FOI Request 2212

Subject: Solar Panel Fires

Status: Complete

Date received: August 2025

Question Asked:

Please may you provide me with answers to the questions below regarding solar panel fires.

1. How many fire incidents involving solar panels (photovoltaic) systems were recorded in the following time periods?

   a. 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2022

   b. 01/01/2023 - 31/12/2023

   c. 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024

2. In 2024, how many fire incidents involving solar panels occurred in each of the following locations?

   a. Residential properties

   b. Commercial properties

   c. Industrial properties

   d. Solar farms (ground-mounted solar installations)

3. In 2024, how many solar panel related fires originated in the following settings?

   a. Solar panel

   b. DC cabling / connectors

   c. Inverter

   d. Battery bank

4. In 2024, how many solar panel fires involved solar panels in the following size ranges:

   a. 10-30 m2 (metres squared)

   b. 31-100 m2

   c. 101-250 m2

   d. 251-1000 m2

   e. Larger than 1000 m2

5. In 2024, how many solar panel related fires required activation of a fireman’s switch?

   a. Of those not activated, how many were due to concerns about the risk of using water on an energised system?

6. In 2024, during solar panel fire incidents at properties with rooftop installations, how many times were firefighters unable to access the roof to suppress the fire?

   a. Where roof access was not possible, how many times was the reason recorded as one of the following:

   i. Inadequate access to roof walkway

   ii. Electrical hazard / live electrical risk

   iii. Lack of suitable PPE (e.g., non-conductive protective clothing)

7. In 2024, how many solar panel related fires occurred where the panels were installed on roofing constructed with combustible materials (e.g., timber decking, bitumen felt, EPS/PUR insulation, or similar)?

   a. If recorded, please specify the types of combustible roofing materials involved.

Our Response:

Please see our response below to your Freedom of Information Request.

There is no cause, source of ignition or item first ignited where you can record solar panels on CFRS Recording System. Therefore, we cannot provide the data requested as advised below.

Currently the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Incident Recording System (IRS) has insufficient facilities for the comprehensive recording, and subsequent analysis, of fires involving solar panels. Therefore, due to the specific information asked for, CFRS cannot provide the data requested.

Outcome: Data Not Held

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO