Solar panel fire damages home in Savage, Minnesota

What happened

Fire broke out at a home fitted with rooftop solar panels in Savage, Minnesota. Several local fire departments attended after smoke and flames were reported from the roof. The roof was later covered with a blue tarp. The homeowner discovered the fire and attempted initial suppression. Investigators are still working to confirm whether the solar installation was the cause. The United States Department of Energy states that spontaneous ignition of solar systems is extremely rare, though design flaws, component defects or faulty installation can lead to fire.

A local installer commented that panels themselves are not electrically active once isolated, suggesting any fault would more likely lie in associated wiring or connections, though this was general comment rather than a finding specific to this fire. Injuries were not reported.

Contributing factors

Possible wiring fault or installation issue, though the cause remains under investigation and has not been confirmed by authorities.

Lessons learned

1. Rooftop solar panels are not electrically active once isolated, so installers must ensure clear isolation points for fire services.
2. Wiring or connections can cause fire even when panels are isolated, so operators should inspect all associated cabling during maintenance.
3. Fire services must train on rooftop solar isolation, as standard procedures may not cover energised DC circuits.

Not yet known

• Exact cause of the fire
• Solar panel model and age
• Extent of roof damage and repair cost

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

cbsnews.com