Parents and campaigners are increasingly concerned about solar panel dangers on school roofs after multiple fires. Suffolk County Council switched off 80 solar panel systems across schools after three fires in less than a year. In Northumberland, 81 systems were disconnected following a primary school fire last summer. Similar incidents occurred in Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, and London over the past two years.
Recent Fire at Sidegate Lane Primary School
The most recent fire broke out at Sidegate Lane Primary School in Ipswich on June 24. A staff member smelled smoke, prompting evacuation. Suffolk Fire and Rescue confirmed the cause was a solar panel on the roof, installed in 2012 as part of a council programme, well within the typical 25 to 30-year lifespan. The council announced on June 25 it would temporarily turn off all systems installed between 2011 and 2016.
A council spokesperson said there was 'no conclusive evidence' linking the fires to panels, but 'the involvement of solar panels in each case has prompted this precautionary action.' They added, 'We were already in the process of carrying out a review of all solar panels and have accelerated the work.'
Other Incidents and Government Scrutiny
Solar panels were also considered a possible cause of a fire at Brooklands Primary School in Brantham during Easter holidays, though the cause was 'undetermined.' Another fire at East Bergholt Primary School in August 2025 also involved suspicions. These incidents have prompted scrutiny of government plans to install solar panels at over 250 schools and colleges. Under a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) scheme, panels were installed at over 100 schools by March 2026.
The government claims educational institutions will save up to £220,000,000 combined over the panels' lifetime. A DESNZ spokesperson said: 'The risk of fire from solar panels is very low – much lower than household appliances such as cookers.' They added that safety is a top priority, and none of the affected schools were part of the Great British Energy programme.
Expert and Union Perspectives
A Green Party spokesperson told Metro the fire risk is 'tiny,' but 'ageing and poorly-installed systems' are repeatedly causing problems. They warned against pausing the solar panel rollout, stating: 'With wildfires raging across the UK because of climate change, we need to speed up, not slow down, our progress towards renewable energy.'
The National Education Union acknowledged incidents are rare but concerning, adding: 'Solar panels do lower carbon emissions, bring down energy bills, and are a key measure in combating the climate crisis. It is important that all solar panels are properly installed and maintained.'
Energy expert Tony Slade told the BBC that panels themselves rarely catch fire as they are mostly glass. Fires are more likely caused by incorrectly sized or damaged wiring, or problems with the power converter. He said high air temperatures could impact systems, but most 'should have an ambient air temperature rating normally greatly in excess of expected.' He concluded: 'Until the cause of the fires is established, the council's move is sensible. However, this is not a renewable energy problem, but potentially one of electrical system specification, installation, and maintenance.'
