Going Solar: Are Solar Panel Roof Fires Something I Should be Worried About?

Solar panel fires often hit the news, not only because they’re frightening, but also because they’re rare. Here’s what you need to know about what causes solar panel roof fires and how they can be avoided.

Are you worried about solar panel roof fires? Solar panel fires often hit the news, not only because they’re frightening, but also because they’re rare. While solar panel fires have occurred, they’re generally isolated incidents that can be protected against. Solar panel fires generally occur because the installation itself is faulty, or because corners have been cut when purchasing the right materials.

Here’s what you need to know about what causes solar panel roof fires and how they can be avoided.

What Causes a Solar Panel Roof Fire?

Everyone knows that solar panels are energy-efficient and cost-effective. Not only do they save the environment by using a sustainable, renewable resource for energy, but they also save households money through reduced energy costs.

But like any other type of advanced technology, solar panels can be installed incorrectly, mishandled, or manufactured improperly.

There are two major things that can cause a solar panel roof fire:

  • Poor installation practices. Solar panels need to be installed properly, as they are electronic devices that are creating energy. Most solar panel roof fires are the consequence of installing the solar panels incorrectly. Either the installation isn’t properly reviewed by an electrician, or the cables are mismanaged and lead to a short.
  • Badly manufactured solar panels. Some companies concentrate on profit first, and consequently may not use the best quality solar panels. It’s important to look into the types of solar panels you’re having installed, as well as the company you’re working with. A reputable company is going to use the best quality solar panels available.

In short, if a high quality solar panel is installed correctly, a solar panel roof fire isn’t something that you should worry about. A solar panel installation that has been properly inspected and installed is going to be completely safe.

Protecting Yourself from a Solar Panel Roof Fire

Using trusted solar installers is the most important factor when you’re installing solar panels. Only untrustworthy solar panel installers will use badly made solar panels, or install them incorrectly. A reputable solar panel installer will install well-manufactured, safe panels, and will do so in compliance with the installation best practices.

In 2018, South Australian citizens were warned that at least one company was performing non-compliant solar panel installations, which could be dangerous and potentially catch fire. It was unknown how many citizens could ultimately be impacted, but it was expected to number in the hundreds.

The danger related to these solar panels had nothing to do with the solar panels themselves, but instead due to the non-compliant work the solar panel company was doing. Particularly, the work was not being checked and inspected by a licensed electrician as it should have been.

Many of the solar panels in businesses and residences across Australia were found to have potential issues with wiring or had not been properly inspected after installation. This is something that a trustworthy installer can protect against.

Those with incorrect solar system installations frequently notice that the installation is dispersing far more heat than it should — so there are also indicating factors that homeowners and business owners may notice before a fire ever takes place.

Even so, solar house fires are rare, and substandard solar systems are rarely discovered. Solar systems are occasionally inspected by regulators to determine how many have been installed incorrectly, with about 3.4% of systems potentially being installed in a non-compliant fashion.

Solar Panels Are Perfectly Safe, As Long As They’re Installed Properly

Ultimately, anything that conducts electricity has to be installed properly and inspected by a licensed electrician. If a solar panel installer does not have a licensed electrician available, they are likely cutting corners on the installation and the installation will be non-compliant. A homeowner can also always opt to have their solar panel installation inspected separately to verify that it is safe and correct.

Are you interested in solar panels? Fire incidents are few and far between, and as mentioned, they can be safely avoided by using a trustworthy solar partner. Speaking with a solar company, getting a quote, and finding out more about the installation process can help put you at ease.

Contact E-Smart Solar for qualified solar power installations.

 

The pros and cons of solar energy for your home

Five things to consider before investing in solar

Using solar energy to meet your power demands reduces costs while also making you more environmentally friendly. But it’s also an investment, which means that you need to consider both the pros and the cons of installing solar energy in your home.

If you’re thinking about solar, consider these factors before making a purchase.

Pro: Less reliance on grid electricity reduces your bills

Cost savings are often the most significant factor for a lot of clients. When you use your solar energy, you’re relying less on your electricity company. This means that your monthly bills go down.

And a battery system will take your savings even further. You can store and sell excess energy back to the electricity company. You can even store your electricity company’s electricity during off-peak times, when prices are lowest, and then use that energy during peak periods. Lots of options!

Con: There is an upfront cost before the savings kick in

Yes, solar definitely saves you money, particularly over the long term. But the cost of manufacturing and installing solar panels is still high. The bigger your energy needs, the larger your investment. Nevertheless, it is an investment, and some companies even offer payment plans that make it incredibly accessible.

Pro: Solar energy is a renewable energy source

Solar energy is a renewable energy source. This is unlike other forms of energy that have a limited lifespan, such as coal and fossil fuels. As long as the sun remains alive (and that’s going to be a while – about 6.5 billion years, in fact!), we can’t run out of solar energy.

