The Building Research Establishment (BRE), the UK’s multi-disciplinary centre for building science, has announced the formation of the PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN). The network brings together leading organisations to improve understanding of the fire safety risks associated with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Chaired by BRE, PV-FIN is supported by a steering group of solar PV and component manufacturers, fire safety experts and solar safety solution providers. Contributors include the Fire Industry Association (FIA), The MCS Company, CGM Group UK, Enphase Energy, IMO Precision Controls, PVStop, SolarEdge Technologies, ArcBox (a division of Viridian Solar) and Solar Energy UK.

Currently, there is a limited body of robust, evidence-based data on the incidence of fires involving solar PV systems, the components most commonly associated with fire events, and how such incidents develop. This lack of data presents challenges for both customer confidence and the design of safer PV installations. The research will address these gaps by drawing on reliable data sources to analyse the causes and frequency of solar PV-related fires in the UK.

The work of PV-FIN will focus on three key areas:

Collecting reliable data on fires involving solar PV systems across residential, commercial, industrial and utility-scale installations in the UK.

Engaging with key stakeholders, including Fire and Rescue Services, manufacturers, installers and researchers, to address existing knowledge gaps.

Analysing trends to identify common causes and patterns of solar PV fires.

Solar PV plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. Ensuring access to current, credible evidence on fire risk is therefore essential to maintaining confidence among homeowners, businesses, and the public sector, while supporting safe and effective system design and installation.

The project is expected to be completed within 12 months. The findings will be published in a publicly available research paper, providing clear recommendations to support improved fire safety across the solar PV sector.

Raman Chagger CEng FIET, principal consultant at the BRE specialising in fire safety, commented: “Making solar PV systems safer is essential if we are to encourage their adoption and, ultimately, make the successful transition to clean energy. We don’t know the extent to which fires occur within solar PV systems and how this could have a potential knock-on effect on UK solar deployment.”

Chagger continued: “Supported by 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 or revised standards and Codes of Practice alongside areas for further research in the future.”

Practitioners harbouring data that may support this work are invited to contact the PV-FIN steering group via e-mail at [email protected]

*Further information is available online at www.bregroup.com