Written by Rob Aitken – Technical Director – Europa Plc and Joanne Jones - Sustainability Lead - Europa Plc
12th August 2025
As we transition toward a cleaner, greener future, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming a cornerstone of renewable energy strategies across the globe. Their rapid adoption in homes, businesses, and large-scale infrastructure is a sign of progress—but also a cause for concern.
As domestic heating is estimated to contribute around 14% of greenhouse gas emissions; ensuring the high-quality delivery of low-carbon technology installations is essential in addressing this challenge.
According to MCS data, nearly 50,000 renewable installations have been completed on new build properties so far this year, making up 28% of total installations.
This marks a significant rise compared to the same period in 2024, when 21% of certified renewable systems were installed on new builds—almost double the previous figure.
While solar panels offer clear environmental and economic benefits, they also introduce new and under-recognised risks—especially when it comes to electrical safety, emergency response, and firefighting.
The Hidden Dangers
Unlike traditional grid systems, solar PV panels generate direct current (DC) electricity any time they are exposed to light. This means they remain live—and potentially lethal—throughout the day, regardless of whether the system is connected to the grid.
This constant flow of current is known as the “DC Danger Zone” in the industry. It's a silent hazard, especially during fires, storms, or maintenance operations where responders may unknowingly be working with live equipment.
Why Safety Hasn’t Kept Up
Solar PV technology is no longer new—it’s everywhere. But in many cases, safety protocols, training, and reporting systems have not evolved at the same pace.
This misalignment has created a dangerous knowledge and preparedness gap, especially for:
To close this gap, we need:
Outdated Safety Protocols, Growing Risk
As installations grow in scale and frequency, emergency teams are increasingly encountering solar-equipped buildings. However, many existing procedures do not account for the complexities of PV systems, putting both people and property at risk.
The Missing Data Problem
According to the BRE Report: Fire and Solar PV Systems, the UK’s national fire incident reporting system does not include a field for solar-related incidents. This is a critical oversight.
Without proper tracking, it is impossible to:
As the saying goes: "If it can't be measured, it can't be managed." The absence of data forces decision-makers to rely on assumptions instead of facts. That needs to change.
The Scale of the Threat: By the Numbers
Solar panels may look harmless—but their power output says otherwise:
Even small-scale systems can be deadly under the wrong conditions.
Electrocution isn’t limited to large commercial setups.
More Than Just Electrical Risk: Toxic Exposure
When solar panels catch fire, they don’t just spark electrical danger—they also release toxic chemicals. Burned panels can expose responders to:
When Fires Involve Solar – Even If They Didn’t Start There
Many solar panel-related incidents don’t start with the PV system. Fires from other sources can spread to rooftops or areas where panels are installed, creating complex, high-risk situations.
In these scenarios, it’s critical to isolate power—not just from the grid, but from the PV system as well. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done.
Because solar systems cannot be reliably shut down during daylight, many fire crews are forced to take defensive tactics. The result? More property damage, higher insurance claims, and longer incident times.
A Widening Training Gap
One major contributor to this problem is the lack of standardised training. The speed at which solar technology has been adopted far exceeds the development of safety regulations and responder education.
There are very few true experts in solar panel safety.
A Safer Future: Introducing Solar Guardian
At Europa Plc, we recognise the growing safety challenges posed by the widespread adoption of solar PV systems—particularly for first responders, emergency services, and maintenance professionals. In response to these emerging risks, our team has developed Solar Guardian: a purpose-built, innovative safety solution designed to help emergency personnel safely manage incidents involving photovoltaic technology.
Solar Guardian has been engineered to address the unique hazards associated with live DC electricity and compromised solar panels, especially in high-stress scenarios such as fires, structural damage, and extreme weather events.
By combining cutting-edge technology with practical, field-tested functionality, our system enables responders to isolate, control, and mitigate solar-related risks with greater confidence and efficiency.
At Europa Plc, we are committed to driving safety innovation through meaningful collaboration with industry experts, fire and rescue authorities, and electrical safety bodies.
Through the development and deployment of Solar Guardian, we are helping to close the critical safety gap—empowering those on the front lines and setting a new standard for PV system risk management.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Progress Outpace Preparedness
The future of energy is here—and it’s bringing exciting advances like:
But with every new innovation comes new risks. If safety, training, and regulation do not keep pace, we risk repeating past mistakes—walking into preventable tragedies.
What’s Needed Right Now:
✅ Reliable, data-driven reporting systems
✅ Comprehensive responder training programs
✅ Regulations and Guidance for the use of purpose-built safety tools for solar environments and correct installation of PV panels.
Solar power is clean, efficient, and essential for a sustainable future.
Let’s make sure it’s safe, too.