It’s also abundant – we could power all of earth with solar energy and still have solar radiation left to spare!

Con: It requires space

This one isn’t really a con because, let’s face it – what else are we going to do with the real estate on our roof? But the more energy you require to power your home, the more panels you need. And while we work out your specific energy needs before calculating how much power can be produced in your space, generally speaking the larger the home, the more panels you’ll need.

Pro: Solar energy is sustainable, which means a better planet for your children (and theirs)

Sustainable energy sources meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. We can’t over-consume solar, and it leaves no harmful side effects. And yes, while the manufacturing, transportation and installation of solar power systems do cause some emissions, they truly are minimal compared to most conventional sources of energy.

Con: Without a battery, solar power is intermittent

As our access to sunlight is limited to daytime (not to mention good weather!), solar energy is an intermittent energy source. This is somewhat resolved with the decreasing costs of battery systems, making them far more accessible to the average homeowner. But without one, your solar system won’t meet 100% of your energy demands.

Pro: They’re ultra-quiet and require little maintenance

Many alternative energy sources are limited to remote areas because of the noise they make (wind turbines are a prime example). But residential solar panels have no moving parts, so they weave their magic in glorious silence.

In terms of maintenance, they only need cleaning twice a year, purely so dirt and bird droppings don’t reduce their efficiency. And with no moving parts, they also last for decades.

From a technical maintenance perspective, there are products that alert us to issues and let us update your firmware remotely – you don’t even have to pick up the phone if you suspect there’s an issue!

Con: Not all solar panels are created equal

A huge variety of panels on the market, with varying levels of efficiency, durability, reliability, output and design, mean that there’s also a huge variety of price points. Choosing the right system can be difficult – it can be tempting to invest in an option that’s purely based on cost. But considering the impact of all of those factors in your system’s performance and longevity, it’s worthwhile to do your research and invest in quality panels.

To solar or not to solar… that is the question

When you consider it, the negatives are minimal in comparison to the benefits. But solar isn’t going to be the right choice for everyone. There are a whole lot of factors to take in, from environmental and economical through to grid independence, your location, and even advancing technology. But the bottom line is this: in the energy world, solar power compares incredibly well against other technologies for all of these factors.

The reality is, the future of solar is looking rather bright. Quite literally!

10 ways to improve your eco credentials at home

Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact

Getting started is often the hardest step – whether it be writing your very first blog post (eek!) or reducing your carbon footprint. We hear you!

But often, it’s the culmination of small changes that have the largest impact. As a result we’ve put together a simple list to get you on your way to improving your eco credentials around the home.

Buy in season…

Avoid fruit and veggies that have been flown halfway around the world and shop at your local farmers market. Not only will you be supporting local suppliers, you’ll have less plastic in your life and a far better taste in your mouth!

Fix that tap!

It’s difficult to conceptualise, but a slow leaking tap can waste an incredible 20,000 litres of water per annum. That’s the entire amount available each year to many people around the world.

 Say no to plastic

In excess of 450,000 recyclable plastic supermarket bags are dumped into landfill every hour (horrifying but true!). Be prepared, and bring your own bags when grocery shopping.

 Use the cold wash

About three-quarters of the energy and greenhouse gas emissions from washing a load of laundry comes purely from heating the water. There’s no need to boil your load; manage your settings and just chill.

Use a dishwasher

It’s not a myth, it’s true – washing up by hand with hot water and rinsing really does leave a bigger carbon footprint than a dishwasher.

Fill your dishwasher, put it on an energy efficient setting and go tend to your herbs…

Grow your own herbs

They taste better, give you a chance to get outside in the sunshine, you’ll save money and you’ll never have a bland dish again. Too easy!

Use your (good old Aussie) hills hoist

Reduce your carbon footprint by using the great Aussie invention, the Hills Hoist. Relish the warmth of the sunshine on your clothes. It beats a dryer any day and you’ll have the extra coins in your pocket.

Recycle your plastic bags

Sometimes plastic bags are unavoidable; the good news is that most supermarkets have recycling stations for your convenience. Save your plastic bags and next time you’re at the shops, pop them into the recycling – it’s that simple.

Avoid free bags

How many do you really need? Around the world, we use and throw away a trillion recyclable bags every year. Crazy! Bring your own bags, dust off your Nanna’s trolley, or just carry your shopping in your hot little hands.

Use renewable energy

Electricity accounts for about 53% of the energy used in Australian households but creates around 87% of the greenhouse gas emissions (DEWHA 2008). Limit your greenhouse gas emissions where you can by utilising renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.

Do you have any more tips?

We’d love to know your thoughts and tips for an eco friendly home! Comment below and let us know your tips for reducing your carbon footprint – we love new ideas!