Solar PV installations on UK homes are continuing to rise in the face of a range of pressures: rising energy costs, environmental considerations, and tightening regulation such as the Future Homes Standard.
Recent figures published by the Government reveal that more than 170,000 solar panel installations took place to the end of July this year alone, taking total installations nationwide beyond the two million mark.
However, solar PV-related fires are increasing too – much faster than the rate of installations, according to a recent study which suggests an increase of 133% from 2022 to 2025.
A key cause of these fires is DC connections. Incorrect connections or the cross-mating of connectors can cause electrical arcs, potentially spreading fire behind panels and into roof spaces. The compatibility and fire performance of panels, mounting systems, flashings and associated components as a complete system must therefore be considered.
It goes without saying that any products used on a building, including solar PV panels, must protect building occupants.
Unsafe installations can result in severe legal, financial and reputational consequences for contractors.
Most reputable UK installers rely on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and so use only MCS accredited solar PV systems.
Contractors must ensure the chosen system has been correctly tested and certified for its intended application and is installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and overall best practice.
A key point is that systems must be tested and certificated not just individually, but in combination, to assure building owners and users of their safety – meaning it makes sense to use a system where this is already the case.
One such system is the Marley SolarTile® roof-integrated solar system, which achieves a high classification for resistance to the spread of flame and fire penetration in European fire safety tests (BRoof T1, T2, T3 and T4). This is supported by independently verified BBA Solar System certification covering the solar panels, solar flashings and their combined system.
The system also includes ArcBox, designed to enclose a DC connector and contain an electrical arc, helping to prevent its spread to combustible materials in proximity to the installation.
For more information, visit Marley’s website.
