Are solar panels a fire risk?

Solar panels themselves present an extremely low fire risk, with faults occurring in less than 0.01% of Australian installations. In 2026, the primary cause of solar-related fires is not the panels, but aging rooftop DC isolators (on systems pre-2022) or faulty electrical terminations. Since the introduction of AS/NZS 5033:2021, which removed the mandatory requirement for rooftop DC isolators, new systems are significantly safer and virtually eliminate the most common point of ignition.

It is a common misconception that solar panels “combust.” In reality, fires are almost always electrical in nature, caused by a breakdown in how the energy travels from your roof to your home.

1. DC Arc Faults

The most dangerous risk is a “DC Arc.” This happens when a wire is loose or damaged, and electricity “jumps” across a gap. Unlike the AC power in your walls, DC power from solar panels is constant and difficult to extinguish once an arc starts. This generates intense heat (up to 3,000°C) that can ignite roofing materials.

2. The “DC Isolator” Problem

Historical data showed that over 52% of solar fires were caused by the rooftop DC isolator. Because these switches sit in the harsh Queensland sun and rain, their plastic casings can become brittle and crack. Water enters the switch, causes a short circuit, and triggers a fire.

• The 2026 Fix: Modern Fallon installations often bypass the rooftop isolator entirely in favor of “disconnection points” under the panels, as permitted by the latest safety standards.

3. Vermin & Environmental Damage

In 2026, we are seeing a rise in fires caused by wildlife interference. Rodents and possums in South East Queensland often find the warm space under solar panels to be an ideal nesting spot. If they chew through the DC cable insulation, they expose the live wires, creating an immediate arc-fault risk.

4. Recalled & Low-Quality Components

Cheap, non-branded components are far more likely to fail under the high-voltage loads of a modern solar array. Several brands, including Avanco, PVPower, and certain 2025 GoodWe/SigenStor models, have been subject to ACCC safety recalls due to internal overheating faults.

Recalled Avanco branded DC isolators

7 Steps to Prevent a Solar Fire in 2026

A correctly installed and maintained solar system is one of the safest electrical appliances in your home. Use this checklist to ensure your system stays that way:

Annual Health Checks: Have a CEC-accredited solar electrician perform a “Total System Audit” every 12–24 months.

Thermal Imaging: Ensure your technician uses a thermal camera to check for “hot spots” on panels and switches that the naked eye can’t see.

Monitor Your Monitoring: Check your solar app weekly. If you see a “Ground Fault” or “Isolation Error,” shut the system down and call a professional.

Manage Shading: Keep trees trimmed. Shading doesn’t just lower your bills; it can cause individual cells in the panel to overheat, leading to “hot spot” damage.

Pest Proofing: If you have birds or possums, consider installing solar bird proofing (stainless steel mesh) around the perimeter of your array.

Check for Recalls: Regularly visit productsafety.gov.au to see if your inverter or isolator brand has been flagged for safety issues.

Post-Storm Inspections: After heavy SE QLD hailstorms or cyclones, visually check your panels from the ground for cracked glass, which can allow water to enter the electrical circuits.

Why Trust Fallon Solutions for Solar Safety?

• CEC Accredited Specialists: Our team are Clean Energy Council accredited installers and designers.

• Master Electricians: We follow the highest safety protocols in the industry.

• Upfront Pricing: No hidden fees for safety audits or component replacements.

• Coverage: We provide same-day service across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Greater SE QLD region.