The Dark Side of Solar - From Sunlight to Smoke

With the global push for ‘net zero’ and the renewable energy transition, the demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems continues to grow, as does the need to understand the potential fire risks associated with these installations. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of PV systems, explaining the theory behind the technology, the key components and the design methodology. We will then explore the common failure mechanisms and fire hazards and we will examine a real-world case study to illustrate the forensic techniques deployed by investigators to determine the origin and cause of PV system fires. This presentation is designed to equip Loss Adjusters with the knowledge to assess PV system fires effectively and to understand the technical factors that contribute to these incidents. It will also outline the benefit of a thorough forensic investigation whenever a PV system fire occurs, in order to determine the origin and cause and to assist in the consideration of liability.