The rate of solar panel fires is rising faster than the rate of installations, with fires up 133% over four years to the end of 2025 compared to a 52% increase in solar panel installations, according to research from business insurer QBE.

The data collected under Freedom of Information requests made to UK fire services in February 2026 shows that UK fire services attended 212 fires involving solar panels in 2025, more than double the 91 recorded in 2022. In March 2026, installations surpassed 2m for the first time according to government figures, which also found that as of May 2026, there were 2,047,225 solar panel installations across the UK.

The research shows the majority of incidents involving a solar panel took place in residential buildings, with 102 fires in 2025. Adrian Simmonds, risk manager at QBE Insurance, said: “Solar energy is a key component to the UK’s clean energy future and QBE fully supports its rapid expansion, but safety and risk mitigation must be the priority.

“Our research shows that fires are rising at more than double the rate of installations, with DC cabling and connectors as the leading cause, and fires are often spreading to the wider building. It is clear installation quality and fire safety are not keeping pace with the speed of deployment. Safe solar panel installation and maintenance are essential to reducing the number of fires.”

Solar panel fires taking place at commercial properties also saw a sharp rise, from 33 fires in 2024 to 48 fires in 2025, a 46% increase. Industrial buildings saw a notable jump, from six fires in 2024 to 14 fires in 2025, a 133% increase.