Home Solar Panel Safety: 6 Risks Experts Warn About

Plug-in home solar systems are gaining popularity due to their ease of installation and cost savings on electricity. However, British electrical and safety experts express serious concerns about these solutions. In a joint statement, electrician associations, engineering organizations, and certification bodies outlined six key risks associated with this technology.

The first issue is backfeeding current. Unlike traditional energy consumers, solar panels generate electricity that can flow back into the grid. This may disrupt protective devices like RCDs (Residual Current Devices), increasing the risk of electric shock. Experts cite an incident in Australia where such a malfunction resulted in a fatality, though regulators in other regions dispute this assessment.

The second threat is fire safety. Over half of British homes were built over a century ago and feature outdated wiring incapable of handling additional loads. Connecting solar panels may cause localized cable overheating, especially when multiple devices are used simultaneously. Experts also warn about the risks of low-quality equipment: cheap kits with questionable certifications are flooding the market, including cables improperly routed under doors or in unsuitable locations.

The third concern involves grid stability. Energy system operators cannot control the power generated by home solar installations, posing risks to local infrastructure. During power outages, microinverters may continue supplying current to homes, endangering repair crews. Additionally, experts highlight legal and insurance repercussions: insurers may deny claims for damages caused by uncertified installations.

Finally, experts point to risks associated with improper mounting. Inexperienced users may make errors in cable routing, creating tripping hazards or equipment damage. Balcony-mounted solar panels in high-rise buildings pose particular concern: poor-quality fasteners could lead to panels falling onto pedestrians below. Experts stress that cutting costs on installation can result in severe financial and legal consequences.