Several schools in the United Kingdom have experienced roof fires attributed to solar panel installations, prompting local authorities to disconnect systems and sparking calls for increased safety scrutiny.
In Suffolk, officials have switched off 80 solar panel systems on classrooms after three separate fires occurred in less than a year. A similar precautionary measure was taken in Northumberland, where 81 solar panels were disconnected following a fire at a primary school last summer. These incidents echo similar events in Shropshire, Nottinghamshire in 2025, and London in 2024.
The most recent fire at Sidegate Lane Primary School in Ipswich on June 24th was confirmed by the fire brigade to be caused by a solar panel. This followed fires at Brooklands Primary School and East Bergholt Primary School, also blamed on solar panels. Following these incidents, Suffolk County Council announced the temporary deactivation of all school solar systems installed between 2011 and 2016.
The Association of School and College Leaders has stated that school leaders are aware of dangers associated with unsuitable materials in building construction and would welcome further investigation into the causes of these fires to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. The Eastern Region of the National Education Union has also raised concerns, noting that decisive action was not taken until after a third fire occurred in an occupied school.
In response to concerns, Northumberland County Council disconnected solar systems installed before 2019 on many of its buildings, including 81 schools.
A spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council emphasized the importance of safe installation, maintenance, and management of technologies like solar panels as their use expands.
However, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has stated that none of the affected schools had solar panels installed as part of the recent Great British Energy program. The department maintains that the risk of fire from solar panels is very low, comparable to household appliances, and that safety standards are rigorously upheld. Experts suggest that fires are likely caused by issues with cables or the equipment connecting the panels to the electricity network.