What a dire heading! We’re not in the business of shock and awe, but the reality is that house fires caused by solar system faults could easily be prevented. Solar panel and system fires are responsible for approximately 100-150 home fires each year across Australia. This figure is expected to grow as systems are now aging out. If your solar panels are 3 or more years old, now is the time to seriously consider the safety of your system.
House fires caused by faulty solar systems
House fire reporting is state-based, and there’s presently no data available for 2024-2025. Let’s take a look at the figures for previous years:
With no currently available data for NSW, SA, or TAS, the total figure is expected to be much higher.
What causes house fires from solar panel and system faults?
Solar panels themselves don’t spontaneously catch fire. The real risks come from isolation switches, wiring, inverters, or batteries, often made worse by poor installation or neglect. Here are 6 of the most common causes of solar system fires.
1. DC isolator switches
- These switches were mandated in Australia for rooftop solar.
- They sit on the roof, exposed to heat, UV, and weather.
- Water ingress, poor sealing, or cheap components can cause arcing and fire.
- FRNSW and Energy Safe Victoria say isolators are the single largest cause of solar-related fires.
2. Poor installation or workmanship
- Incorrect wiring, loose connections, and poor earthing can all create fire hazards.
- Cutting corners on cable management (like leaving wires rubbing against roofing materials) can cause insulation damage and short circuits.
3. Water ingress and weathering
- Roof-mounted equipment (junction boxes, isolators, inverters) exposed to heavy rain or heat can degrade over time.
- Moisture inside electrical components leads to corrosion, arcing, and eventual ignition.
4. Faulty or degraded components
- Low-quality isolators, connectors, or inverters are more prone to overheating.
- Ageing systems without maintenance can develop hot spots or insulation breakdown.
5. Batteries and storage systems
- Lithium-ion batteries can overheat if poorly designed, installed incorrectly, or physically damaged.
- Thermal runaway is rare but possible, and when it happens, it’s very hard to extinguish.
- Most modern battery units now have strong safety measures (fire-retardant casings, thermal monitoring, auto-shutoff).
6. Lack of inspection or maintenance
- Systems often go untouched for 5–10 years after installation.
- Dust, leaves, or bird nesting around cabling and isolators can worsen the risk.
- Regular checks can prevent many faults before they become dangerous.
How to prevent a solar system electrical fire
As we venture into summer, now is the time to consider the safety of your solar system. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of a house fire.
Schedule regular maintenance
Your solar system isn’t “set and forget.” Dust, water ingress, and loose connections can all build up over time. Regular inspections keep your system safe and performing at its peak.
Watch for warning signs
If you smell burning plastic, hear unusual buzzing, or notice your inverter shutting down unexpectedly, switch off the system and call for help immediately.
Get a professional solar health check
Prevention is always better than firefighting. An expert inspection will catch small issues before they spark into bigger problems.
Why Energy Matters recommends Solar Service Guys
At Energy Matters, we encourage every homeowner to protect their investment. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Solar Service Guys. They’re specialists in solar maintenance and fault detection, with a professional team that can test, clean, and service your system.
Solar Service Guys offer:
- System servicing and health checks
- System safety inspections
- Fault-finding and repairs
- Solar panel cleaning
- Inverter replacement and upgrades
By booking a solar health check through Solar Service Guys, you’re not just protecting your home; you’re making sure your solar keeps saving you money and runs safely for years to come.
