Solar panel fires hit eight-year high in Dorset and Wiltshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 03:18 · Archive

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 12 solar panel fire incidents in 2025, the most since at least 2018.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 12 incidents involving solar photovoltaic systems in 2025, up from five the previous year. This marks the highest annual total since at least 2018, when the service attended two incidents. Numbers in intervening years were three in both 2019 and 2020, five in 2021, two in 2022, four in 2023, and five in 2024.

Of the 12 incidents last year, seven took place at domestic properties, two at industrial sites, two at commercial premises, and one at a solar farm. Despite the rise, solar panel-related fires remain relatively rare. The figures were revealed through a Freedom of Information request and highlighted by the Energy Incident Register, which tracks incidents involving renewable energy and electricity infrastructure.

Where a specific cause was identified, fires were more often linked to electrical components such as inverters, cabling, isolators and fuse boards rather than the solar panels themselves. A fire service spokesperson said the drive towards net zero emissions and renewable energy inevitably comes with 'some challenges' but that increased reports 'must be considered in light of the significant increase in the number of installations'.

The fire service stressed the importance of proper installation and ongoing maintenance, noting that 'solar PV systems are an increasingly common feature on homes and businesses, and, as with any electrical installation, it is important that they are correctly maintained and used safely'.

How it is being reported

• Solar panel fires reach eight-year high, new figures revealDorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 12 incidents involving solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in 2025, up from five the previous year and marking the highest annual total since at least 2018.Bournemouth Echo · 12 Oct, 02:22
• Solar panel fires reach eight-year high, new figures revealDorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 12 incidents involving solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in 2025, up from five the previous year and marking the highest annual total since at least 2018.Dorset Echo · 12 Oct, 02:22

In this story: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service · Energy Incident Register · Dorset · Wiltshire

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