The fire, which apparently started on the photovoltaic panels, quickly spread throughout the building. Fortunately, the occupants of the house were able to evacuate the premises before the arrival of the Gers fire brigade.
On Thursday, October 31, a fire broke out in a single-storey house of 110 m² located in the town of Orbessan, in the Gers department. The fire apparently started at the photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the house, before quickly spreading throughout the building.
Firefighters were alerted and rushed to the scene. Nineteen firefighters from the Auch, Masseube, Pavie and Seissan fire and rescue centers were mobilized to contain and extinguish the flames. When they arrived, the fire had already engulfed a large part of the home. To control the fire, teams deployed two hoses which helped contain the spread of the fire.
Fortunately, the occupants of the house, a 62-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman, were able to evacuate the premises before emergency services arrived. The two people were taken care of by firefighters and temporarily relocated by members of their family.
This incident is a reminder of the potential risks associated with electrical installations, even though photovoltaic panels are generally considered safe and efficient. Technical investigations could be carried out to identify the exact origin of the disaster and determine whether additional preventive measures could be put in place to limit this type of risk.
The firefighters, in addition to extinguishing the flames, also secured the premises to avoid any risk of the fire resuming.
Photo credit SDIS 32
While renewable energies, including solar, are growing in popularity, the safety of photovoltaic installations raises certain questions. Although rare, cases of fires linked to solar panels have been recorded. Between 2015 and 2020, 58 incidents of this type were reported, a relatively low figure but which nevertheless calls for vigilance.
A source of controlled, but not non-existent, risks
According to the National Observatory for Electrical Safety (ONSE), between 20% and 35% of domestic fires are of electrical origin. Like all electrical equipment, photovoltaic panels can therefore represent a risk, although their design is designed to limit the risk of ignition. Indeed, the panels themselves are not flammable and are designed to resist fire. However, other elements of the installation may be the cause of incidents.
In a house equipped with a solar roof, several factors can lead to a fire:
- Fault or aging of the electrical installation : Over time, components such as cables can deteriorate, melt, or short circuit, resulting in a fire hazard.
- Surge due to lightning : a lightning strike can cause surges which damage the electrical installation and increase the risk of fire.
- Heating of the frame : under the effect of the sun, photovoltaic panels produce energy and can reach temperatures of 50 to 80°C. A poorly carried out installation, without sufficient insulation or with poor ventilation, can expose the wooden frame to a risk of ignition.
Risks also present in agricultural and industrial buildings
Fires linked to photovoltaic installations do not only concern homes. In agricultural sheds, for example, the heat released by solar panels combined with the presence of flammable materials such as fodder can promote spontaneous combustion. The fermentation of fodder, which results from the heating of organic matter, creates a fire risk, which is why it is not recommended to store this type of material under a solar roof.
Preventing risks: rigorous installation and maintenance
Fires linked to photovoltaic panels are often linked to installation defects or aging infrastructure. It is therefore essential to ensure an installation that complies with safety standards and to carry out regular monitoring. Experts recommend that homeowners hire qualified installers and check the condition of their system every two years, especially cables, connectors, and surge protection devices.
Limited incidents, but safety to monitor
Although the number of fires linked to photovoltaic installations remains low, prevention and vigilance remain essential. By following good practices, risks can be minimized, allowing solar panels to safely contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
