The PV Fire Intelligence Network, chaired by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), is inviting professionals from across the fire safety, solar energy and construction sectors to contribute their experience relating to the safety of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

This research represents an important step in supporting the Network’s objective to strengthen the evidence base and encourage a coordinated, national approach to improving PV fire safety. Insights gathered will assist in developing a clearer understanding of the causes and impacts of PV-related fire incidents, and in identifying practical measures to reduce associated risks.

The research focuses on three key areas:

• Work practices - installation, inspection and maintenance practices within the solar PV sector
• Near misses - incidents that had the potential to result in fire but were prevented
• Fire incidents - all recorded fire events involving solar PV systems

The online questionnaire will remain open until 30 June. Participants are encouraged to complete the sections most relevant to their knowledge and experience. All responses will be treated in strict confidence to support open engagement and ensure the findings provide meaningful and actionable insight.

Participants can visit https://www.pvfin.org/ for more information and/or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Identifying the threats

Raman Chagger, principal consultant at the Building Research Establishment and lead for the PV Fire Intelligence Network, explained: “The results from this questionnaire will enable us to identify the threats and corresponding Best Practice for the fast-evolving solar PV sector.”

Chagger added: “Ensuring safety in solar PV systems is essential if we’re going to encourage their adoption and, ultimately, make the successful transition to clean energy. Participation from industry professionals is essential to achieve this goal.”

The PV Fire Intelligence Network was established last October as a Steering Group of leading organisations to analyse the fire safety of solar PV systems. Solar PV and component manufacturers, fire experts and solar safety solution providers form the network. Members include the MCS Company, the Fire Industry Association, the CGM Group UK, Enphase Energy, IMO Precision Controls, PVStop, SolarEdge Technologies, ArcBox (a division of Viridian Solar) and Solar Energy UK.

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 posed by these systems to promote their take-up among homeowners, businesses and the public sector.

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