16 Sep Solar-linked fires account for quarter of structural fires in South Africa

Solar-related incidents now account for one in four structural fires attended by South African fire response company Fire Ops SA, as the rapid growth of residential solar installations brings increased fire safety concerns.

Fire Ops SA CEO and Deputy Fire Chief De Wet Engelbrecht said a quarter of the structural fires the company responds to are now linked to batteries, inverters and other equipment associated with solar power systems.

The figures come as the number of South African households using solar systems continues to rise. According to Statistics South Africa’s 2025 General Household Survey, around 675,000 homes now have a solar system, representing an 86% increase over three years.

Fire Ops SA said fires can originate from several parts of a solar installation, with potential causes including ageing or faulty batteries, inverter faults, loose or deteriorating wiring and electrical connections, as well as poor installation.

The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries also presents specific challenges for firefighters. Engelbrecht said thermal runaway can generate intense heat and toxic gases, while creating the possibility of a fire reigniting after it appears to have been extinguished.

“Lithium-ion battery fires behave differently from conventional household fires. Thermal runaway can cause intense heat, toxic gases and the potential for fire to reignite even after it appears to have been contained,” he said.

Fire Ops SA is warning homeowners not to attempt to tackle lithium-ion battery fires themselves, with specialist knowledge and equipment required to manage such incidents safely. Early evacuation and professional intervention are therefore critical.

The organisation is also stressing that solar installations require ongoing maintenance rather than being treated as a one-off installation. Engelbrecht described a residential solar system as effectively “a small power station” and said equipment should be inspected and maintained throughout its operating life.

Fire Ops SA recommends annual inspection and servicing of solar systems, including batteries, inverters, wiring and connections. Homeowners are also advised to use qualified installers and registered electricians and to obtain a valid electrical Certificate of Compliance.

Warning signs such as swollen batteries, excessive heat, unusual smells or noises, error messages and unexplained system faults should be investigated by a qualified professional. Batteries should also be replaced in line with manufacturers’ guidance and before the end of their expected service life.

The location of batteries and inverters is another important consideration, with adequate ventilation required and equipment ideally positioned away from vehicles, fuel and other combustible materials.

Fire Ops SA and Discovery Insure are also highlighting the importance of early detection, recommending smoke detection near solar equipment and, where possible, linking automated detection to professional emergency response.