting these checks can lead to serious risks, including electrical fires. The STA and ESF emphasize the importance of having qualified electricians conduct periodic inspections to ensure the systems remain safe and efficient. This proactive approach can help identify and address issues such as hot spots and electrical faults early on, preventing potential fires.
Research conducted by the STA and ESF indicates that over half of UK homeowners with solar panels (51%) do not have a maintenance contract in place. This lack of regular maintenance significantly increases the risk of electrical fires and other safety hazards. A recent campaign in Victoria, Australia, also highlights the importance of regular solar system safety checks, recommending maintenance services at least once every two years and the use of licensed electricians.
Key Findings and Public Awareness
The survey also found that three in five homeowners (60%) were unaware that their solar panel systems required regular maintenance. Additionally, 38% of respondents admitted they had never had their systems checked by a professional since installation, with 25% having gone at least five years without an inspection.
These findings highlight the urgent need for increased public awareness and education about the importance of regular solar panel maintenance. The STA and ESF are working together to address this issue and improve safety standards across the UK.
Victoria MacGregor, Chief Executive of the STA, noted that while the risk of fire from solar panels is low, it still exists, especially in cases where the systems are not properly maintained. She emphasized the importance of regular maintenance to keep the systems safe and functioning optimally.
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of ESF, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of using qualified electricians to carry out maintenance checks. She warned against relying on unqualified individuals, as this could lead to substandard work and increased safety risks.
The STA and ESF are urging homeowners to check their solar panel systems at least every five years, with more frequent checks recommended for older systems. They also emphasize the importance of using professionals registered with a government-approved scheme to ensure the work is done safely and to the highest standards.
Campaigns to Promote Solar Safety Through Solar panel maintenance
To further promote solar safety, ESF is launching a new campaign called “Power to the Panels.” This initiative aims to educate homeowners about the importance of regular maintenance and the potential risks of neglecting their solar panel systems.
The campaign will provide resources and information to help homeowners understand the importance of maintaining their solar panels and ensure they remain safe and efficient for years to come. Both organizations are committed to ensuring that solar energy remains a safe and reliable source of renewable power for homes across the UK. Similar campaigns, such as the “Make the Safe Call” campaign, emphasize verifying the electrician’s license and obtaining a Certificate of Electrical Safety for any wiring repairs.
