Solar panel fires rise at more than twice the rate of UK installations

Fires involving solar panels in the UK have increased by 133% since 2022, more than twice the 52% rise in installations over the same period, according to research from QBE. 

Data obtained by the insurer through Freedom of Information requests to UK fire services in February 2026 shows firefighters attended 212 fires involving solar panels in 2025, compared with 91 in 2022.

The increase comes as the number of solar panel installations continues to grow, surpassing two million in March 2026. 

QBE risk manager Adrian Simmonds said: “Fires are rising at more than double the rate of installations.

“It is clear installation quality and fire safety are not keeping pace with the speed of deployment. Safe solar panel installation and maintenance are essential to reducing the number of fires.”

Commercial risk

Residential properties accounted for the largest number of solar panel fires in 2025, with 102 incidents.

Meanwhile, fires at commercial properties rose 46% from 33 in 2024 to 48 in 2025, while incidents at industrial buildings more than doubled from six to 14.

QBE said DC cabling and connectors were the leading recorded cause of solar panel fires in 2025, accounting for 49 incidents, up from 26 the previous year.

Simmonds said: “The rise in fires linked to DC cabling and connectors points directly to installation quality. Loose connections, damaged wires and faulty wiring lead to arc faults and other electrical failures.”

The insurer also warned about the growing use of lithium-ion battery storage alongside solar installations, which can create thermal runaway and fires that are harder to contain.

QBE urged homeowners and businesses to use MCS-accredited installers, carry out annual inspections and ensure firefighter switches, cabling and battery storage systems are accessible and properly maintained.