The decision follows a fire at Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich, where firefighters confirmed that a solar panel on the roof was the cause of the incident. Around 650 pupils and 100 staff were safely evacuated after a member of staff reported smelling smoke.

The incident is the third school fire in Suffolk to involve solar panels in recent years. Fires at Brooklands Primary School in Brantham in March 2026 and East Bergholt Primary School in August 2025 were also linked to solar panel systems.

The NEU said it had raised concerns with Suffolk County Council several months earlier and expressed disappointment that precautionary measures were only introduced after the third incident. The union has called for an independent investigation into the fires.

In response, Suffolk County Council said there is no conclusive evidence linking the three incidents, but confirmed that, as a precaution, all solar panel systems installed at 80 schools between 2011 and 2016 will be switched off while a review is carried out. The authority said the work, which was already underway, has now been accelerated.

Energy expert Tony Slade said it is unlikely the solar panels themselves were responsible for the fires. Instead, he suggested the cause is more likely to lie with associated electrical components, such as damaged or incorrectly sized wiring, inverter faults, or other issues relating to the electrical system. He added that, until the cause is established, the council's decision to temporarily disconnect the systems is a sensible precaution.

The incidents highlight the importance of ensuring solar photovoltaic systems are correctly specified, installed, inspected and maintained throughout their operational life. As investigations continue, the findings may help inform future guidance and best practice for renewable energy installations on public buildings.

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