Fires linked to solar panels have more than doubled in the past three years to reach 212 in 2025, new research shows, with most taking place in houses and cables the leading cause
Fires linked to solar panels have more than doubled over the past three years, reaching 212 incidents in 2025, according to new research. The rise comes amid a boom in rooftop solar installations across Britain, raising questions about fire safety standards as more households and businesses adopt the technology.
The vast majority of these fires occurred in residential houses, with faulty or damaged cables identified as the leading cause. The findings point to installation and wiring issues as a key area of concern for regulators and installers as solar panel uptake continues to grow.
- Solar panel fires more than doubled in three years, hitting 212 in 2025
- Most fires happened in houses, not commercial buildings
- Faulty cables were the leading cause of these fires