With the recent news of Walmart suing Tesla for solar panel malfunctions (which caused fire outbreaks), many solar users have raised concern regarding something similar happening to them. If you're worried about your solar panels catching fire and damaging your roof, you may be looking for solutions towards minimising this risk. Indeed, almost 8 Walmart stores have been affected by solar panel fire outbreaks over the last 7 years. These outbreaks have led to solar users feeling vulnerable.
The good news is that fire damage caused by solar panels is very rare. In fact, the Walmart incidents were mostly caused by poor installation and maintenance rather than daily use of the panels themselves.
Here are several ways through which you can further reduce any likelihood of fire damage from your solar panels.
1. Insulate all connecting wires
Solar panels store energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Therefore, electrical wires are necessary to connect solar panels to the power grid in your home. If these wires are poorly insulated, the electrical current they carry could cause many different risks. Fire outbreaks may also occur if naked wires touch or come in contact with water (such as during heavy rains).
Your first step should be to ensure that all electrical wires are properly insulated. This will not only protect your system from fire damage, but it will also ensure optimal power generation and performance.
2. Schedule regular maintenance
Poor maintenance of solar panels is another leading cause of fires. After installation, your solar panels should be regularly inspected for performance, positioning and safe energy generation. These inspections help you catch issues early and address them before they become worse. Fires from solar panels arise after extended periods of poor maintenance, where a small problem gradually becomes worse.
As a residential user, you should keep a close eye on any fluctuations in energy generation from your solar infrastructure. In cases where sun exposure and other variables remain constant, a sudden dip in performance may point to pending operational issues.
3. Keep your roof in good condition
Solar panels add weight to any roof they're installed on. If you didn't prepare your roof for the additional weight before installation, you may experience a higher risk of damage (including from fire).
While the fire risk from solar panels is very low, your roof should be equipped to control accidental outbreaks before they become worse. This involves replacing worn-out shingles, reinforcing the underlayment and fixing damaged flashing.
4. Work with a reputable solar company
Finally, don't forget to work with a reputable solar company. A reputable and licenced contractor will ensure that your panels are high-quality, installed correctly and capable of generating sufficient power without additional risks.
To learn more about solar panel systems, contact an approved solar retailer in your area.
