BRE establishes industry network to plug data gap on fire safety of solar photovoltaic systems
- The PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN) will gather relevant and reliable data on fires relating to solar PV (photovoltaic) systems
- Leading industry organisations will contribute to the one-year project as part of a wider effort to make solar PV systems safer
- Solar PV is critical for achieving the green transition, but data on their fire safety is currently lacking in the UK
PV-FIN is a steering group of leading organisations chaired by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), formed to analyse the fire safety of solar PV (photovoltaic) systems. The network brings together solar PV and component manufacturers, fire experts, and solar safety solution providers.
At present, there is no reliable data on how often fires involve solar panel systems, which parts of the system may be responsible, or how these fires typically develop. Issues such as poor installation and faulty wiring can increase the risk of fires — and a lack of data has implications for customer reassurance on the safety of these systems and designing safer installations.
PV-FIN works to plug this knowledge gap, identifying the specific causes and consequences of solar PV related fires and proposing practical recommendations to reduce risk in the future.
Solar PV is a critical element of the UK's green transition, increasing the need for up-to-date and reliable data on the fire risk of these systems to promote their take-up among homeowners, businesses and the public sector.
“Making solar PV systems safer is essential if we are to encourage their adoption and, ultimately, make the successful transition to clean energy.
A lack of reliable data and knowledge means we do not know the extent to which fires occur within solar PV systems and how this could be potentially impacting their take-up in the UK.
With the collective expertise and data-led approach of the group, we will identify potential solutions to this challenge. These could involve updates to public and industry guidance, product improvements, and new tools for the industry.”
Raman Chagger
Principal Consultant, BRE
Want to contribute or learn more?
Get in touch with the PV-FIN team, complete a questionnaire, or read the full announcement from BRE.