Solar panels are booming. But so are the risks

With temperatures – and electricity bills – soaring in the UK this summer, solar panels are being installed on UK rooftops at record pace.

In our second guide looking at roofing risks, Charles Orpwood examines the risks and rewards for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy bills and generate more of their own ‘clean and green’ electricity.

269,000 new solar installations were completed across the UK in 2025 – 37% more than the previous year. By March 2026, the total number of solar installations passed two million homes.

But with panel popularity gaining momentum, fire risk is now a growing concern. UK fire services attended 212 fires involving solar panels in 2025, more than double the 91 recorded in 2022.

DC cabling and loose connections were the main culprits, while damaged wires and faulty wiring can lead to arc faults and other electrical failures.

Poorly installed or damaged components can also increase the risk of ongoing faults. The increased use of lithium-ion battery storage, which can create thermal runaways resulting in fires that are harder to contain, is also a major consideration.

Installing panels on a listed property, country estate or home with a specialist roof can be considerably more complicated than fitting them to a standard modern property. Damage caused during installation can be expensive to rectify and, if fire or storm damage does occur, specialist materials and craftsmanship can make repairs far more costly.

These risks all make insurance a vital part of the planning process.

The bright approach to solar installation
We are seeing more and more claims from clients who have had roof mounted solar arrays installed by individuals and companies that simply do not hold the right certification.

Homeowners and businesses should always look for an MCS-accredited installer (certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) who is testing to BSEN 62446 standards and running regular thermographic surveys to identify any high-risk hot spots.

Annual servicing is essential to ensure firefighter switches, cabling and battery storage systems are properly maintained. This all needs to be clearly documented as evidence for an insurer in the case of any future fire claim.

Solar panels should also be professionally cleaned and inspected each year to prevent debris build up and, ironically, overheating.
After any severe weather event, from an extended heatwave to strong winds or flooding, panels should be checked to see if any repairs are required.

Finally, batteries should never be located inside or right next to the building due to the additional fire risks. You should always check with your insurer to establish the minimum distance recommended.

Check your home insurance before work starts
Homeowners should speak to their broker before work starts, rather than assuming their existing policy will automatically cover solar panels during and post installation.

Insurers may need details of the panels, battery system, installer and any alterations to the property.

It is also worth establishing how the panels, inverter and battery will be covered for risks such as fire, storm or accidental damage, and whether the policy places any restrictions on installation or maintenance.

Some home insurance policies may not cover problems arising purely from poor workmanship, defective equipment or wear and tear, so installer guarantees and warranties should be thoroughly checked.

A further wider insurance consideration is the rebuild costs. Significant improvements to a high-value home can change what it would cost to reinstate the property following a major loss.

Expert advice
Solar can be a worthwhile financial and environmental investment, but it should be treated like any other significant home improvement project.

A reputable installer, regular maintenance and the right insurance can help ensure greener living doesn’t come with an unexpected gap in protection.

Our team of property risk specialists can help you invest in solar panels in a way that meets insurers’ requirements and protects your cover.

Get in touch to find out more.